Cozy Indulgence: Fudgy Peppermint Bark Brownies for the Perfect Fall Treat

Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe for Cozy Fall Baking

Introduction

Few desserts capture the comfort of fall baking quite like these Peppermint Bark Brownies. The rich, fudgy chocolate base pairs perfectly with the crisp, refreshing flavor of peppermint, while bits of creamy white chocolate and crunchy peppermint candies add both texture and festive flair. Whether you’re looking for a baking project to cozy up with or a crowd-pleasing treat for holiday gatherings, this recipe brings the bakery into your kitchen with ease.

Irresistibly Festive Peppermint Bark Brownies

What sets these brownies apart is their layered approach to flavor: classic cocoa richness underscored by cool peppermint and accented with a glimmering bark-inspired topping. The result? A treat that feels both indulgent and revitalizing—perfect for those brisk autumn afternoons or holiday dessert tables. Their eye-catching appearance makes them as much a centerpiece as they are a sweet finish.

Crafting the Perfect Peppermint Bark Topping

The secret to achieving that irresistible peppermint bark effect is in the topping: melted white chocolate speckled with crushed peppermint candies. Drizzle the chocolate generously over the baked brownies and scatter crushed candies quickly before the chocolate sets. The contrast of smooth, sweet white chocolate and crisp, minty shards creates a distinctive texture and taste in every bite.

Baking and Finishing Your Peppermint Bark Brownies

Once your brownies have cooled, spread the melted chocolate evenly and add your peppermint pieces. Give the brownies some time to set so the topping hardens—this makes slicing clean squares much easier. For an extra professional touch, use a sharp, warm knife to cut through the chocolate layer, minimizing cracking and ensuring perfect presentation.

Serving Suggestions That Shine

Serve these brownies on a platter garnished with a few extra peppermint candies or alongside mugs of hot cocoa for a complete fall and winter experience. They also make thoughtful gifts; wrap individual squares in parchment and finish with a festive ribbon for a homemade treat everyone will love.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 16 generous brownie squares, with each serving containing roughly 250–290 calories depending on your choice of add-ins and toppings. They’re the ideal seasonal splurge to share.

Peppermint Bark Brownies Recap

With their blend of classic chocolate and festive peppermint, these brownies deliver comfort and celebration in every bite—a must-have for your cozy baking lineup this fall.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
For the Peppermint Bark Topping:
1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips for garnish

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy lifting.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined.
  3. Add the cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  4. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, beating until fully incorporated and mixture is glossy.
  5. Stir in the peppermint extract.
  6. Add the flour and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth into an even layer.
  8. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not raw batter.
  9. Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan on a rack.
  10. Once cool, melt the white chocolate in the microwave (stir every 20 seconds until smooth). Immediately spread over the brownies.
  11. Quickly sprinkle crushed peppermint candies (and optional mini chocolate chips) over the melted chocolate. Gently press in.
  12. Let the pan sit at room temperature or refrigerate until the topping is fully set.
  13. Remove brownies from the pan using the parchment handles. Slice into squares with a sharp, warm knife for clean edges.

Weekly Meal Planning

Make these brownies part of your weekly fall or holiday baking! Save and schedule this recipe in your meal plan to automatically add all ingredients to your smart, sorted shopping list.

Planning Benefits:

– CookifyAI consolidates ingredient quantities across all your planned recipes
– Shopping lists are organized by store section and avoid unnecessary duplicates
– Effortlessly integrates your desserts with other weekly meals and treats
– Eliminates forgotten ingredients and makes weekly meal prep a breeze

Pro tip: Plan your weekly treats alongside dinners and breakfasts by scheduling all recipes, so your shopping list is always complete and perfectly portioned—saving you time and helping reduce food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 32 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus time to cool and set topping)

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