As the chill of winter settles in and the nights grow longer, my kitchen transforms into a haven of warmth and sweetness. It’s a time where the scent of baking fills the air, wrapping around family and friends like a cozy blanket. One of my fondest memories is gathered around the table with loved ones, enjoying rich, fudgy brownies adorned with the delightful crunch of peppermint stick. This recipe marries the classic brownie with the invigorating essence of peppermint, creating a dessert that brings both nostalgia and a festive spirit to any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup crushed peppermint sticks (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until completely melted. Remove from heat and whisk in the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step adds richness and volume to the brownies.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Fold in the crushed peppermint sticks, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and peppermint extract. The chocolate chips will melt beautifully during baking, creating pockets of gooey goodness, while the peppermint adds a refreshing crunch.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The key to achieving that perfect fudgy texture is to avoid overbaking.
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, sprinkle additional crushed peppermint sticks on top for a festive touch.
Cut into squares, serve, and watch as your family and friends savor each bite, enveloped in the cozy warmth of peppermint and chocolate. These brownies are not just a treat; they are a celebration of winter gatherings and the simple joys of life.
Enjoy your Decadent Peppermint Stick Brownies with a warm cup of cocoa or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that gourmet twist. Happy baking!