Peppermint Fudge Brownies
The good news is this delicious Peppermint Fudge Brownie recipe is vegetarian, nut-free, and egg-free. With some substitutions, it could also be vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Peppermint Brownies are an indulgent dessert often associated with holidays simply because of the peppermint extract and candies. When we think of peppermints and candies, we’re thinking of children because they love them. The addition of peppermints and crushed candies enhances the flavor, and you will not be disappointed with their texture or deliciousness! Peppermints and candies are worth adding for that little extra crunch!
If the neighbors know you’re cooking these peppermint brownies, they’ll definitely be dropping in for a big cuppa. They have a double chocolate flavor, intense fudginess, dense flavor, and chewy texture that is simply amazing that you and everyone else will love them instantly.
What’s To Love?
💕 Peppermint chocolate fudge brownies typically have a rich and indulgent flavor profile.
💕 They are inherently sweet due to the sugar, and adding peppermint balances out the sweetness.
💕 Peppermint extract adds a refreshing, cool, and slightly minty flavor that contrasts and complements the richness of the chocolate.
💕 Doesn’t require any complex cooking skills or hard-to-find ingredients.
💕 They taste as good as they look, making them an excellent dessert for any occasion and sudden onset cravings.
💕 Offer a deep, satisfying taste that brownie lovers adore.
Have you already tried Peppermint Fudge Brownies? Let us know how they were…we can’t wait to hear all about it!
Let’s Talk Ingredients
We feel every ingredient adds to the chocolate’s overall taste and texture; if you remove one, it’s like you’ve removed them all.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk — we use carnation condensed milk, but your favorite brand should work well!
- Butter — for the best results, use dairy butter.
- All-Purpose Flour — sometimes referred to as plain flour.
- Cocoa Powder — comes in natural and Dutch versions. Any unsweetened will work! The quality of the cocoa makes all the difference; the brands we like are Green & Blacks and Callebaut.
- Baking Powder — use a high-quality baking powder to avoid aluminum.
- Chocolate Chips — there’s nothing better than chocolate chips inside your brownie.
- Sugar — use this coconut sugar because it adds flavor and a nice chewy texture.
- Peppermint Extract — use a high-quality peppermint extract.
- Salt — use Himalayan salt; it brings out the chocolate flavor and offsets the sweetness
- Peppermint Candy — we topped the brownies with crushed peppermint candy canes. They make the brownies look very tempting, especially for kids.
Customizations
Here are some foodie alternatives should you want to make some changes:
- Sweetened Condensed Milk — for a vegan option, use a coconut-based product such as Biona, Nestle’s, or Nature’s Charm.
- Butter — use unsalted butter; it must be melted before preparation and then cooled to room temperature. We have also tested the brownie with dairy-free butter, and it turned out perfectly.
- All-Purpose Flour — almond flour is a great alternative to all-purpose flour, especially if you’re allergic to it. For this recipe, substitute the all-purpose flour for equal amounts of almond flour and one teaspoon of guar gum.
- Cocoa Powder — if you prefer using cacao powder, substitute equal amounts.
- Chocolate Chips — a great alternative is dairy-free chocolate chips.
When substituting ingredients, it’s essential to remember that the taste, texture, and overall result might differ, particularly if you’re substituting many ingredients.
If you have made the Peppermint Fudge Brownies with any customizations, we’d love to hear about it; please message us in the comments.
Instructions – Overview
These peppermint brownies take just minutes to whip up; cooking them takes a little longer but is well worth the wait. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool down while they sit on the countertop. Here’s a breakdown of how to get started on your baking journey (more detailed instructions are in the recipe card):
▶︎ Preheat your oven to Gas 4, 350°F, 175°C. Then, grease and line your baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
▶︎ Mix the butter, salt, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and peppermint extract in a large bowl until smooth. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add the chocolate chips, then stir with a spatula until all ingredients are combined. Next, pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with crushed Peppermint Candy Canes.
▶︎ Bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly gooey. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check them after 20 minutes. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before cutting them into squares.
For more detailed instructions, notes, and ideas…see the recipe card.
Tools You’ll Need
Want to make the best Peppermint Fudge Brownies? Using the correct equipment for preparation is essential; we think they’re a big helping hand. We understand that you might already have some of these kitchen tools to make this recipe, or you might want to use other tools and may not require our recommendations. Here are some of our suggestions to get you started:
- 21cm Square Dish or square springform pan.
- Mixing Bowl– to mix all the ingredients.
- kMix – or this award-winning hand mixer.
- Silicone Spatula – for stirring and incorporating all the ingredients smoothly.
- Weighing Scales and Measuring Spoons – to measure the ingredients accurately.
- Parchment Paper – to prevent the brownies from sticking to the dish.
- Sieve – to sieve the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
If you love those gadgets for this recipe, then might love this Kmix for mixing, whisking, creaming, and beating. Sometimes, the Kmix is a better tool than a hand mixer; it’s good at lightening the load. It’s our go-to for many of our recipes, and we think it’s a great asset for all kitchens.
Kenwood KMX750 kMix 5L stand mixer, 6-speed settings, 1000W, stainless steel, removable bowl, 5 liters, tilt design, button control, black, easy to clean and use. Tools included: K-beater, whisk, dough, splash guard, and spatula. The design is a robust metal body with a vintage design and is a decorative appliance.
Check out our favorite kitchen equipment that we love to use with all our recipes.
Storing
See our FAQs for detailed instructions on storing, refrigeration, freezing, and defrosting and for answers to readers’ questions.
Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant.
Pairing
Peppermint Fudge Brownies are frequently eaten as a standalone dessert, but can easily be paired. Here are some suggestions and our favorite go-to’s what to eat with them:
▶︎ An excellent way of pairing Peppermint Fudge Brownies is to turn your warm, gooey brownie into an ice cream sundae. Crush the brownie a little in a bowl, warm it up in the microwave for about ten seconds, and then add a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
▶︎ Peppermint Fudge Brownies are spectacular for both kids and adults when served with fresh cream and a drizzle of agave chocolate sauce.
More Recipes
Here are some other delicious recipes that we think you might also like:
Thank you for checking out Peppermint Fudge Brownies!
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⭐️ Quick Tip: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand. Voila…you’re all set to go!
Peppermint Fudge Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to Gas 4, 350°F, 175°C. Grease your baking dish and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together butter, salt, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and peppermint extract until smooth.397 grams Sweetened Condensed Milk, 150 grams Butter, 150 grams Coconut Sugar, 1 pinch Himalayan Salt, 1/2 tsp Peppermint Extract
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir with a spatula until combined.70 grams Cocoa Powder, 1/2 tsp Baking Powder, 120 grams All-Purpose Flour
- Gently fold in chocolate chips.120 grams Dark Chocolate Chips
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- 50 grams Peppermint Candy Canes
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly gooey. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them after 20 minutes.
- Once done, remove the pan from the oven,
- Allow the brownies to cool for about 15-30 minutes in the pan before cutting them into squares.
- Enjoy your gooey fudge brownies! You can serve them as is or with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
- Use high-quality ingredients to ensure results.
- Ensure that the fridge ingredients are at room temperature for smooth mixing. Cold ingredients can lead to lumps in your mixture.
- Eggs are also to be at room temperature.
- A slightly gooey texture is essential in making brownies, which sets them apart from dry, overcooked ones. If you’re not a fan of the gooey center, don’t worry; it will be set once cooled. But if you prefer less gooey brownies, cook them for an extra 5 minutes.
- To warm these cooled peppermint fudge brownies and revive their gooey texture, microwave them for 5 to 10 seconds.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: For a vegan option, use a coconut-based such as Biona, Nestle’s, or Nature’s Charm.
- Butter: We have also tested the brownie with dairy-free butter, and it turned out perfectly.
- Flour: Almond flour is a great alternative to all-purpose flour.
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FAQ’s & Troubleshooting
By addressing these FAQs and troubleshooting tips, you can overcome common challenges and create a delicious batch of Peppermint Fudge Brownies every time.
Your Questions Matter
Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant. If you don’t already follow us, head over to our Twitter or Facebook to keep up to date with all our new recipes and articles.
For food safety top tips, check out USDA.gov.
Hey, I’m Sharon, I’m a full-time food blogger, mother of 3 grown adults and 3 huskies. Most days you can find me in the kitchen creating new recipes, I love cooking indulgent bakes and love sharing them. I am lucky to connect with and inspire people from all around the world and help you on your cooking journey so you can eat in style!
