Peppermint Bark Brownies are a delightful treat for the holidays. These rich, fudgy brownies are topped with a creamy layer of peppermint bark, adding a festive twist to a classic dessert. They’re great for Christmas gatherings or cozy evenings at home. The combination of chocolate and mint is simply irresistible.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love how simple and quick this recipe is. With everyday ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s perfect for busy holiday baking. The kids can help too, making it a fun family activity. Plus, the flavors are so festive and delicious. These brownies will surely become a favorite.
How to Make Peppermint Bark Brownies
Making these brownies is easy! Just mix the ingredients, bake them, and let them cool. Then, you add the peppermint bark on top. It’s all about simple steps and enjoying the process of baking together.
What You Need
Ingredients for Peppermint Bark Brownies
- 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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 package peppermint bark, crushed (about 8 oz)
Step-by-Step
Cooking Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter. Add the sugar and mix well until combined.
- Next, stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
- Once cool, spread the crushed peppermint bark over the brownies and press lightly to adhere.
How to Serve Peppermint Bark Brownies
These brownies are perfect on their own but can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a festive touch. They make a lovely dessert for holiday gatherings or cozy family movie nights.
How to Store Peppermint Bark Brownies
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined to maintain a fudgy texture.
- Add chocolate chips: For an extra chocolatey treat, stir in a cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Cool completely: Let the brownies cool fully before topping with peppermint bark for the best results.
- Use quality chocolate: Good chocolate makes a difference in flavor.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
Variations & Swaps
- Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Different toppings: Use white chocolate or dark chocolate instead of peppermint bark.
- Low-sugar option: Use a sugar substitute for a healthier version.
FAQs
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake these brownies a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh. The flavors will actually deepen if they sit.
Can I freeze leftover brownies?
Yes, these brownies freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to three months.
How do I reheat brownies?
To reheat, simply microwave a brownie for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through. Enjoy them warm with ice cream for a lovely treat!
Can I substitute the peppermint bark?
Yes! You can substitute with any candy of your choice, like crushed Oreos or seasonal candies.
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
Be careful not to overbake. Check your brownies a few minutes before the baking time is up. Overbaking will lead to dry brownies, and we certainly want them fudgy!
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be ready to whip up a batch of those delightful Peppermint Bark Brownies! Enjoy the sweet moments this holiday season.
Peppermint Bark Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Can be substituted with a gluten-free blend.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Use quality chocolate for better flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 package peppermint bark, crushed (about 8 oz) Can be substituted with any candy of choice.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter. Add the sugar and mix well until combined.
- Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Baking
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
Topping
- Once cool, spread the crushed peppermint bark over the brownies and press lightly to adhere.
