Ultimate Peppermint Bark Brownies: A Decadent Holiday Recipe with Candy Cane Kisses
The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with joy, festive decorations, and, most importantly, delicious food! As the days grow shorter and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked treats wafting from the kitchen. It’s a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing gifts, and indulging in seasonal delights that warm the heart and soul. For many, Christmas baking is a cherished tradition, a chance to create edible masterpieces that bring smiles to faces.
Here at the Holiday Food Bloggers’ virtual kitchen, we’re brimming with excitement, celebrating all things Christmas! It’s one of the biggest and most beloved holidays worldwide, and we simply couldn’t resist dedicating our efforts to crafting the most delightful festive recipes. When thoughts turn to Christmas desserts, iconic flavors like refreshing candy canes, warm gingerbread, and creamy eggnog instantly come to mind. These timeless tastes evoke nostalgia and build anticipation for the festivities.
This year, we’re thrilled to present a recipe that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the season: our incredibly fudgy Peppermint Bark Brownies. If you’re a fan of the classic peppermint bark candy, with its harmonious blend of rich chocolate and cool mint, then prepare to fall in love. These brownies take that beloved flavor profile and embed it into a moist, chewy chocolate base, crowned with a dreamy white chocolate glaze and a generous scattering of chopped candy cane kisses. It’s a decadent symphony of textures and tastes that promises to be a showstopper on any holiday dessert table.
Why Peppermint Bark Brownies Are a Holiday Must-Have
The appeal of peppermint bark during the holidays is undeniable. Its vibrant red and white hues, combined with the invigorating burst of mint, make it a festive staple. Our Peppermint Bark Brownies elevate this holiday classic to a new level of indulgence. Imagine a rich, dense, and ultra-fudgy brownie – the kind that melts in your mouth – serving as the perfect foundation. On top, a smooth, luscious layer of white chocolate glaze provides a creamy counterpoint, while the chopped candy cane kisses add a delightful chewiness and an intense, authentic peppermint flavor.
This dessert isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast, looking for a unique homemade gift, or simply craving a cozy treat to enjoy by the fire, these brownies fit the bill. Their striking appearance, with the vibrant colors of the candy cane kisses against the white chocolate and dark brownie, makes them a visually stunning addition to any celebration. Plus, who can resist the irresistible combination of chocolate and peppermint?
The Secret Ingredient: Candy Cane Kisses vs. Crushed Peppermint
The inspiration for these brownies came from a similar picture featuring crushed peppermint candies. While the crunch of traditional candy canes is appealing, I personally prefer a softer texture, especially when it comes to brownies. That’s why I opted for Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses. These specialty Kisses, available seasonally, are a true holiday gem. They offer all the delightful flavor of candy canes but in a meltier, more agreeable form that’s much gentler on the teeth.
It’s also that special time of year when companies release limited-edition seasonal candies, and Hershey’s Kisses are no exception. Beyond the beloved candy cane flavor, you might find delightful options like mint truffle and cherry cordial Kisses. These limited-edition flavors are, admittedly, one of the best marketing tactics, tapping into our love for novelty and nostalgia! For these brownies, the candy cane kisses not only provide that authentic peppermint flavor without the hard crunch, but they also contribute a lovely visual appeal and a satisfying chew. It would be an understatement to say I couldn’t stop eating these brownies – the balance of textures and flavors is truly addictive!
Mastering the Fudgy Brownie Base
The foundation of any great brownie is its texture, and for these Peppermint Bark Brownies, we’re aiming for ultimate fudginess. Achieving this requires attention to a few key details. Starting with quality unsweetened chocolate and unsalted butter provides a rich, deep chocolate flavor that isn’t overly sweet. Melting these gently in a saucepan ensures a smooth base without burning the chocolate.
Once the chocolate and butter are melted, whisking in sifted cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and a touch of salt creates a robust flavor profile. Don’t be alarmed if the mixture seems grainy at this stage; it’s perfectly normal. The next crucial step is incorporating the egg and peppermint extract. The egg adds structure and richness, while the peppermint extract infuses the brownie with a cool, festive essence that perfectly complements the chocolate.
Finally, when it comes to adding the flour, less is more. Switch to a rubber spatula and gently fold in the sifted all-purpose flour until just combined. Overworking the batter develops the gluten, which can lead to a tougher, more cake-like brownie. For that desirable fudgy texture, we want to keep the mixing to a minimum. Baking in an 8×8 pan for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the edges pull away and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, will yield a perfectly dense and delicious brownie. Remember to cool them completely before moving on to the glaze!
Crafting the Silky White Chocolate Peppermint Glaze
The crowning glory of these brownies is the creamy, smooth white chocolate peppermint glaze. Melting white chocolate can be a bit tricky, as it’s more delicate than dark chocolate and prone to seizing if exposed to too much heat or moisture. The key is patience and a gentle approach. Using a double-boiler method (a heatproof bowl set over a simmering saucepan of water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water) is ideal.
Combine chopped white chocolate and a bit of shortening in the bowl. The shortening helps create a wonderfully smooth, glossy glaze that will harden beautifully without cracking. Gently stir the mixture with a rubber spatula, allowing the residual heat from the simmering water to slowly melt the chocolate. Resist the urge to rush this process with high heat, and be extremely careful not to let any water or steam get into the chocolate, as even a tiny drop can cause it to seize into a grainy, unworkable mess. If this happens, unfortunately, you’ll likely need to start over with fresh white chocolate.
Once your brownies are completely cool, spread this glorious, silky white chocolate glaze evenly over the top. This provides the perfect sticky base for your chopped candy cane kisses (or crushed peppermint candies, if you prefer). Allow the glaze to set and harden before slicing – chilling the brownies in the refrigerator can speed this up. The result is a stunning, irresistible treat that tastes as good as it looks!
Peppermint Bark Brownies
12-16 brownies
15 minutes
25 minutes
40 minutes
If you love peppermint bark candy, then you’ll love these Peppermint Bark Brownies with chopped candy cane kisses (or crushed peppermint) on top!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (4 ounces or 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces
- 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 + 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon table salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
For the glaze
- 8 ounces white chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons shortening
- 1 cup chopped candy cane kisses or crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
- In a large saucepan, melt together the butter and unsweetened chocolate.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the cocoa, sugar, and salt (mixture will be grainy – keep going).
- Beat in the egg and peppermint extract then whisk in the beer.
- Switch to a rubber spatula then stir in the flour, being careful not to overwork the batter.
- Spread the batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or the edges pull away from the pan, the middle no longer looks wet, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes back with a tiny bit of chocolate but not wet batter. Cool completely.
- Once the brownies are cool, make the glaze: Add white chocolate and shortening to a large heatproof bowl.
- Bring a medium saucepan of water to a simmer. Once simmering, remove it from the heat then add the white chocolate bowl on top (do not let the bowl touch the water). Very gently and slowly melt the chocolate using a rubber spatula until smooth.
White chocolate is very delicate to melt, so do not use high heat, do not rush the melting, and do not get any moisture in the bowl or it’ll seize up. If this happens, you’ll have to start over.
- Spread on top of the brownies then top with kisses or peppermint candy. Let harden before serving (you can chill in the refrigerator to speed up the process).
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Refrigerate if the glaze gets too soft from a warm kitchen.
Notes
- If you enjoyed this recipe, check out my Small Batch Brownies, Guinness Brownies, and Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies.
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- 8×8 Square Pan
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Tips for Success & Variations
To ensure your Peppermint Bark Brownies are nothing short of perfect, here are a few extra tips:
- **Cooling is Crucial:** It cannot be stressed enough – allow your brownies to cool completely before applying the white chocolate glaze. A warm brownie will melt the glaze, leading to a messy, unappealing result. Patience here is key!
- **Storage:** Store these delicious brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if the glaze becomes too soft, simply refrigerate them. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature for the best texture and flavor before serving.
- **Serving Suggestions:** These Peppermint Bark Brownies are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a warm mug of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- **Peppermint Intensity:** The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, which provides a balanced mint flavor. If you prefer a milder mint, reduce it to 1/2 teaspoon. For an extra kick, you can add a tiny bit more, but be cautious as peppermint extract is potent!
- **Other Toppings:** While candy cane kisses are a fantastic choice, feel free to experiment with other toppings! Crushed regular candy canes will add a satisfying crunch, while mini chocolate chips or holiday-themed sprinkles can add another layer of texture and visual appeal. You could even drizzle with dark chocolate after the white chocolate has set.
- **Chocolate Choice:** The recipe uses unsweetened chocolate for a deep, rich brownie. For a slightly sweeter base, you could use bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, adjusting the granulated sugar slightly if preferred.
Join the Holiday Baking Fun!
These Peppermint Bark Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of holiday cheer and the joy of homemade goodness. We hope this recipe brings a touch of festive magic to your kitchen and your holiday gatherings. The blend of rich chocolate, smooth white chocolate, and refreshing peppermint is truly irresistible, making these brownies a standout treat.
Don’t just take our word for it – try this recipe for yourself and experience the delight! We love seeing your culinary creations, so if you whip up a batch of these fudgy Peppermint Bark Brownies, please let us know what you think. Rate the recipe above, leave a comment below, or even better, share a photo of your masterpiece on Instagram using the hashtag #HITKrecipes. Your feedback and shares inspire us and help others discover these amazing holiday treats!
If you liked these Peppermint Bark Brownies, you may also enjoy these other festive and chocolatey recipes:
- Cherry Cordial and Mint Truffle Kiss Hot Chocolate
- Cherry Cordial Blossom Cookies
- Caramel Kiss Cinnamon Spritz Cookies
- Want a smaller serving of brownies? Check out my Brownies For Two.
- You might also love my Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bark and Peanut Butter Banana “Elvis” Bark for more delicious bark ideas.