Peppermint Bark Chocolate Brownies (Printable version)
Fudgy chocolate brownies swirled with peppermint, topped with white chocolate and crushed candy for a festive treat.
# List of ingredients:
→ Brownies
01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115 g)
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (40 g)
06 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (65 g)
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
→ Peppermint Bark Topping
09 - 1 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate (175 g)
10 - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
11 - 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies (50 g)
12 - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (90 g, optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - Melt butter in microwave-safe bowl. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
03 - Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder to wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
04 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth surface. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
05 - Remove from oven and cool completely in pan before adding topping.
06 - Melt white chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently.
07 - Stir peppermint extract into melted white chocolate until evenly incorporated.
08 - Spread melted white chocolate evenly over cooled brownies. Optionally, melt semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle or marble on top.
09 - Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over topping and gently press to adhere.
10 - Allow brownies to set at room temperature or refrigerate until topping is firm. Lift from pan using parchment, cut into 16 squares, and serve.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The fudgy texture combined with peppermint topping feels like a festive surprise every single time
- It became my go-to whenever I wanted a dessert that’s both comforting and a little fancy without extra effort
02 -
- Don’t skip cooling the brownies fully before adding the topping or it will melt and lose definition
- Using parchment paper with overhang is a lifesaver for lifting out brownies cleanly
03 -
- Be gentle folding in dry ingredients to keep the batter fudgy and avoid cakey texture
- The secret to perfect peppermint bark topping is stirring peppermint extract into melted white chocolate while warm for even flavor distribution