Peppermint Patty Brownies With Chocolate Ganache
/Who doesn’t love sinking their teeth into a fudgy, chocolate brownie? While a classic brownie recipe is delicious for any occasion, the holiday season is the right time to make this go-to dessert extra special. Our peppermint patty brownies celebrate the beloved combination of chocolate and peppermint in a show-stopping peppermint patty dessert.
With three perfect layers — a thick, fudge brownie, a sweet peppermint middle and a smooth chocolate ganache — these brownies are a special treat for the winter season.
They’re so good, you’ll want to add this recipe to your holiday baking line-up year after year.
Why make these peppermint patty brownies:
Easy to make.
Yes, they’re homemade, but this recipe isn’t complicated. You can easily whip up the brownies all in one bowl and top with the super simple peppermint and chocolate ganache layers. Plus, this recipe includes ingredients you likely already have on hand (hello, time-saver!)
Classic flavor you love.
These peppermint patty brownies have all the classic goodness of a peppermint patty candy. They’re truly a chocolate-peppermint lover’s dream!
Tis’ the season to get festive.
Decorate these peppermint patty brownies with your choice of toppings to add some festive cheer for the holidays.
Decorating ideas include:
Snowflake sprinkles
Chopped peppermint patty candies
Crushed green and red peppermints
Red, green and white sprinkles
Looking for more recipes that feature a unique spin on the classic brownie recipe? Try these Orange-Scented Brownies or these Cinnamon Roll Blondies With Vanilla Glaze.
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Peppermint Patty Brownies
Start to finish: Active: 1 hour 20 minutes | Inactive: 20 minutes
Makes: 16 brownies
Ingredients
For the bottom brownie layer:
¾ cup unsalted butter
3 ounces chocolate
⅔ cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
For the peppermint patty middle layer:
2½ cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
3–4 tablespoons hot water
For the chocolate ganache top layer:
½ cup heavy cream
4 ounces chocolate
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
Topping of choice (snowflake sprinkles, chopped peppermint patty candies, chopped peppermints), optional
Method
For the bottom brownie layer:
Heat oven to 350° F and line a 9-by-9-inch square pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, melt the butter. Stir in chocolate, brown sugar and granulated sugar. If the chocolate has not fully melted, heat the mixture in the microwave in 20-second increments until everything is fully melted and combined. Whisk in the eggs, 1 at a time, until fully combined. Then, mix in vanilla and peppermint extracts. Fold in flour, cocoa powder and salt until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake the brownies 33–36 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding the next layers.
For the peppermint patty middle layer:
In a medium bowl, add powdered sugar, butter and peppermint extract. Pour in 3 tablespoons of hot water and mix until fully combined. The mixture should be the consistency of a thick paste, but still spreadable. If necessary, add an extra 1–2 tablespoons of hot water until the mixture is the right consistency. Immediately pour the peppermint layer on top of the cooled brownies and spread into an even layer. Place the brownies in the refrigerator while you make the ganache.
For the chocolate ganache top layer:
Add the heavy cream to a medium bowl and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. Add in chocolate and peppermint extract, and stir until fully melted and combined. Pour the ganache on top of the peppermint layer and smooth into an even layer.
Add your decorative topping of choice, and then place in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, or until the ganache is set. Cut into 16 squares and enjoy this sweet treat!