Make this One Bowl Peppermint Brownies recipe for a truly delightful holiday treat. Rich, fudgy brownies topped with a creamy ganache and crushed peppermint candies create a festive dessert perfect for any gathering.
Table of Contents
Introduction to One Bowl Peppermint Brownies
One Bowl Peppermint Brownies are the perfect festive treat for your holiday celebrations. With minimal effort, you can whip up these rich and fudgy brownies that are sure to impress your friends and family. The combination of melted chocolate, cocoa powder, and peppermint extract creates a heavenly flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Topped with a luscious chocolate ganache and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies, these brownies are not only delicious but also visually stunning. In just over an hour, you’ll have a delightful dessert that brings warmth and joy to your holiday table.
Ingredient Notes
Essential Ingredients
You will need the following essential ingredients to make these One Bowl Peppermint Brownies: unsalted butter, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, salt, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, peppermint extract, flour, and optional espresso powder. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich and decadent brownie that pairs perfectly with the creamy ganache. For the ganache itself, you will need additional chocolate chips, heavy cream, peppermint extract, butter, and a pinch of salt. Together, these ingredients ensure your brownies are flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to customize your One Bowl Peppermint Brownies! You can substitute coconut oil for vegetable oil if you prefer a dairy-free option. For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. If you want to adjust the flavor intensity, you can replace the peppermint extract with peppermint oil; just remember to use it sparingly. Additionally, switching out the type of chocolate chips can create a unique flavor profile, whether you prefer milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips.
Step By Step Directions
Preparing the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large microwavable bowl, melt 12 tablespoons of unsalted butter and ½ cup of chocolate chips in 30-second increments, stirring between each round until smooth. Once melted, stir in ¾ cup of cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 ½ teaspoons of espresso powder if desired. Mix in ¾ cup of granulated sugar and ¾ cup of packed brown sugar until well combined. Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition to create a smooth mixture. Then, incorporate 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Gently fold in ¾ cup of flour and the remaining ¾ cup of chocolate chips until just mixed, being careful not to overmix.
Baking Instructions
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before proceeding to the ganache.
Making the Ganache
To prepare the ganache, heat ½ cup of heavy cream until it is warm, then pour it over 1 cup of chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for 3-4 minutes, allowing the chocolate to melt. Stir until smooth and add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, 1 teaspoon of unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.
Expert Tips for Perfect Brownies
Achieving the Right Texture
To achieve the perfect fudgy texture, avoid overbaking your brownies. They should look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven. If you prefer a chewier brownie, you may decrease the flour slightly. For a cakey brownie, add an extra egg and a bit more flour to the mix. The espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully, so consider including it!
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Store your One Bowl Peppermint Brownies in the fridge for up to 5 days for maximum freshness. For serving, cut the brownies into neat squares using a knife dipped in warm water to ensure clean edges. These brownies can be served chilled or at room temperature. For an extra festive touch, garnish them with more crushed peppermint candies just before serving.
FAQ about One Bowl Peppermint Brownies
Common Questions about Ingredients
How can I achieve a fudgier or chewier texture versus a more cakey brownie? Adjust the flour and eggs; less flour and fewer eggs will yield a fudgier brownie. You can also reduce baking time slightly. Is it necessary to use parchment paper, or is simply greasing the pan enough to prevent sticking? While greasing helps, using parchment paper ensures easier removal and cleaner edges for your brownies.
Tips for Cutting and Serving
Can I substitute the called for peppermint extract with peppermint oil or adjust the amount for a stronger or milder flavor? Yes, you can use peppermint oil, but use it sparingly as it is more concentrated. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat squares. It also helps to chill the brownies after adding the ganache, as this allows it to set and makes cutting easier.
Conclusion
These One Bowl Peppermint Brownies are a festive delight — rich, fudgy, and infused with refreshing peppermint flavor. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they’re a wonderful treat to enjoy throughout the holiday season. Customize them with your favorite chocolate or add nuts for an extra crunch, and make these brownies your go-to holiday dessert!
For more delicious and festive brownie ideas, explore our Christmas Recipes Collection on Meal Magic Recipes, and discover even more peppermint brownie inspiration on Pinterest.
How can I achieve a fudgier or chewier texture versus a more cakey brownie?
Adjust the flour and eggs; less flour and fewer eggs will yield a fudgier brownie. You can also reduce baking time slightly.
Is it necessary to use parchment paper, or is simply greasing the pan enough to prevent sticking?
While greasing helps, using parchment paper ensures easier removal and cleaner edges for your brownies.
Can I substitute the called for peppermint extract with peppermint oil or adjust the amount for a stronger or milder flavor?
Yes, you can use peppermint oil, but use it sparingly as it is more concentrated.
What are some tips for cutting and serving the brownies?
Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat squares. It also helps to chill the brownies after adding the ganache, as this allows it to set and makes cutting easier.
One Bowl Peppermint Brownies
Equipment
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- large microwavable bowl
- whisk
- knife
Ingredients
- 12 Tbsp. butter, unsalted
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips, divided
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 tsp. peppermint extract
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. espresso powder (optional)
- Peppermint Candies/Candy Canes, crushed for garnish
- 1 cup chocolate chips (for ganache)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 1 tsp. peppermint extract (for ganache)
- 1 tsp. butter, unsalted (for ganache)
- pinch of salt (for ganache)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan with grease and parchment paper.
- Melt butter and ½ cup chocolate chips in a large microwavable bowl, stirring every 30 seconds.
- Mix in cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder if using, then stir in both sugars.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition, then incorporate peppermint extract and vegetable oil.
- Fold in flour and remaining chocolate chips until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before making the ganache.
- Heat cream until warm, pour over chocolate, let sit for 3-4 minutes, then stir in peppermint extract, butter, and salt.
- Spread ganache over cooled brownies and top with crushed peppermint candies.
- Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before cutting into squares.
Notes
