Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe

Oh, friends, if you’re craving a dessert that’s both festive and downright irresistible, you’re going to love this Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe! Imagine fudgy, rich chocolate brownies topped with a creamy layer of white chocolate and sprinkled with crunchy peppermint bits — it’s a holiday treat that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe calls for everyday pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a starring role — from the melty butter that keeps things moist, to the white chocolate chips creating that luscious topping, and peppermint candies adding a pop of festive flair. Let’s check out the full lineup!

• 2 large eggs: These provide structure and richness to our fudgy brownies.
• 1/2 cup unsalted melted butter: Adds deep buttery flavor and moisture for luscious texture.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Gives a touch of caramel sweetness and chewiness.
• 1/2 cup white sugar: Balances the sweetness and tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the chocolate flavor with warm, inviting notes.
• ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (optional): A little extra peppermint punch if you want more zing.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of the brownie’s structure.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides rich, deep chocolate flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness perfectly.
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty chocolate gems through every bite.
• 1 cup white chocolate chips: For the delicious peppermint bark topping.
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil or shortening: Helps create a smooth, glossy white chocolate layer.
• ⅓ cup crushed peppermint candies: Adds crunch and festive flavor; about 12 round candy peppermints or 3–4 candy canes crushed works beautifully.

Variations

This Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe is wonderfully flexible — you can tweak it based on what you have, dietary preferences, or how bold you want those peppermint vibes to be. It’s so fun to make it your own, and honestly, any version you try will be a crowd-pleaser!

• Double Chocolate Peppermint: Add extra semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks to the batter for an even richer bite.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips and white chocolate alternatives.
• Crunch It Up: Mix in crushed candy canes directly into the batter or sprinkle some chopped nuts for a nutty crunch.
• Minty Glaze: Instead of the white chocolate topping, drizzle a peppermint glaze made with powdered sugar and peppermint extract.

How to Make Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, then lightly grease it with cooking spray to ensure the brownies release easily once baked.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, crack in your eggs and whisk them until the yolks break and the mixture becomes slightly frothy. Then add the melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla extract, and if you want that extra peppermint pop, the optional peppermint extract. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. This dry mix helps distribute the cocoa evenly and keeps the brownies tender.

Step 4: Make the Brownie Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture using a silicone spatula until just combined — you want the batter rich and fudgy, not overworked. Then, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for pockets of melty goodness.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; the brownies should be fudgy and moist but not wet with batter.

Step 6: Add the Peppermint Bark Topping

Once your brownies have cooled slightly but are still in the pan on the foil, melt the white chocolate chips and coconut oil together in the microwave at half power—30 seconds at a time—stirring until you have a smooth, creamy white chocolate sauce.

Step 7: Decorate and Chill

Pour the white chocolate over the brownies and smooth it gently. While it’s still warm and soft, sprinkle your crushed peppermint candies all over the top. Pop the pan into the fridge for 30 to 45 minutes to set the topping before slicing into squares and serving.

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

For extra pizzazz, garnish your brownies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves. Adding a tiny drizzle of dark chocolate on top of the white chocolate layer also looks stunning and adds a hint of bittersweet flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair these Peppermint Bark Brownies with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or peppermint chai tea for a perfect festive combo. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or peppermint-flavored whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking brownie squares on a pretty platter, alternating with fresh cranberries or small candy canes for a holiday centerpiece. You can even cut these into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve on festive toothpicks as a fun party treat everyone will love grabbing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your peppermint bark brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge helps keep the white chocolate topping solid and the brownies firm.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

If you love a warm brownie, reheat leftovers gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften up the fudgy base. Avoid overheating to keep the white chocolate topping intact and delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both cozy and festive, embracing the magic of mint and chocolate, this Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe is your new best friend. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, these brownies bring smiles with every bite. So preheat that oven and get ready to fall in love — happy baking!

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