One Bowl Peppermint Brownies Recipe
These One Bowl Peppermint Brownies are a decadent and festive treat, combining rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint for a perfect holiday dessert. With a moist, chewy texture and a smooth peppermint chocolate ganache topping garnished with crushed candy canes, these brownies are easy to make in just one bowl and sure to impress.
- Author: Joe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies (8x8 inch pan, cut into 16 squares) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Brownie Batter
- 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 brown sugar, packed (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)
Garnish
- Peppermint candies or candy canes, crushed
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp. peppermint extract
- 1 tsp. unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy brownie removal and set aside.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips. Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring between 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 the white sugar and brown sugar to the chocolate mixture and stir thoroughly until incorporated.
- Whisk in Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to create a smooth batter.
- Add Peppermint and Oil: Stir in the peppermint extract and vegetable oil until well blended.
- Combine Flour and Chocolate Chips: Fold in the flour and the remaining 3/4 cup of chocolate chips gently, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Be careful not to over bake.
- Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool fully in the pan to set properly before adding the ganache.
- Prepare Ganache: Place the 1 cup chocolate chips in a medium heat-proof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Pour the warm cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 3-4 minutes, then whisk until smooth and creamy. Stir in the peppermint extract, butter, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
- Assemble: Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or candy canes on top for garnish.
- Set Ganache: Refrigerate the brownies for at least one hour to allow the ganache to firm up.
- Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut into squares, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges, and enjoy your festive peppermint brownies!
Notes
- Chill the brownies in the fridge after spreading the ganache to firm up the topping while keeping the brownies soft and chewy.
- Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices to ensure neat brownie squares.
- Grease the pan with softened butter before lining with parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent sticking.
- Do not over bake; the toothpick should come out with some moist crumbs to maintain fudgy texture as brownies continue baking slightly while cooling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (1/16th of the pan)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: peppermint brownies, chocolate brownies, holiday dessert, peppermint chocolate ganache, easy brownies, festive brownies