Peppermint Bark Brownies

Name: Peppermint Bark Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup white chocolate chips; ½ cup crushed peppermint candies

Ah, the holidays! That magical time of year when the air gets crisp, the lights twinkle, and the smell of baking fills the kitchen. But let me tell you, nothing says “festive cheer” quite like peppermint bark brownies. Seriously, these little marvels are basically the holiday spirit wrapped in chocolatey goodness. If you’ve never tried them, what are you even doing with your life? 😜

So, let’s whip up a batch of these scrumptious brownies that will make you the star of any holiday gathering. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be known as the person who brought peppermint bark brownies to the party? It’s like wearing a crown, but way more delicious. Let’s dig in!

Why You’ll Love Peppermint Bark Brownies

Did you know brownies are basically the ultimate crowd-pleaser? They’re chewy, chocolatey, and when you add a layer of crunchy peppermint bark on top, they become a festive treat that’ll have friends and family begging for the recipe.

Here’s what’s so fantastic about these brownies:

Perfectly Rich: The fudgy brownie base pairs brilliantly with the crispness of the peppermint bark. It’s like a match made in dessert heaven!
Festive Flavor: The combo of chocolate and peppermint is undeniably festive. You know it’s the holiday season when peppermint flavor is everywhere, and why not embrace it?
Easy to Make: You don’t need a culinary degree to whip these up. If you can mix, pour, and bake, you can make these!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s talk specifics! For these peppermint bark brownies, you’ll need:

Brownie Base:

1 cup unsalted butter (because butter makes everything better)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder

Peppermint Bark Topping:

1 cup white chocolate chips
½ cup crushed peppermint candies (or candy canes if you’re fancy)

Tip: If you want to go all gourmet, you can always add a bit of crushed peppermint to the brownie batter too. Just sayin’! 😉

How to Make Peppermint Bark Brownies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. If you want to make clean-up super easy, line it with parchment paper. Trust me; your future self will thank you.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once it’s melted, stir in the sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Add eggs, one by one, mixing well after each addition. You want everything to come together beautifully, so don’t be shy with your arm workout here!
Mix in the vanilla for that yummy flavor boost.
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. You want that smooth texture, right?
Gradually, add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until combined. Don’t overmix; we don’t want chewy brownies—just gooey, fudgy goodness.

Step 3: Bake

Pour the brownie batter into your greased dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; when a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done.

Pro tip: Don’t overbake! The brownies should still be a touch soft in the middle.

Step 4: Make the Peppermint Bark

While the brownies are cooling, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals until smooth.
Once melted, stir in the crushed peppermint candy. Can you smell that? Yup, that’s the scent of holiday cheer!

Step 5: Assemble the Brownies

When your brownies have cooled for about 15 minutes (or you’re just too impatient to wait), spread the peppermint bark mixture evenly over the top.
Optional: Sprinkle some extra crushed peppermint on top for that Insta-worthy finish. Your social media followers will lovvvve it! 🤳
Let the brownies set for a bit, then cut them into squares. The magic is about to happen!

Serving Suggestions

Warm and Gooey: Serve your brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Trust me; the chocolate melts into the ice cream, and the flavors will seriously blow your mind!
Festive Platter: Arrange the brownies on a festive platter and sprinkle with more crushed peppermint for a stunning centerpiece. Your guests will think you hired a professional. 😉
Packaging for Gifts: Cut these into cute squares and package them in a cute box. Voila! Unique, homemade gifts that scream “I love you, friend!”

Storage Tips

You want to savor those peppermint bark brownies for as long as possible, right? Here’s how you can keep them fresh:

Room Temperature: If you can resist, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Fridge: For longer storage, you can keep them in the fridge for about a week. Just let them sit out a little to come back to room temp before diving in.
Freezer: Want to save some for later? Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and they’ll last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Now, that’s what I call planning ahead! 🎉

Conclusion

In summary, peppermint bark brownies are your new go-to holiday treat. They’re easy to make, delicious, and, let’s be honest, they look super impressive. Whether you whip them up for a holiday party or just because you deserve a chocolate fix, these brownies will win over hearts and taste buds.

So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients, turn up your favorite holiday tunes, and let’s bake some magic together! You know you want to. Happy baking, and may your brownies be forever fudgy! 🍫❤️