Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick)
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
- Large Eggs: 2
- All-Purpose Flour: 3/4 cup
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1/2 cup
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Peppermint Extract: 1 teaspoon
- White Chocolate Chips or Melting Wafers: 1 cup
- Crushed Peppermint Candies (or candy canes): 1/2 cup, divided
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the granulated sugar until combined, then whisk in the eggs and peppermint extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in half (1/4 cup) of the crushed peppermint candies.
- Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before proceeding.
- Step 5: Prepare the peppermint bark topping by melting the white chocolate chips according to package directions. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cooled brownies. Immediately sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of crushed peppermint candies over the melted chocolate.
- Step 6: Chill the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until the chocolate topping is fully set before lifting them out of the pan and slicing into squares.
Notes
- Store uneaten brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep the white chocolate topping firm and snappy.
- These brownies are designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature; avoid reheating, as the white chocolate topping will melt and lose its texture.
- Serve these rich, fudgy squares alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa or coffee for the perfect autumn treat that balances the minty crunch.
- When whisking the butter, sugar, and eggs, whisk vigorously until the mixture looks glossy; this technique incorporates air and helps achieve that classic crackly, fudgy top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American