Do you have a recipe that when you know there’s a gathering or special occasion you make? That’s this recipe. These peppermint chocolate brownies are pure brownie heaven. Thicky, fudgy, and oh so decadent. The best part…they’re both dairy and gluten-free!

Which makes these brownies even better for gatherings as you never know who’s going to show up and what kind of food allergy/issue they might have. No one will even notice though because they’ll be too busy stuffing their mouths with these dreamy squares of peppermint chocolate delight!


Note: This post contains affiliate links to which I earn a small commission, but don’t worry there’s no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting CAKED by Katie.

Brownie Batter Basics

Let’s start by melting the cocoa powder, chocolate chips, butter, and espresso powder in a pot over medium-low heat. Give it a stir every once in a while to keep it melting even. Once it has fully melted and is as smooth as a you-know-what 😉 take it off the heat and let it cool while you start to prepare the brownie batter.

Get out the mixer and start whisking up the brown sugar, eggs, and peppermint extract on low. Once it’s combined crank that mixer up to high and let it go for 5-10 minutes or until the mixture lightens in colour and becomes fluffy and glossy.

Folding: Gentle Does It

Next, pour in the melted chocolate mixture into the whipped eggs and sugar and gently fold together. Don’t rush this process as you want to keep as much air in the batter as possible. Slow and steady is going to win this brownie race.

Once everything is folded in harmoniously grab your sifter and sift in the cornstarch and salt. Again, gently fold it together. You’re now ready to bake so pour that delicious peppermint brownie batter into a lined and sprayed 8×8 baking pan and into the oven, it goes!

Fudgy-ness Know How

The trick to a fudgy brownie is taking them out when the center is a tad bit un-baked so keep an eye on them once you hit the 20-minute mark and remove them once a toothpick comes out with a few bits of brownie batter on it. While these decadent bites of brownie perfection cool in the pan, whip up the dairy-free peppermint frosting and you’ll soon be basking in the perfection of these glorious Peppermint Chocolate Brownies.

Are you a chocolate addict? If so, these are some chocolate-loving recipes just for you:

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Peppermint Chocolate Brownies


  • Author: Katie
  • Total Time: 45 Minutes
  • Yield: 16 Squares 1x

Description

Rich and fudgy dairy-free and gluten-free peppermint chocolate frosted brownies.

**Recipe adapted from Sugared & Stirred Grain-Free Orange Brownies


Ingredients

Scale

PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE BROWNIES:

  • ½ cup dairy-free butter, room temperature

  • 1 ½ cups dairy-free chocolate chips

  • ⅓ cup cocoa powder

  • 3 tsp. instant espresso powder

  • 3 eggs, large

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • 1 tsp. peppermint emulsion or extract

  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

  • ⅓ cup cornstarch

  • 1 tsp. fine sea salt

PEPPERMINT FROSTING:


Instructions

EQUIPMENT:

 

PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE BROWNIES:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray and parchment line an 8×8 baking pan.

  2. Heat the butter, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and instant espresso powder over medium heat until fully melted and smooth. Remove from the heat

  3. In the bowl of a stand mixer whip the eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint emulsion on medium speed for 5-10 until the color has lightened and is fluffy.

  4. Slowly pour in the melted chocolate and gently fold it together with a spatula.

  5. Sift in the cornstarch and salt and gently fold together until fully combined.

  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. A toothpick should come out of the center with a bit of batter.

  7. Allow to fully cool in the pan before frosting.

PEPPERMINT FROSTING:

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer beat the butter on high until light and fluffy.

  2. Add in the icing sugar, salt, milk, and peppermint emulsion and mix on low until combined.

  3. Turn the mixer up to high and beat until fluffy.

  4. Frost the fully cooled brownies and top with sprinkles if so desired. Enjoy!

  • Prep Time: 20 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 Minutes
  • Category: Squares
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Square
  • Calories: 292
  • Sugar: 32 Grams
  • Sodium: 187 Miligrams
  • Fat: 15 Grams
  • Saturated Fat: 9 Grams
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 Grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 Grams
  • Carbohydrates: 38 Grams
  • Fiber: 2 Grams
  • Protein: 3 Grams
  • Cholesterol: 57 Miligrams

Keywords: baking, brownies, peppermint brownies, peppermint, dairy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free brownies, gluten-free brownies