Festive Peppermint Brownies with Decadent Ganache | Winter Baking, Peppermint Brownies Recipe, Cookie Brownies
As the first snows blanket the ground and flurries swirl outside, there’s something undeniably cozy about baking up a storm in the kitchen. Imagine the aroma of rich chocolate wafting through your home, mingling with the refreshing scent of peppermint, wrapping you in warmth and nostalgia. These Festive Peppermint Brownies with Decadent Ganache are not just a treat; they’re a sweet holiday hug for your taste buds!
During the winter months, I often find myself seeking the perfect recipe that combines richness with a refreshing twist. These brownies are everything I crave—moist, fudgy, and with a creamy ganache that just melts in your mouth. The added crunch of crushed peppermint candies gives them a delightful texture and festive touch. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With simple steps, you can whip these brownies up in no time, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Decadent Ganache: The velvety ganache elevates your brownie experience, providing a creamy contrast to the chewy brownie base.
- Festive Flavors: The refreshing peppermint adds a seasonal flair that’s loved by family and friends.
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy family night, these brownies are sure to be a hit!
- Make-Ahead Option: Bake these ahead of time, and keep them ready for when you need a little sweet cheer during the holidays.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
To create these delightful Festive Peppermint Brownies with Decadent Ganache, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
How to Make Festive Peppermint Brownies with Decadent Ganache | Winter Baking, Peppermint Brownies Recipe, Cookie Brownies
Let’s make it together! Follow these easy steps to create your festive brownies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and stir in the sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with warmth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined, ensuring a rich and smooth batter.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, letting that indulgent chocolate goodness scatter throughout the mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- While the brownies cool, make the ganache by heating the heavy cream in a saucepan until just boiling. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips, stirring until the mixture is utterly smooth and silky.
- Spread the ganache over the cooled brownies, allowing it to pour lovingly over the top.
- Sprinkle the crushed peppermint on top, creating a festive and inviting appearance.
- Allow to set before cutting into squares and serving with a smile.
Fun Ways to Customize It
These brownies are delightful on their own, but here are a few creative twists you might enjoy:
- Nutty Additions: Toss in some finely chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy layer.
- White Chocolate Swirls: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the ganache for an added creamy contrast.
- Crushed Cookies: Swap the peppermint for crushed holiday-themed cookies for an unexpected flavor profile.
- Mint Extract Boost: Add a drop of mint extract to the brownie batter for an extra burst of minty freshness.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your brownies come out perfect and delicious, keep these tips in mind:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to blend smoothly, creating a creamy batter.
- Storage: These brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat.
- Slicing Tips: For perfect square pieces, use a sharp knife and heat it under hot water, then dry it before each cut.
- Freeze for Later: You can freeze the brownies (without ganache) for up to three months. Just thaw them overnight before ganaching and serving!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s a quick view of the nutrition information per serving (assuming 16 servings):
- Serving Size: 1 Brownie
- Calories: 300
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 75mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! These brownies are perfect to make a day in advance. Just add the ganache right before serving for maximum freshness.
Can I use different ingredients?
Certainly! You can substitute the semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or even white chocolate if that’s more your style.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for an even longer shelf life.
How long does it last?
These brownies will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature and up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator—if they last that long!
A Cozy Closing Note
Baking these Festive Peppermint Brownies with Decadent Ganache is not just about the finished product; it’s about the cozy moments created in the kitchen and the smiles shared around the table. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, combining holiday nostalgia and the joy of sharing with loved ones. Save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a warm treat! Happy baking!
Print
Festive Peppermint Brownies with Decadent Ganache
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist and fudgy brownies topped with a creamy ganache and festive crushed peppermint, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and stir in the sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- While the brownies cool, make the ganache by heating the heavy cream until just boiling, then stir in chocolate chips until smooth.
- Spread the ganache over the cooled brownies and sprinkle crushed peppermint on top.
- Allow to set before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
These brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They can also be frozen (without ganache) for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
