Peppermint Brownies
Decadent peppermint brownies combine rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint flavor, topped with creamy frosting and a chocolate drizzle—perfect for festive occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine butter and unsweetened chocolate in a saucepan.
- Melt over low heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Combine eggs and sugar, then beat on high for two minutes.
- Add the cooled chocolate mixture, vanilla, and peppermint extract to the egg mixture.
- Blend well.
- Sift together flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, mixing well.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into a greased jelly roll pan measuring 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1 inch.
- Bake in a 325°F oven for 25 minutes or until done.
- Allow to cool.
- Frost with peppermint frosting.
- Melt 1/2 oz. of chocolate and drizzle over the frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate. If you're short on pecans, walnuts or almonds can be good substitutes. Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can lead to tough brownies. For a festive twist, add crushed candy canes to the peppermint frosting for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the brownies into squares and serve them at room temperature for the best texture. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich chocolate. For a holiday treat, consider serving them alongside a slice of Old Fashioned Peach Pie for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place a brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peppermint Brownies contains roughly 637 calories, with 13g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (54% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use semi-sweet chocolate instead of unsweetened for these brownies?
Yes, you can use semi-sweet chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate, but reduce the sugar in the recipe by about 1/4 cup since semi-sweet chocolate is already sweetened. This will help maintain the right balance of flavors in your brownies.
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
To make these brownies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use one that contains xanthan gum, or add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with the texture. This will ensure the brownies hold together well while baking.
What can I use if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If you don't have peppermint extract, you can use mint extract as an alternative, but use it sparingly as it's often more concentrated. Alternatively, you can also crush fresh mint leaves and steep them in the melted chocolate for a natural mint flavor, though this will alter the texture slightly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).