One Bowl Peppermint Brownies Recipe
Delight in these rich, fudgy One Bowl Peppermint Brownies, a perfect blend of deep chocolate flavor with refreshing peppermint. These brownies feature a moist chocolate base enhanced with espresso powder for depth, topped with a smooth peppermint chocolate ganache and garnished with crushed peppermint candies for a festive crunch. Easy to prepare and ideal for holiday gatherings or any chocolate lover’s treat.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Brownie Base
- 12 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips, divided
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1 1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional)
Ganache Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
- Peppermint candies or candy canes, crushed for garnish
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by greasing it and lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and ½ cup of the chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth, about 1 minute 30 seconds total.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder (if using) until well combined.
- Mix Sugars: Add both white sugar and brown sugar to the melted mixture, stirring to combine evenly.
- Incorporate Eggs: Whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add Flavor and Oil: Stir in the peppermint extract and vegetable oil to the batter, mixing well.
- Fold in Flour and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the flour and remaining chocolate chips into the batter just until combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 35-40 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick—there should be moist crumbs but no wet batter. Avoid overbaking for a fudgy texture.
- Cool Completely: Remove brownies from the oven and allow to cool fully in the pan before moving on to the ganache.
- Prepare Ganache: Place 1 cup chocolate chips in a medium heat-proof bowl. Warm heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until just warm, not boiling. Pour the warm cream over the chocolate and let sit for 3-4 minutes to melt.
- Mix Ganache Ingredients: Whisk the melted chocolate and cream until smooth and creamy. Stir in peppermint extract, butter, and a pinch of salt until well blended.
- Apply Ganache: Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for garnish.
- Set Ganache: Refrigerate the brownies for at least one hour to allow the ganache to firm up properly.
- Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into squares, making clean and neat cuts. Enjoy!
Notes
- Using parchment paper in the baking pan ensures easy removal of brownies without sticking.
- Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
- Be careful not to overbake to keep brownies fudgy and moist.
- Crushing peppermint candies or candy canes adds a festive and crunchy texture contrast.
- Refrigerate ganache-topped brownies to achieve a smooth, firm finish before serving.
Keywords: peppermint brownies, chocolate brownies, peppermint ganache, holiday dessert, fudgy brownies, one bowl brownie recipe, easy peppermint brownies