One-Bowl Peppermint Brownies Recipe
Indulge in festive flavors with these One-Bowl Peppermint Brownies combining rich dark chocolate and a refreshing hint of peppermint from crushed candy canes. Easy to make in a single bowl and baked to fudgy perfection, they are perfect for holiday celebrations or a delicious treat anytime.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate and Butter
- 4 ounces dark chocolate chunks (around ⅔ cup)
- 10 Tablespoons butter
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
Dry Ingredients
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Topping
- 2 peppermint candy canes, crushed
Instructions
- Prepare Candy Canes and Pan: Crush two peppermint candy canes between parchment paper or in a plastic bag and set aside. Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square metal baking pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a large heat-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chunks and butter. Melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, or use a double boiler until smooth and lump-free.
- Add Sugar and Whisk: Stir in granulated sugar and whisk vigorously for one minute until the batter cools slightly and looks grainy in texture.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Carefully add the eggs to one side of the bowl and vanilla and peppermint extracts to the other side, to prevent cooking the eggs with peppermint extract. Whisk vigorously by hand or with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until the batter thickens to the ribbon stage, where a ribbon of batter flows off the whisk and disappears within five seconds.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Candy Cane: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the chocolate mixture. Fold in gently using a spatula or wooden spoon until fully combined and no streaks remain. Stir in half of the crushed candy cane pieces. The batter will be thick and glossy.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly to the edges. Bake for 23-26 minutes. The brownies are done when the center no longer jiggles when the pan is tilted and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Add Topping: Right after removing the brownies from the oven, sprinkle the remaining crushed candy cane pieces on top. The residual heat will melt the candy slightly, helping it stick to the surface.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely for at least one hour before cutting into squares. Enjoy the festive and fudgy peppermint brownies!
Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best rich flavor and texture.
- Be careful when adding peppermint extract to avoid cooking the eggs; add to the side of the bowl.
- Don’t overbake; the brownies should be fudgy and moist in the center.
- Cooling completely before slicing ensures clean cuts and better texture.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Keywords: peppermint brownies, holiday brownies, peppermint candy brownies, chocolate peppermint dessert, one-bowl brownies, fudgy brownies, Christmas brownies
