Peppermint Mocha Brownies

$Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best Peppermint Mocha Brownies. Here’s what you need: - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar - 1 cup brown sugar, packed firmly - 4 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - Crushed peppermint candies for garnish Each ingredient plays a role. The butter adds richness. Granulated and brown sugars provide sweetness and moisture. Eggs bind everything together while adding fluffiness. The extracts bring that festive flavor. The cocoa powder gives the brownies a deep chocolate taste. Instant coffee enhances the mocha notes and balances the sweetness. Baking powder helps them rise, while salt rounds out the flavors. Finally, the chocolate chips create gooey pockets of chocolate, and crushed peppermint candies provide a festive crunch. Using these ingredients, you’ll create brownies that are rich and full of flavor. For the complete process, check the Full Recipe. 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking pan. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking pan. Lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the sides for easy lifting later. 2. Mix wet ingredients and incorporate eggs. In a large bowl, add 1 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Whisk these until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Now, add 4 large eggs one by one. Whisk after each egg until fully mixed. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. 3. Combine and fold dry ingredients into wet mix. Take another bowl and whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules. Slowly fold this dry mix into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this helps keep the texture nice. 4. Add chocolate chips and mix gently. Now, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Make sure they spread evenly throughout the batter. 1. Pour and spread batter in the pan. Carefully pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. 2. Bake time and doneness check. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. 3. Cooling and cutting instructions. Once baked, take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. After they cool slightly, lift them out with the parchment overhang. Transfer them to a cutting board. Cut into squares and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for that festive touch. For the full recipe, refer back to the beginning! - Avoid overmixing the batter: When making your brownies, stir just until all the dry ingredients blend in. Overmixing can make them tough. You want a fudgy texture, not a cake-like one. - Check your oven temperature: Ovens can vary. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your brownies bake at the right heat. A too-hot oven can ruin your brownies, making them dry. - Serving suggestions: For a fun and festive touch, serve the brownies on a colorful plate. Cut them into neat squares and arrange them in a pyramid shape. This makes them look even more tempting. - Garnishing ideas: Top the brownies with crushed peppermint candies for crunch and color. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch too. You can even drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for extra flair. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe link! {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your peppermint mocha brownies. One fun way is to add different extracts. Try using almond extract for a nutty twist. Vanilla extract also works well if you want a classic taste. You can also experiment with chocolate types. Instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, use dark chocolate for a rich flavor. If you prefer something sweeter, try milk chocolate. White chocolate chips can add a creamy touch. Mixing different types of chocolate can create a unique taste. If you need gluten-free brownies, swap regular flour for almond flour. This change keeps the brownies moist and adds a nice nutty flavor. For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or apple sauce. Use a plant-based butter instead of regular butter. These tweaks keep the brownies delicious while meeting dietary needs. When you make these changes, the brownies still taste great. You can enjoy peppermint mocha brownies that fit your lifestyle and preferences! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section! To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. If you want them at room temperature, they will last about 3-4 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just know that cold brownies may be firmer and less rich in flavor. To freeze your brownies, first let them cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag for extra protection. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw the brownies in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, you can microwave them for a few seconds. Serve them with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a delicious twist. Enjoy your Peppermint Mocha Brownies any time! How do I make Peppermint Mocha Brownies from scratch? To make Peppermint Mocha Brownies from scratch, start by melting butter. Mix the melted butter with granulated and brown sugars until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract, mixing well. In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt, and coffee granules. Fold the dry mix into the wet mix, then add chocolate chips. Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. You can find the complete steps in the Full Recipe. Can I use other types of chocolate chips? Yes, you can use other types of chocolate chips. Dark chocolate chips add depth. Milk chocolate chips make it sweeter. White chocolate chips offer a creamy twist. Feel free to mix different types for more flavor. How long do the brownies stay fresh? The brownies stay fresh for about five days at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. What can I substitute for peppermint extract? You can use mint extract as a substitute. It has a strong flavor, so use less. Vanilla extract also works if you want a milder taste. Almond extract can add a nice twist too. Can I make these brownies in advance? Yes, you can make Peppermint Mocha Brownies in advance. They taste even better the next day. Just store them in an airtight container after they cool. What can I serve with Peppermint Mocha Brownies? Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whipped cream or hot chocolate pairs well too. You could also enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat. You learned how to make Peppermint Mocha Brownies with simple steps. We covered ingredients, baking, and storage tips. Feel free to try different flavors or dietary changes. These brownies are versatile and fun to make. Remember to enjoy the process, and don't worry about making them perfect. With the right care, they can delight your family and friends. Happy baking!$

Indulge in the festive flavor of Peppermint Mocha Brownies! This easy recipe combines rich chocolate with a refreshing peppermint twist, perfect for holiday gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these delicious treats that are sure to impress. Follow our step-by-step guide to baking the ultimate holiday dessert. Click through to discover the full recipe and get ready to delight your taste buds!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar, packed firmly

4 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon peppermint extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons instant coffee granules

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs for easy lifting later.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and fully blended, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts, mixing just until combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and instant coffee granules. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing as this will affect the texture of the brownies.

Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the brownie batter.

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. Once they have cooled slightly, lift them out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a cutting board.

Cut the brownies into squares and generously sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for a festive finish.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 24

- Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the brownies on a decorative platter. Dust lightly with powdered sugar and add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies on top for added visual appeal. Dive into the holiday spirit with these delectable brownies! Enjoy!