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A Festive Holiday Favorite
These Peppermint Brownies started as a happy accident in my kitchen last Christmas when I had some leftover candy canes. Now they've become our most requested holiday treat. That combination of rich fudgy brownies cool peppermint buttercream and silky chocolate glaze topped with crushed candy canes it's like Christmas in every bite. My kitchen smells absolutely incredible while they're baking and they disappear faster than any other dessert at our holiday gatherings.
Pure Holiday Magic
You know those desserts that just make everyone's eyes light up? This is definitely one of them. The brownies are perfectly fudgy not too sweet then you get that layer of pepperminty buttercream that melts in your mouth followed by that smooth chocolate glaze. I love watching people take their first bite their whole face lights up with holiday joy. Even folks who say they're not big on peppermint come back for seconds.
Your Shopping List
- For the brownies: Good quality chocolate butter eggs sugar flour and cocoa powder. The better your chocolate the more amazing these will be.
- Peppermint layer: Soft butter powdered sugar and pure peppermint extract not the artificial stuff.
- That gorgeous glaze: More good chocolate heavy cream and a touch of corn syrup for shine.
- The finishing touch: Fresh candy canes crushed just before using so they stay pretty and sparkly.
Let's Start Baking
- The brownie base:
- Melt your chocolate and butter together until silky smooth. Mix in your sugar and eggs until everything's glossy then fold in your flour. Pour it into your lined pan and into the oven it goes until just set.
- Cool and frost:
- Once those brownies are completely cool whip up your peppermint buttercream. Make it super smooth and spread it in a nice even layer.
- Glaze time:
- Pour that gorgeous chocolate glaze over the top let it drip down the sides a bit. Sprinkle with your crushed candy canes before the glaze sets.
My Kitchen Secrets
Let me share what I've learned from making countless batches. Always use the best chocolate you can find it really makes a difference in that fudgy texture. Your brownies need to be completely cold before you even think about frosting them trust me on this one. When it's time to cut them pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes first then use your sharpest knife wiped clean between each slice. My secret weapon? A ruler for marking perfect squares nobody has to know but you'll feel like a baking pro.
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Mix It Up
Some nights I'll toss mini marshmallows on top right before the glaze sets gives them this amazing hot cocoa vibe. White chocolate drizzle makes them look extra fancy especially during the holidays. My kids love when I mix some of the crushed candy canes right into the brownie batter you get these lovely little pockets of peppermint surprise. Sometimes I'll add a handful of chopped nuts to the brownie base gives everything a nice crunch.
Plan Ahead
Here's a trick that saves me during busy holiday times I make the peppermint frosting a couple days early keep it in the fridge. When I'm ready just let it soften up and spread it on. The whole batch freezes beautifully too frosted or not for up to three months. Just wrap them really well and thaw them in the fridge overnight. Let them come to room temperature before serving that's when all those flavors really shine.
Share The Love
These brownies make the sweetest gifts. I'll pack them in pretty holiday tins or wrap individual pieces in clear cellophane with festive ribbon. Last year I made little tags with "Made with Love" on them my neighbors still talk about those brownies. They're perfect for teacher gifts cookie exchanges or just because you want to make someone's day extra special.
Your Holiday Tradition
What started as a simple recipe has become such a special part of our holiday traditions. My daughter knows the holidays are coming when she smells that chocolate peppermint combo floating through the house. There's something magical about creating memories in the kitchen especially during Christmas time. These brownies aren't just dessert they're little squares of joy that bring people together. Whether you're making them for a party giving them as gifts or just treating your family they're sure to become part of your holiday story too.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, the frosting can be made days ahead and stored in the fridge. The brownies can be frozen frosted or unfrosted for up to 3 months.
- → What type of chocolate works best?
- Use unsweetened baking chocolate for the brownies and high-quality semi-sweet chocolate like Guittard or Ghirardelli for the glaze.
- → How do I know when the brownies are done?
- A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean after 23-27 minutes of baking. Don't overbake.
- → Can I adjust the peppermint flavor?
- Yes, you can add more or less peppermint extract to the frosting to suit your taste. Start with less as it's quite strong.
- → Why let brownies cool before frosting?
- Cooling prevents the frosting from melting and ensures proper texture. The brownies must be completely cool for best results.