Fudgy Peppermint Brownies
Total Time
1 hour 20 minutes + 2 hours cooling
Prep Time
1 hour
Cook Time
20 minutes
Rating
5 out of 5 stars
(6)
Ingredients
16 brownies
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large classic Eggland’s Best eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder (dark cocoa preferred)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, room temp
- 2 oz cream cheese, room temp
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 3 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp oil, if needed
- 4–5 candy canes, crushed
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Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350F and prepare a square 8×8 baking dish. Grease the inside with nonstick spray and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, allowing some of the paper to hang over the edges.
Step 2
In a heat-safe bowl, add the butter and chocolate. Melt in the microwave in 30 second intervals until smooth (should take about 60 seconds total). Set aside.
Step 3
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4
In a large mixing bowl, add the brown sugar, sugar, and Eggland’s Best eggs. Either using an electric mixer or a whisk, whip the sugar and eggs until they are pale and frothy. It will take a bit of extra elbow grease if done by hand.
Step 5
Mix in the vanilla.
Step 6
While mixing, pour in the chocolate and butter mixture until combined.
Step 7
Dump in all of the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not over mix.
Step 8
Pour into the prepared baking dish and spread the batter even. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top appears to be glossy and slightly puffed. If you used unsweetened chocolate, the top will be more matte. Don’t over bake.
Step 9
Allow the brownies to cool completely. Leave them at room temperature for 20 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to continue cooling uncovered for about 1-2 hours. Only spread on the buttercream when the bottom center of the pan is completely cooled.
Step 10
Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and cream cheese.
Step 11
Once smooth, mix in the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. In between cups, mix in the milk and peppermint extract.
Step 12
Spread in an even layer on top of the cooled brownies. Place the pan in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to allow the buttercream to set before adding the chocolate on top.
Step 13
In a heat-safe bowl, add the chocolate and butter. Melt in the microwave in 30 second intervals until smooth (about 60 seconds total). If it’s still a bit too thick to drizzle on top of the brownies, add 1 teaspoon of oil to help thin it out.
Step 14
Pour on top of the set buttercream and spread it even.
Step 15
Top with the crushed candy canes and transfer the pan to the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. Then slice and enjoy!
Step 16
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Chef's notes
Achieving that perfect fudgy brownie texture can be tricky. Whipping the sugar and eggs until pale and frothy ensures the sugar is completely dissolved, giving you a smooth brownie texture.
Adding melted chocolate to the batter enhances the chocolate flavor and gives the brownies a rich fudgy texture.
It's important not to over-mix when adding dry ingredients; switch to a rubber spatula to prevent over-mixing.
The sweet spot for baking is between 20-25 minutes. Under baking is better than over-baking for fudgy texture.
