On the Eleventh Day of Homemade Christmas, I made Peppermint Bark Brownies.
While I am almost certain that my family is addicted to all sweets, Brownies have a special place in our hearts and bellies. Most eat basic chocolate brownies but I have learned they are a treat that can be easily dressed up. For Christmas, we like to put a peppermint bark spin on them and have Peppermint Bark Brownies.
Peppermint Bark is a Christmas treat that holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of my grandma. I have made it for years for Christmas and when she had cancer it was something she requested so I would add it to her care packages I would send. Making anything peppermint bark like instantly makes me think of her and I am sure she would have been a fan of these brownies.
Peppermint and chocolate is such a classic combination. Much like my grandma, it is a favorite of mine and my kids and these brownies are the perfect way to indulge that craving.
The brownies are created by using your favorite chocolate brownie base and then topping it with a simple white chocolate ganache, a sprinkling of peppermint candies and finally a chocolate drizzle on top.
The brownies are the perfect addition for everything from your holiday cookie trays or to serve for your holiday dessert. I included some in my “elfed” basket that I gave a neighbor.
They are perfect for sharing with family and friends if you don’t eat them all yourself first!
- Brownies-
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- White Chocolate Ganache-
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ teaspoon mint extract
- 4 candy canes, crushed
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips melted
- Brownies-
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square pan.
- In a large saucepan, melt ½ cup butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in ⅓ cup cocoa, ½ cup flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Do not overcook.
- White Chocolate Ganache-
- Place the chocolate into a bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave. Bring just to a boil.When the cream has come to a boil, pour over white chocolate, and whisk until chocolate has melted and is smooth. Transfer mixture to electric mixer, add mint extract and whip until thickened.
- Frost prepared brownies and then sprinkle with crushed candy canes and drizzle with dark chocolate.
- *boxed brownie mix may be used if desired*
Brownies recipe from Allrecipes.com