One Bowl Peppermint Brownies

These One Bowl Peppermint Brownies are the perfect festive treat for any holiday gathering! Bursting with chocolatey goodness and a hint of refreshing peppermint, they are easy to whip up in just one bowl. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply craving something sweet, these brownies will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. The rich chocolate ganache topped with crushed peppermint adds a touch of elegance, making them a standout dessert this season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just one bowl (and one for the ganache), cleanup is a breeze!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peppermint creates a deliciously decadent treat.
• Perfect Consistency: These brownies are best when slightly underbaked, ensuring a fudgy texture.
• Festive Appeal: The vibrant crushed peppermint topping makes them visually stunning for any occasion.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply indulging at home!

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking these delightful brownies, gather your tools. Having everything ready helps streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Large microwavable safe bowl
• Medium heat-proof bowl
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• 8×8 inch baking pan: This size is perfect for achieving the right thickness in your brownies.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes removing the brownies from the pan easy.
• Medium heat-proof bowl: Essential for melting chocolate without burning it.

Ingredients

These Peppermint Brownies are easily made from scratch in just one bowl! (Well, 2 bowls if you count the ganache!) They are fudgy, chocolatey, festive for the holiday season and topped with a decadent chocolate ganache and crushed peppermint. They are best when slightly under baked and perfect to bring to your next holiday party!

For the Brownies

• 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)

For the Ganache

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp. peppermint extract
• 1 tsp. butter, unsalted
• pinch of salt

For Garnish

• Peppermint Candies/Candy Canes, crushed

this recipe

How to Make One Bowl Peppermint Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 3: Melt Butter and Chocolate

In a large microwavable safe bowl, combine the butter and ½ cup of chocolate chips. Melt them together in increments of 30 seconds until fully melted, stirring between intervals. This should take no longer than 1 minute and 30 seconds.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Add cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder (if using) to the melted mixture. Stir until well combined.

Step 5: Add Sugars

Mix in white sugar and brown sugar until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Incorporate Eggs

Whisk in eggs one at a time until smooth.

Step 7: Add Flavorings

Whisk in peppermint extract and vegetable oil until combined.

Step 8: Fold in Flour

Gently fold in flour and remaining chocolate chips just until combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 9: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean but still has some moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking for that fudgy texture!

Step 10: Cool Completely

Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding ganache.

Step 11: Make Ganache

To prepare the ganache, place chocolate chips in a medium heat-proof bowl. Heat cream in a small saucepan over medium heat just until warm; do not let it boil. Pour warm cream over chocolate and let sit for about 3-4 minutes before whisking until smooth and creamy. Stir in peppermint extract, butter, and pinch of salt.

Step 12: Assemble

Spread ganache evenly on top of cooled brownies and garnish with crushed peppermint candy canes.

Step 13: Chill

Place brownies in fridge for at least an hour for ganache to set properly.

Step 14: Serve

Cut into squares with a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts before serving. Enjoy these delightful One Bowl Peppermint Brownies!

How to Serve One Bowl Peppermint Brownies

One Bowl Peppermint Brownies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want a sweet snack, here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your brownie experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Add a spoonful of freshly whipped cream on top for a creamy contrast to the fudgy brownies.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Pair your brownies with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream. The cold ice cream complements the warm brownies perfectly.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For extra indulgence, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the brownies before serving. This adds another layer of deliciousness.

Garnished with Fresh Mint

• Top the brownies with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and an added hint of mint flavor.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Slice the brownies into smaller squares and serve them on a dessert platter alongside other holiday treats like cookies and fudge.

With Hot Cocoa

• Serve your brownies with a steaming cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy dessert pairing during chilly winter nights.

How to Perfect One Bowl Peppermint Brownies

Achieving the perfect One Bowl Peppermint Brownies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Use quality chocolate: High-quality chocolate chips will enhance the flavor of your brownies significantly.
• Don’t overmix: Gently fold in the flour and chocolate chips; overmixing can lead to dense brownies.
• Check doneness carefully: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Cool completely before cutting: This helps set the ganache and makes cutting easier without crumbling.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add nuts or different candies for varied textures and flavors.
• Store properly: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days for best freshness.

Best Side Dishes for One Bowl Peppermint Brownies

If you’re looking for complementary dishes to serve alongside your One Bowl Peppermint Brownies, consider these tasty options. They enhance your dessert table and make for an inviting spread.

1. Eggnog
2. A classic holiday drink that pairs well with rich desserts—serve chilled or warmed.
3. Fruit Salad
4. A light and refreshing fruit salad balances the dense sweetness of the brownies.
5. Cheese Platter
6. Include a variety of cheeses, such as brie or sharp cheddar, for an interesting sweet-and-savory contrast.
7. Peppermint Hot Chocolate
8. A festive beverage that echoes the peppermint flavor in your brownies, making it perfect for winter gatherings.
9. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
10. These elegant treats add sophistication and freshness while complementing the brownie’s chocolate richness.
11. Mini Cheesecakes
12. Bite-sized cheesecakes offer creamy indulgence that pairs well with the brownie texture.
13. Candied Nuts
14. Sweet and crunchy nuts provide an excellent textural contrast when served alongside brownies.
15. Spiced Apple Cider
16. This warm drink adds seasonal warmth and enhances the overall holiday atmosphere at any gathering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making One Bowl Peppermint Brownies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your brownies turn out perfectly every time.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can incorporate too much air into the batter, resulting in cakey brownies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a fudgy texture.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups and spoons to ensure you have the right amounts.
• Baking too long: Overbaking can lead to dry brownies. Check for doneness with a toothpick— it should come out with a few moist crumbs for the best fudgy result.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the brownies to cool completely before adding ganache is essential. This prevents the ganache from melting into the brownies instead of sitting on top.
• Using low-quality chocolate: The flavor of your brownies greatly depends on the quality of chocolate used. Opt for good-quality chocolate chips for richer taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store One Bowl Peppermint Brownies in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing One Bowl Peppermint Brownies

• Wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw before serving.

Reheating One Bowl Peppermint Brownies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place brownies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual squares on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a brownie in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these One Bowl Peppermint Brownies special?

These brownies stand out due to their rich, fudgy texture and festive peppermint flavor, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer chocolate flavor. Just remember that it may alter the sweetness level slightly.

How can I customize my One Bowl Peppermint Brownies?

Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch or swapping peppermint extract with other flavors like almond or vanilla.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking to make these brownies gluten-free without losing flavor or texture.

How do I know when my brownies are done baking?

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Final Thoughts

One Bowl Peppermint Brownies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Their rich chocolate flavor combined with refreshing peppermint makes them an ideal treat for any occasion. You can easily customize them by adding different flavors or toppings. Try this recipe today and impress your friends and family!

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One Bowl Peppermint Brownies

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 16 servings

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Description

Indulge in the festive delight of One Bowl Peppermint Brownies, the ultimate holiday dessert that effortlessly combines rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors. Ideal for any gathering, these fudgy brownies are a breeze to make with just one bowl (plus another for the ganache). Topped with a velvety chocolate ganache and garnished with crushed peppermint candies, they are sure to impress your guests while satisfying your sweet cravings. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply treating yourself, these brownies bring joy and elegance to every occasion.

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Ingredients

• Unsalted butter
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Cocoa powder
• Sugar (granulated and brown)
• Eggs
• Flour
• Peppermint extract
• Heavy cream (for ganache)
• Crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt together butter and ½ cup chocolate chips in 30-second increments until smooth.
3. Stir in cocoa powder, salt, sugars, eggs, vegetable oil, and peppermint extract until well combined.
4. Gently fold in flour and remaining chocolate chips until just incorporated.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
6. Allow brownies to cool completely before preparing the ganache by heating heavy cream and whisking it into chocolate chips until smooth.
7. Spread ganache over cooled brownies and top with crushed peppermint candies.
8. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before slicing into squares.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: For a richer flavor, substitute semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate. Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days.