Indulge in these rich, fudgy brownie bites infused with refreshing peppermint and studded with mini chocolate chips. Baked to perfection, they are topped with a smooth peppermint glaze and crushed candies, providing a delightful mint-chocolate combination ideal for holidays or anytime you desire a cool, sweet treat. Easy to prepare and share, these festive sweets balance rich cocoa flavor with a fresh peppermint zing.
Discovering these peppermint brownie bites was like unwrapping a sweet little secret in the middle of a hectic holiday season. The fusion of rich, fudgy chocolate and cool peppermint instantly became my cozy go-to treat.
I remember the first time unexpected guests dropped by, and I whipped these up with just minutes to spare. Watching them disappear fast was a sweet victory.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: I always reach for unsalted so I can control the saltiness and keep the flavor rich and balanced
- Granulated sugar: For that classic sweetness that makes brownies so comforting
- Light brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and a touch of moisture
- Eggs: Bind everything together and give fudgy texture
- Vanilla and peppermint extracts: The vanilla deepens the flavor while peppermint gives the festive kick
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Sharp and rich chocolate flavor without sweetness
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure but is measured carefully to keep things tender
- Baking powder and salt: Help the brownies rise just a little and balance sweet and chocolate
- Mini chocolate chips: Surprise pockets of extra melty chocolate
- Powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract for glaze: Create that smooth, cool topping that finishes the bites
- Crushed peppermint candies: For a crunchy festive sprinkle topping
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Preheat your oven to a cozy 175°C (350°F) and lightly grease your mini muffin tin, or line it with cute paper liners. The anticipation starts here.
- Butter Melt and Mix:
- Melt the butter gently until golden and silky. Let it cool a bit so it wont cook your eggs when mixed. Whisk in granulated and light brown sugars until glossy and smooth, like a dark caramel river.
- Flavor Boost:
- Add the eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extracts. Whisk like you mean it until everything is harmoniously combined, smelling like a winter wonderland.
- Dry Meets Wet:
- Sift together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt, then fold the dry mix carefully into your wet batter. Don’t overmix—keep it tender with little streaks waiting to be blended.
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Fold in mini chocolate chips for those delightful melty pockets that surprise your palate.
- Fill the Tin:
- Divide batter evenly into each muffin cup, filling about three-quarters full. The tin starts to feel like a treasure chest of sweets.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for about 16 to 18 minutes. The centers should be just set, soft but not jiggly. A toothpick with moist crumbs is your sign.
- Cooling Time:
- Let them rest for 10 minutes in the tin, then move them to a wire rack to cool fully—patience pays sweet rewards.
- Make the Glaze:
- Whisk powdered sugar, a tablespoon of milk, and peppermint extract until smooth and pourable. Add a splash more milk if needed to get that perfect drizzle consistency.
- Glaze and Sprinkle:
- Drizzle the glaze over cooled brownie bites and top immediately with crushed peppermint candies. Let the glaze set before serving your festive delights.
These bites turned from simple treats into holiday traditions, a comfort during cold nights and a highlight at celebrations surrounded by laughter and good company.
Keeping It Fresh
Store your brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and delicious for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them longer, freezing works wonders and thaws beautifully without much texture loss.
Serving Ideas That Clicked
I love pairing these with a hot cup of peppermint tea or a dark roast coffee to enhance the chocolate and mint dance. They also hold up well as little treats topped with a dollop of whipped cream for parties.
A Time This Recipe Saved the Day
During a last-minute holiday gathering, these bites were my secret weapon—quick, impressive, and universally loved.
- Always have mini paper liners handy for easy cleanup
- Experiment with adding a mini chocolate square on top before the glaze for over-the-top indulgence
- If peppermint isn’t your thing, try orange extract for a fresh twist
Thanks for spending this time with me in the kitchen—these peppermint brownie bites are always a joy to share and make. Happy baking and see you next time!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What ingredients create the peppermint flavor?
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Peppermint extract is used in both the batter and glaze, complemented by crushed peppermint candies for added crunch and freshness.
- → How do I achieve fudgy texture in these bites?
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Using melted butter, minimal flour, and careful mixing ensures a dense, moist, and fudgy consistency in the brownie bites.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
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Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a similar texture and taste.
- → What is the best way to store these bites?
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them fresh and chewy.
- → How long should these bites be baked?
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Bake mini brownie bites for 16 to 18 minutes until centers are just set with moist crumbs for the perfect consistency.