Peppermint Mocha Fudge Brownies (Printable)
Decadent dark chocolate brownies infused with espresso and a hint of peppermint, topped with fudge glaze.
# What You'll Need:
→ Brownie Base
01 - 6 oz unsalted butter, melted
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
06 - 2 tsp instant espresso powder
07 - 1 tsp peppermint extract
08 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
09 - 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
10 - 1/2 tsp baking powder
11 - 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
12 - 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
→ Fudge Glaze
13 - 3.5 oz dark chocolate, chopped
14 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
15 - 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
16 - 2 tbsp heavy cream
→ Topping
17 - 3 tbsp crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, espresso powder, and peppermint extract. Whisk until fully incorporated.
03 - Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the mixture until just combined. Stir in dark chocolate chips.
04 - Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
05 - Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before glazing.
06 - In a small saucepan over low heat, melt dark chocolate with butter and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract.
07 - Pour the chocolate glaze over the cooled brownies and spread evenly. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
08 - Chill for 20 minutes to allow the glaze to set. Lift brownies out using parchment overhang, slice into 16 pieces, and serve.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It’s like sharing a warm kitchen secret where coffee and peppermint dance together under a velvety chocolate blanket
- The fudgy texture keeps friends sneaking back for just one more bite without feeling too heavy
02 -
- Don’t overbake; pulling the brownies out when a toothpick has moist crumbs keeps the fudge texture perfect
- Adding espresso powder is the game changer that makes this brownie special without tasting like coffee
03 -
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for both batter and glaze to avoid bitterness and achieve smooth melting
- The peppermint extract is potent, so a little goes a long way to keep the flavor balanced and fresh