Peppermint Bark Chocolate Brownies (Printable Format)
Rich, fudgy brownies swirled with peppermint and topped with white chocolate and crushed candies.
# What You Need:
→ Brownie Base
01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115 g)
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (40 g)
06 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (65 g)
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
→ Peppermint Bark Topping
09 - 1 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate (175 g)
10 - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
11 - 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies (50 g)
12 - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (90 g, optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to overhang for easy removal.
02 - Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Whisk in granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
03 - Add cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until combined; avoid overmixing.
04 - Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
05 - Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding the topping.
06 - Gently melt white chocolate chips using a double boiler or short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth.
07 - Stir peppermint extract into the melted white chocolate until fully incorporated.
08 - Spread the white chocolate mixture evenly over the cooled brownies. Optionally, melt semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle or marble over the white chocolate layer.
09 - Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies evenly over the white chocolate layer, gently pressing to secure.
10 - Allow brownies to set at room temperature or refrigerate until the topping is firm. Use the parchment overhang to lift brownies from the pan, cut into 16 squares, and serve.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Imagine biting into a fudgy brownie infused with a secret peppermint twist that your friends will beg you to share
- The creamy white chocolate topping with crushed peppermint candies brings a festive crunch that's as magical as it sounds
02 -
- Don’t skip letting the brownies cool completely before adding the topping or it will melt and run everywhere
- Melting white chocolate slowly and stirring often keeps it smooth and shiny, which makes all the difference
03 -
- Use good quality cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor that livens up the whole recipe
- The peppermint extract is delicate; add gradually and taste to avoid overpowering the chocolate