Peppermint Bark Brownies: A Cozy Holiday Treat

Oh, the wonderful scents of the Holiday season! Each year as the crisp air turns cold, our homes fill with the warm aroma of baking treats. There’s something so magical about whipping up a batch of goodies on a chilly afternoon, especially when those goodies are rich, fudgy brownies topped with a sweet layer of white chocolate and crunchy candy cane bits. These Peppermint Bark Brownies are not just dessert; they are a warm hug and a sweet memory captured in every bite, making them the perfect festive indulgence for gatherings or cozy nights at home. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Quick: These brownies come together in just about 30 minutes, making them perfect for a quick Holiday dessert.
Indulgent Flavor: The combination of rich dark chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a delightful flavor contrast.
Crowd-Pleasing: With their stunning appearance and delicious layers, they’re sure to impress friends and family at any gathering.
Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite mix-ins to make these brownies uniquely yours.
Make Ahead: The flavors deepen and intensify when chilled overnight, making them ideal for preparing in advance.

What You’ll Need

Gather These Simple Ingredients:

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup dark or Dutch processed cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 ounces dark or bittersweet chocolate (70-75%), chopped
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
6 ounces good quality white chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
3 to 4 candy canes, coarsely chopped or crushed (about 1/2 cup)

Let’s Make It Together

Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Line the bottom and sides of an 8-by-8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on two edges for easy removal later.
In a small bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.
In a double boiler or a medium-large bowl set over gently simmering water, melt the dark chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Once melted, remove from heat.
Whisk in the granulated sugar, stirring until mostly dissolved. Let the mixture cool slightly.
Adding some warmth to the bowl, whisk in the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Sprinkle the flour mixture over the chocolate mixture and gently fold it in using a large rubber spatula until just incorporated.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack.
For the topping, gently melt the white chocolate and shortening together in a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave on low power. Be patient, as white chocolate is sensitive! Remove from heat before it is completely melted; stir until fully melted.
Pour the melted white chocolate over the cooled brownies, spreading it into a thin, even layer. Sprinkle with coarsely chopped candy canes.
Chill in the refrigerator until set, at least 30 minutes, or overnight for the best fudgy texture.
Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into 9 squares and then diagonally in half into triangles.
These delightful brownies will keep, covered in the refrigerator, for up to 5 days.

Fun Ways to Customize It

Add Nuts: Stir in some toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch and richness!
Use Milk Chocolate: For a creamier flavor, swap out dark chocolate for milk chocolate.
Mix in Sprinkles: Bright, colorful sprinkles can add a festive touch for celebrations!
Drizzle with Caramel: Top with a drizzle of salted caramel for an indulgent twist.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Make Ahead: These brownies taste even better after chilling overnight, for a fudgier consistency.
Ingredient Swaps: You can use gluten-free flour in place of the all-purpose flour if desired.
Cutting Tips: To get clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices.
Storage Suggestions: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge to maintain their freshness and fudginess.

Nutrition Information per Serving

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 230
Carbs: 30g
Sugar: 18g
Fat: 12g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 50mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead? Yes! These brownies are best made the day before serving.
Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with flavors or brands you prefer.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How long does it last? If stored properly, these brownies can last up to a week in the fridge.

A Cozy Closing Note

These Peppermint Bark Brownies are loved by all, perfect for indulging during the Holiday season. The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a dessert that sings of cozy nights and joyous gatherings. Don’t forget to save this Peppermint Bark Brownies recipe to your Holiday Treats board so it’s at your fingertips when you need to warm your kitchen with deliciousness! Happy baking!