Peppermint Brownie Bites

Discovering these peppermint brownie bites was like unwrapping a little holiday surprise each time I bit into one. The perfect balance of cool peppermint and rich chocolate quickly became my go-to treat whenever I craved something festive but simple.

I remember the first time unexpected guests stopped by during the holidays, and all I had on hand were these brownie bites. They vanished in minutes, and from that day on, it felt like my special little holiday magic.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Melted for that silky rich texture that gives the brownie its fudgy depth without overpowering the peppermint.
• Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness; I always use pure cane sugar for a clean taste.
• Light brown sugar: Packed tightly to bring subtle molasses notes that enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Eggs: Large and fresh for structure and moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Pure and not imitation, because it brings warmth that complements the peppermint.
• Peppermint extract: Just enough to keep it refreshing without being overpowering—less is more here.
• All-purpose flour: The base; I always sift it to avoid lumps and keep the batter light.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that deep chocolate essence; natural unsweetened works best.
• Salt: A pinch to balance all the sweetness.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Folded in for joyful melty surprises in each bite.
• White chocolate chips: Melted for drizzling, this adds a creamy sweetness that finishes the bites beautifully.
• Crushed peppermint candies: Sprinkled on top for crunch and extra minty zing.

Instructions

Preheat and prep:

Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your mini muffin pan or line it with paper liners. The anticipation starts now!

Mix the sugars and butter:

Whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth and glossy; the sweet aroma begins to fill your kitchen.

Add the eggs and extracts:

Whisk in the eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract until everything melds into a silky batter, your senses awakening with festive scents.

Incorporate the dry ingredients:

Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt then gently fold them in. The batter thickens, but be careful not to overmix—you want tender bites.

Fold in the chocolate chips:

Stir in the semisweet chips—a promise of gooey chunks in every bite.

Fill the pan:

Divide the batter evenly among the mini cups, about ¾ full, feeling confident as you prepare to bake.

Bake:

Let them bake for 12 to 15 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, filling your kitchen with that irresistible chocolatey smell. Resist the urge to overbake!

Cool:

Allow brownies to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, the suspense building.

Top with goodness:

Drizzle melted white chocolate and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies for a festive finishing touch. Let the chocolate set before serving, sealing in that magic.

Save to Pinterest

There was a moment when these brownie bites became more than treats; they were the heart of a holiday gathering, sparking smiles and warm memories that lingered long after the last crumb was eaten.

Keeping It Fresh

Storing these brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature keeps them soft and fresh for up to four days. If you need to make them ahead, pop them in the freezer wrapped well, then thaw to room temperature before serving—just as satisfying.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Pairing these with a cup of hot cocoa or a minty cocktail elevates their festive vibe. I&ve also enjoyed crumbling some over vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert upgrade.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

Once, when last minute guests arrived and the dessert store was closed, these bites saved the night, turning an ordinary evening into something special. They&re the kind of recipe that always has your back.

• Remember to crush your peppermint candies right before topping to maintain their crunch.
• Oh wait one more thing: use quality extracts for true flavor impact.
• Finally, avoid overbaking to keep these bites perfectly fudgy every time.

Save to Pinterest

Thanks for hanging out in the kitchen with me—now go enjoy those bites with a smile and maybe a hot drink or two!

Recipes Q&A

→ What gives these brownie bites their peppermint flavor?

A small amount of peppermint extract is added to the batter, infusing the brownies with a cooling minty note.

→ Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour?

Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend can be used to make these bites gluten-free without altering the texture significantly.

→ How do I prevent overbaking the brownie bites?

Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. Avoid baking them beyond 15 minutes to maintain fudgy texture.

→ What role does the white chocolate drizzle play?

White chocolate adds sweetness and a creamy contrast to the rich chocolate and mint flavors, along with a decorative finish.

→ How should these brownie bites be stored?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to keep them fresh and moist.

→ Can I enhance the chocolate flavor for a richer bite?

Using dark chocolate instead of semisweet chips or adding a pinch of espresso powder can deepen the chocolate flavor complexity.