One Bowl Peppermint Brownies – Easy Holiday Dessert

If you’re on the hunt for a holiday treat that combines rich, fudgy chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint, look no further than these One Bowl Peppermint Brownies! They’re incredibly easy to whip up, require minimal cleanup, and pack the perfect balance of indulgence and holiday cheer. Whether you’re making these for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or a festive potluck, these brownies are guaranteed to impress.

This recipe keeps everything simple—no multiple mixing bowls, no complicated steps. Plus, the peppermint flavor adds that magical wintery touch that’s perfect for this time of year. Trust me, once you try these brownies, they’ll become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love These One Bowl Peppermint Brownies

• One Bowl Wonder: Say goodbye to a sink full of dirty dishes. All you need is one bowl for mixing, which means more time enjoying your brownies and less time cleaning up.
• Rich Chocolate Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and melted chocolate chips creates a deep, fudgy chocolate base that’s irresistible.
• Holiday Vibes: The peppermint extract and crushed candy canes on top make these brownies festive and fun.
• Customizable: You can adjust the peppermint flavor, add espresso powder for depth, or make a gluten-free version by swapping the flour.
• Perfect Texture: These brownies strike the perfect balance between chewy and gooey, with a creamy ganache topping that takes them to the next level.

Ready to dive in? Let’s make some peppermint brownie magic!

Preparation Time and Yield

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Cooling and Setting Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: About 2.5 hours (includes cooling and setting)
Yield: 16 brownies

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Brownies:

• 12 Tbsp. butter, unsalted: For that rich, moist texture.
• 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips, divided: Melts into the batter and provides chocolatey bites.
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder: Adds a deep chocolate flavor.
• 1/2 tsp. salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 3/4 cup sugar: Provides sweetness and structure.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark): Adds a touch of molasses flavor and chewiness.
• 3 large eggs: Binds everything together and creates structure.
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil: Helps keep the brownies moist.
• 1 tsp. peppermint extract: The star of the show, adding a cool, minty flavor.
• 3/4 cup flour: The base of the batter.
• 1 1/2 tsp. espresso powder (optional): Intensifies the chocolate flavor.
• Peppermint candies or candy canes, crushed for garnish: Adds crunch and a festive touch.

For the Ganache:

• 1 cup chocolate chips: Creates a creamy, luxurious topping.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Provides a smooth, silky texture.
• 1 tsp. peppermint extract: Enhances the holiday flavor.
• 1 tsp. butter, unsalted: Adds shine and richness.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later. This ensures your brownies come out cleanly and easily.

2. Melt Butter and Chocolate

• In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
• Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. This should take about 1 minute 30 seconds.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

• To the melted chocolate mixture, stir in the cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder (if using).
• Mix until smooth and well combined.

4. Incorporate Sugars

• Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the mixture.
• Stir until fully incorporated. This step ensures the sugars dissolve slightly, creating a smooth batter.

5. Whisk in Eggs

• Crack the eggs into the mixture one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition.
• This step helps aerate the batter, giving the brownies a fudgy yet slightly chewy texture.

6. Add Peppermint Extract and Oil

• Stir in the peppermint extract and vegetable oil.
• The oil adds an extra layer of moisture to keep the brownies soft.

7. Fold in Flour and Chocolate Chips

• Gently fold in the flour and the remaining chocolate chips.
• Be careful not to overmix; stop stirring as soon as the dry ingredients disappear.

8. Bake the Brownies

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking for the best fudgy texture.

9. Cool Completely

• Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before removing them.
• For the ganache to set properly, the brownies should be completely cool.

Making the Ganache

1. Heat the Cream

• Place the chocolate chips in a medium heatproof bowl.
• In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until warm (don’t let it boil).
• Pour the warm cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 3-4 minutes.

2. Stir Until Smooth

• Whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth and creamy.
• Stir in the peppermint extract, butter, and a pinch of salt. This adds flavor and a glossy finish.

3. Spread the Ganache

• Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the ganache evenly over the top.
• Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies or candy canes on top for garnish.

4. Chill and Set

• Place the pan in the fridge for at least 1 hour to allow the ganache to firm up.
• Once set, use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into 16 squares.

How to Serve This One Bowl Peppermint Brownies

These peppermint brownies are a showstopper on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate them even more:

• Holiday Platter: Arrange the brownies on a festive platter with a mix of cookies and treats.
• With Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• As Gifts: Wrap individual brownie squares in decorative cellophane bags for a sweet holiday gift.

Tips for Perfect One Bowl Peppermint Brownies

1. Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can make the brownies dense.
2. Use Good Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor.
3. Line the Pan with Parchment: This makes it easy to lift the brownies out for clean slicing.
4. Adjust Peppermint to Taste: If you prefer a subtler mint flavor, use ½ tsp. of peppermint extract instead of a full teaspoon.
5. Crush Candy Canes Easily: Place candy canes in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them.

Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Minty: Add mint-flavored chocolate chips to the batter.
• No Ganache? No Problem!: Dust the brownies with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.
• Darker Chocolate: Swap milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.

Storage and Freezing

Storage

• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezing

• Freeze individual brownie squares in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight or on the counter for an hour.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the brownies and prepare the ganache a day in advance. Assemble them just before serving.

Do I have to use espresso powder?
Not at all! It’s optional but enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can grease the pan thoroughly, but parchment makes removal much easier.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly.

Conclusion

These One Bowl Peppermint Brownies are everything you want in a holiday dessert: easy to make, incredibly delicious, and full of festive charm. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to wow anyone who takes a bite.

I can’t wait to hear how your brownies turn out! Snap a photo and share it with me on social media—I’d love to see your creations. Happy baking!

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