Christmas Peppermint Brownies
Peppermint brownies are something I love to make during the holidays. So I thought, in honour of National Brownie Day, this would be the perfect opportunity to share this recipe with you. This did start from a family gift in a jar type of recipe when we were growing up. But the addition of the peppermint just makes it delicious. Don’t like peppermint? Create these brownies the exact same way, and just omit the extract.
Brownies – Chocolatey Goodness
Brownies are decadent, and I don’t make them often at all. But when I do, I enjoy every single bite, and I always top with either whipped cream or ice cream. If you live in the Metro Vancouver area, then hit up Earnest Ice Cream (not sponsored, but totally would 😉 hah) to find your perfect flavour. When I don’t add peppermint extract, these fudgy brownies pair perfectly with their year-round salted caramel. Trust me; it’s a match made in heaven. The cookies and cream would go well with the peppermint brownies, or without for that matter.
And now I want ice cream from Earnest. It’s a tad chilly out for post-run ice cream, but I’m tempted.
Off-track. Anyways, these do also make great gifts in a jar which can be great for teachers or neighbours. But, for now, let’s dig into the recipe for these delicious peppermint brownies.
What you’ll need
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup cocoa
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup butter
- 4 eggs
- 1 tbsp peppermint extract
- opt: crushed peppermint candy canes
- opt: 1 cup chopped pecans/walnuts
Directions
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 12 x 9-inch pan and set it aside.
Mix together the sugar, cocoa, flour, chocolate chips, and nuts if you’re adding. In a large bowl or your stand-up mixer bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Slowly add the dry ingredients and continue to beat the batter until smooth.
Spread the peppermint brownie batter into the greased pan and back for approximately 35-45 minutes (convection) or 40-50 minutes (regular). As soon as the brownies come out of the oven, add your crushed peppermint candy canes and let them cool.
Prefer to make mini brownies, or you don’t have a rectangle pan? Put these in a mini-muffin tin or a standard muffin tin, and voila! Individual brownies!
You can even do half and half for these peppermint brownies. If you have kids that aren’t a fan of peppermint but you’re into peppermint brownies, then divide the batter and create individual brownies by using a muffin tin. Make sure to bake them each separately so you don’t accidentally give someone your preferred peppermint brownie.
Gift Jars
To make these for teachers, neighbours, sports coaches etc., it’s super simple. Grab some mason jars and add in all the dry ingredients as above. Make sure to include the instructions with the wet ingredients. You can do this as simple as typing out and printing the recipe and taping to the jar or folding up and putting on the lid with some string. Or, you can get fancy if you have a Cricut or silhouette and print out a sticker version that can adhere to the jar so the instructions don’t get misplaced.
Last Note
These peppermint brownies are delectable and even if you choose to omit the peppermint, they’re *chefs kiss*. But, here’s my hot tip for you: the holidays only come around once a year, so try not to worry about food guilt. If you wind up restricting yourself, you’re more likely to crack/be miserable. Who wants to be miserable during the holidays?
If you’re looking to continue to satisfy that chocolate craving, Lynn has some incredible brownie Nutella cookies that are super simple to make. Pretty much, if something has the word brownie in it, count me in.
There’s a reason I don’t make these often …it’s cause I eat them all. If you try these peppermint brownies, let me know what you think.
Now go on and celebrate National Brownie Day!
