Okay, let’s talk about pure holiday magic: Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies! Seriously, these things are like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket after a snowball fight, but you get to eat them. I remember the first time I whipped these up for our family Christmas party a few years back. Everyone went absolutely nuts for them – the perfect blend of rich, fudgy chocolate and that cool, refreshing peppermint kick that just screams ‘holidays’. Forget boring old brownies, these are a festive game-changer that will definitely impress your guests (or just make your own kitchen smell amazing!).
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies
Okay, so why are these Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies your new best friend for the holidays? Well, for starters, they are ridiculously easy to whip up – seriously, you barely need to break a sweat!
Plus, the flavor is just out of this world. You get that super rich, fudgy chocolate that we all crave, but then there’s that delightful little zing of peppermint that makes it feel so festive. They’re the perfect little squares to bring to any party, and I promise, they’ll be gone in a flash. People always rave about them!
Gather Your Ingredients for Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies
Alright, let’s get our pantry ready for some serious brownie-making action! For these amazing Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies, you’ll need a few key players:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: Get that good butter ready, it’s the base of all our fudgy goodness.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: For sweetness, of course!
- 4 large eggs: These are crucial for binding everything together and giving our brownies that perfect texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Just a little splash to boost that chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Our structure builder!
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Don’t skimp here, this is where all that deep chocolate flavor comes from! Make sure it’s unsweetened.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Just a touch to give them a little lift.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances out all that sweetness and chocolatey richness.
- 1/2 cup peppermint chips: These are the stars of the show, adding that cool, refreshing burst!
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (optional, for topping): If you want that extra festive crunch and visual appeal, grab some candy canes!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies
Alright, let’s get down to business and make these amazing Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies! Trust me, this part is super straightforward. It’s all about bringing those lovely ingredients together. You can start by checking out this link for any early tips!
Preparing the Pan and Wet Ingredients
First things first, get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). I always like to grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan just to be extra sure nothing sticks. In a big bowl, pour in your melted butter and the sugar. Give it a good stir until they’re nicely combined. Then, crack in your eggs one at a time, mixing after each one. Finally, stir in that teaspoon of vanilla extract. Easy peasy!
Combining Dry Ingredients and Folding in Peppermint
Grab another bowl and whisk together your flour, that lovely unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Now, slowly add these dry bits into your wet mixture. Mix it all up until it’s *just* combined – seriously, don’t overmix! We want fudgy brownies, not tough ones. Once it looks mostly smooth, gently fold in those delightful peppermint chips. They’ll peek out nicely later!
Baking and Cooling Your Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies
Pour all that glorious batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Oh, the anticipation! Pop it in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be set and a toothpick inserted into the center to come out with moist crumbs attached – not completely clean, that means they’re overdone and we want that chewy center! I usually give mine a little wiggle test too. Once they’re done, the hardest part: let them cool completely in the pan. Resist the urge! Cutting them warm makes them fall apart, and we want neat little squares of perfection. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on those crushed candy canes once they’re mostly cool for a festive crunch and some added color.
For more tips on baking brownies, check out this peppermint chocolate fudge recipe; it shares some great insights into achieving that perfect texture!
Tips for Perfect Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies
Alright, let’s talk about making these Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies absolutely sing! So, my biggest secret? Really good quality cocoa powder. It makes a HUGE difference in that deep chocolate flavor. If you can, grab a good Dutch-process cocoa – it makes them extra rich and dark. And those peppermint chips? Don’t be afraid to toss in a few extra if you can find them, especially if you’re a big peppermint fan! You can even stir in a *tiny* splash of peppermint extract with the vanilla if you want that flavor to really pop, but go easy, a little goes a long way. Also, for that super fudgy texture, try not to overbake them. Pull them out when the edges look set but the center is still a little gooey. They’ll finish baking as they cool in the pan. It’s a game-changer, trust me! For more ideas this holiday season, check out this hot chocolate bomb recipe; it’s got that same festive vibe!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Brownies
Let’s chat a bit more about some of the stars in this recipe! For the cocoa powder, I really lean on unsweetened stuff. It gives you that deep, dark chocolate flavor without any added sugars messing with the balance. If you can find Dutch-process cocoa, go for it! It makes the brownies extra rich and fudgy. If you happen to not have peppermint chips on hand, don’t fret! You can totally substitute them with regular semi-sweet chocolate chips and then just add about half a teaspoon of peppermint extract into the wet ingredients with the vanilla. Sometimes finding those specific chips can be tricky, so having a good backup plan is key, right?
Serving and Storing Your Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies
These Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies are just divine served warm or at room temp! Honestly, a tall glass of cold milk is the classic pairing, but they’re also amazing with a hot cup of coffee or, you guessed it, more hot cocoa. For storing, just pop them in an airtight container at room temp. They stay wonderfully moist for about 3-4 days. If you happen to have any leftovers (big if, I know!) and want them to last longer, wrap them well and pop them in the freezer for up to a month. Just let them thaw at room temp before you dive back in. You can find more yummy dessert ideas here!
Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies
Got questions about these festive Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies? You’ve come to the right place! Here are some common ones that pop up:
Can I make these brownies without peppermint chips?
Absolutely! If you can’t find peppermint chips (or just aren’t as wild about peppermint as I am), no worries. You can just use regular semi-sweet chocolate chips instead. For an extra minty kick to make up for it, I’d suggest stirring about half a teaspoon to a full teaspoon of peppermint extract into your wet ingredients along with the vanilla. Start with a little and add more if you love that minty punch!
How do I get fudgier brownies?
For super fudgy brownies, it’s all about the baking time and the flour ratio. Try to slightly underbake them – pull them out when the edges are set but the center still looks a little gooey. They’ll firm up as they cool. Also, make sure you’re not adding too much flour! Measuring flour correctly is key; spoon it into your cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag. Head over to this gooey chocolate recipe for more tips!
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, indeed! These brownies freeze like a dream. Once they’re completely cooled, wrap them up really well in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They should keep perfectly for about a month. Just let them thaw out on the counter for a bit before you dig in, or even enjoy them slightly chilled if you prefer!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a little heads-up, these numbers are just estimates, okay? They can vary a bit depending on exactly what you use and how big you cut your squares. But for a general idea, each of these delicious Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies has about 250 calories, 13g of fat (with about 8g being saturated), 35g of carbs, and 3g of protein. This makes them a treat you can totally enjoy!
Share Your Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownie Creations!
Okay, now it’s your turn to shine! I absolutely LOVE seeing what you all whip up in your kitchens. If you make these Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies, please, please, please drop a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Did you add anything special? Did your family devour them? And if you snap a pic, tag me on social media – I just can’t get enough! You can find more delicious dessert ideas here too!
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Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich chocolate brownies with a refreshing peppermint flavor, perfect for a holiday treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup peppermint chips
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the peppermint chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting.
- If desired, sprinkle with crushed candy canes before serving.
Notes
- For a fudgier brownie, bake for a shorter time.
- Ensure your cocoa powder is unsweetened for the best chocolate flavor.
- Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Peppermint Hot Cocoa Brownies, chocolate brownies, peppermint brownies, holiday dessert, easy brownies, rich chocolate