Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls Recipe
These Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls are a festive and indulgent treat combining rich, fudgy brownies with creamy chocolate frosting, coated in smooth melted chocolate and topped with crunchy crushed candy canes. Perfect for holiday parties or gifting, they offer a delightful blend of chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors in bite-sized form.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 brownie balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Brownie Base
- 1 box brownie mix (plus required ingredients listed on the box)
Mix-ins and Coating
- 1/2 cup chocolate frosting
- 8 oz Ghirardelli melting chocolate
- 1 cup candy canes, crushed (divided as 1/4 cup mixed in batter, 3/4 cup for topping)
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray to ensure the brownies do not stick.
- Make Brownie Batter: Prepare the brownie mix according to the directions on the box, then pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake Brownies: Bake the brownies for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
- Crumble Brownies: Once the brownies are fully cooled, transfer them to a large mixing bowl and crumble them into smaller pieces using your hands for an even texture.
- Add Frosting: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate frosting to the crumbled brownies and mix thoroughly until the mixture achieves a thick, dough-like consistency suitable for rolling into balls.
- Mix in Candy Canes: Incorporate 1/4 cup of finely crushed candy canes into the brownie-frosting mixture for a peppermint burst within the balls.
- Shape Brownie Balls: Using a cookie scooper or spoon, portion out the dough and roll each portion into a smooth ball. Arrange the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Melt Chocolate Coating: Place the 8 oz of Ghirardelli melting chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each session until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Coat Brownie Balls: Dip each brownie ball into the melted chocolate, fully coating it, then return it to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Topping: While the chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes generously over each coated brownie ball to finish the festive look and add crunchy peppermint flavor.
Notes
- Allow brownies to cool completely before crumbling to avoid melting the frosting prematurely.
- Use high-quality melting chocolate for a smooth and glossy finish.
- Store brownie balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a more intense peppermint flavor, add peppermint extract to the frosting before mixing.
- These treats can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw before serving.
Keywords: brownie balls, chocolate peppermint, holiday treats, festive desserts, no-bake chocolate dessert