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Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 66 reviews

These Peppermint Bark Brownies combine rich, fudgy dark chocolate brownies with a smooth white chocolate peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes for a festive, indulgent treat perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownies

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams)
  • 6 ounces dark chocolate (170 grams), 50-70% cocoa or semi-sweet
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (83 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (17 grams)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

White Chocolate Peppermint Frosting

  • 3 ounces white chocolate (85 grams)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams)
  • 1–2 cups powdered sugar (110–220 grams)
  • 1/2 – 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (NOT peppermint essence)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (15 ml), if needed
  • 2 candy canes, crushed

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the sides or lightly grease the pan to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
  2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: Chop the butter into pieces and finely chop the dark chocolate. Place both in a heatproof bowl and melt together in the microwave on medium power in 45-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler. Let the mixture cool slightly until warm but not hot.
  3. Mix Brownie Batter: Whisk the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate and butter mixture until fully combined. Gently fold in the flour, cocoa powder (sift if lumpy), and salt until the batter is smooth and no dry clumps remain.
  4. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the middle of the oven for 26-32 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Adjust baking time depending on your oven and preferred brownie texture.
  5. Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool fully in the pan on a wire rack. This may take several hours, and the brownies must be completely cool before frosting.
  6. Melt White Chocolate for Frosting: Finely chop the white chocolate and melt it in a heatproof bowl using the microwave at medium power in 45-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Alternatively, melt over a double boiler. Set aside to cool until not hot.
  7. Prepare Frosting: Beat the butter in a large bowl until creamy and smooth. Add 1 cup powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and salt, mixing slowly at first, then increasing speed until incorporated. Mix in the cooled white chocolate. Gradually beat in remaining powdered sugar, alternating with 1 tablespoon of cream or milk, until desired sweetness and consistency are reached. Adjust peppermint extract for stronger flavor if desired.
  8. Decorate Brownies: When the brownies are completely cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper if used, and place on a cutting board. Spread the frosting evenly over the top with a flat knife. Sprinkle crushed candy canes evenly over the frosting.
  9. Slice and Serve: Cut brownies into desired sizes using a sharp knife. For clean slices, wipe the knife between cuts. Serve and enjoy your festive peppermint bark brownies!

Notes

  • Pan Sizes: Use an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) pan for thicker brownies or a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) pan for thinner brownies which will bake faster (20-25 minutes).
  • Chocolate Choice: Dark chocolate between 50-70% works best; semi-sweet can be used for a sweeter brownie.
  • Make Ahead: Bake brownies a day in advance. Wrap cooled brownies tightly and store at room temperature. Frost the next day for best results. Unfrosted brownies freeze well for up to 2 months.
  • Serving Sizes: This recipe yields 9 large brownies, 12 moderate-sized, or up to 16 small pieces.
  • Storage: Keep brownies airtight at room temperature up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Peppermint Bark Brownies, Peppermint Brownies, Chocolate Peppermint Dessert, Holiday Brownies, White Chocolate Frosting, Festive Brownie Recipe

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/peppermint-bark-brownies-recipe/