Why peppermint hot cocoa brownies?
Honestly, foodie friends, this is my favorite seasonal flavor combo- even more so than pumpkin spice!
There’s nothing better than a creamy cup of hot cocoa on a cold night! This brownie is just that… but in dessert form! My favorite holiday tradition is watching Christmas movies with my family why enjoying hot cocoa out of our Disney resort mugs. It’s like bringing a little of the magic home with us. Now we have a new dessert to pair the cocoa with.
I have made other desserts with this flavor combo, but this is the first time I’ve used it for a brownie. I’m loving the hint of cool peppermint, the crunchy crushed candy canes, and the deep, rich chocolatey goodness in every bite.
Last of the brownie recipes… for 2020!
Sadly, it’s the final inspiration from Food Network Magazine’s “A Year of Brownies”. It’s my favorite, up there with the “Irish Whiskey mug brownie ” and the “Cookie Jar Brownie”. If you tried any of these recipes, let me know!
Although this peppermint hot cocoa brownie recipe is called a brownie, it reminds me more of cake. It’s topped with peppermint buttercream, sprinkled with crunchy crushed candy cane topping, and bakes up nice and tall in the 9×13 baking dish. After cutting a slice, you’ll see. It’s so decadent and so pretty! Serve yourself a big piece and enjoy on a fancy plate with a fork and cup of coffee!
My inspiration for this recipe was, of course, the magazine piece from earlier this year. It’s been tweaked a bit, and I added my own personal favorite buttercream recipe. What’s a cake without sprinkles? Toss some fun holiday sprinkles in with the crushed candy cane topping!
Now get into YOUR kitchen and bake up a batch or two over the holidays!
PEPPERMINT HOT COCOA BROWNIES
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 sticks butter
- 8 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup milk
Peppermint Buttercream Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 4-5 cups powdered sugar
- 2-4 tbsp milk
- 2 tsp peppermint extract
Instructions
Brownie
- Pre heat oven to 325.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 in. baking dish.
- Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda,and salt in bowl.
- On stovetop in saucepan, , melt butter and chocolate chips on low heat until melted. Remove from heat and add in eggs one at a time until incorporated. Add vanilla and milk.
- Add the chocolate mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Spread batter into prepared pan and bake 35-40 mins. or until toothpick in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on cooling rack.
Peppermint Buttercream Frosting
- Combine all ingredients in standing mixer (or bowl and use hand mixer) . Beat until frosting is spreadable consistency.
- When brownies are completely cooled, spread frosting over top using offset spatula. Sprinkle with crush candy canes or peppermint candies and your favorite festive sprinkles.
Check out last week’s post, Spiced Nut Mix!
Happy Holidays!
