Okay, you guys, get ready for this. These are some of the most important things in life.Peppermint Brownie TruffleI’m talking, hide-them-from-yourself addictive. Every year around the holidays, I find myself craving something rich, chocolatey, and with that, a lot of chocolate. What is peppermint? If you love the classic flavor combo of chocolate and mint, and you’re obsessed with brownies as a kid, then you should try this recipe. I am a little bit of heaven, and these little bites of paradise are about to become your new favorite thing. Think of them as the brownie version of those fancy chocolate mint candies, but way more fun and delicious. What is homemade with love? What are some of the best videos on YouTube?
What is Peppermint Brownie Truffles?
What exactly are we talking about?Peppermint Brownie Truffle? Well, think of it as a super fudgy brownie, infused with peppermint flavor, crumbled up and rolled into adorable little balls, and then dipped in even MORE chocolate and crushed peppermint candies. It’s essentially a deconstructed brownie on overdrive. The origin of the recipe? Honestly, it was born out of a desperate craving and a well-stocked pantry! I had leftover peppermint extract from making candy canes one year and a serious need for chocolate. The result was these little gems, and they’ve become a holiday staple ever since. They’re perfect for gifting, bringing to parties, or just hoarding for yourself. I definitely won’t judge. It’s my favorite time of year!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? There are a million reasons to fall head over heels for these.Peppermint Brownie TruffleFirst and foremost: the flavor explosion! The rich, decadent chocolate is perfectly balanced by the cool, refreshing peppermint. Is it like a party in your mouth? I always use dark chocolate for the brownie base. I have never tried it but I do like it. What makes a difference? What is peppermint extract? Is it like they’re brushing their teeth?
What I love most about these are how easy they are to make. Don’t let the “truffle” name intimidate you. We’re not tempering chocolate or anything like that. What is the recipe for making brownies? What is the best way to make balls by dipping them. Even my kids can help with this recipe (and they love to). What is a perfect weekend baking project that results in an impressive treat?
What is cost-efficiency? You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. Brownies are a pretty inexpensive dessert to begin with, and adding some peppermint extract and some sage will make it taste good. What are some of the best crushed candy canes? What is the best way to buy chocolate truffles from a bakery?
What is the versatility?Peppermint Brownie Trufflein so many ways. Use different kinds of chocolate, add nuts or other candies to the brownie batter, or drizzle them. What is the best way to enjoy white chocolate after dipping? What a perfect treat!
How do I make Peppermint Brownie Truffles?
Quick Overview
Making these Peppermint Brownie TruffleIs baking brownies easier than you think? Once cooled, you’ll crumble them up and mix in some cream cheese and peppermint extract. What is the best way to make chocolate balls? What is the chilling part? Don’t skip it. Is it worth it to do a whole cooking process yourself? What are some of the Best Holiday treats?
Ingredients
For the Brownies: What is your
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I prefer Dutch-processed for a richer flavor)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
* 2 large eggs
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (start with this and add more to taste!)
For the Truffle Coating:
* 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your favorite chocolate)
* 1 tablespoon coconut oil (this helps the chocolate melt smoothly)
* 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. What is best to do with parchment paper? Make sure the parchment overhangs on the sides to easily lift the brownies out. What makes crumbling them easier?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside. This step is important because it ensures that the cocoa powder is evenly distributed and there are no lumps. There will not be any clumps. What is the bitter taste of cocoa?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter and vanilla extract. Set aside. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the peppermint extract and mix until combined. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste. How do I add too much?
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Is it okay to overmix brownies? I like to use a rubber spatula to gently fold the ingredients together. If you like a thick, fudgy mixture, add more water and stir.
Step 5: Bake
How do I spread the batter in a pan? Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Don’t overbake them. They should be fudgy in the middle. I always check my emails at 20 minutes and then add a few minutes at the same time until they’re done.
Step 6: Cool Completely
I know this is the hardest part, but let the brownies cool completely in the pan before crumbling. Is it safe to crumble brownies? I usually let them cool on a wire rack to speed up the process.
Step 7: Crumble & Mix
Once the brownies are completely cool, crumble them into a large bowl and serve. Add the cream cheese and mix well with your hands until a dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or cream at the same time until it comes together. If it’s too wet, add a little more crumbled brownie.
Step 8: Roll into Balls & Chill
Roll the brownie mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on a baking sheet. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 days. What is the first step in your life? When you dip a ball in chocolate, it will hold its shape. Chilling the balls will help them hold their shape better.
Step 9: Melt Chocolate & Dip
While the brownie balls are chilling, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a double boiler or in an airtight container. In the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. How do you dip brownie balls into melted chocolate?
Step 10: Decorate & Set
Immediately sprinkle the dipped truffles with crushed peppermint candies. Place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set completely. You can speed up the process by putting them in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Step 11: Slice & Serve
Once the chocolate is set, these Peppermint Brownie Truffles are ready to serve! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to get fancy, you can serve them on a platter with a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of white chocolate. But honestly, they’re perfect just as they are!
What to Serve It With
These Peppermint Brownie Truffles are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion. Here are some ideas:
For Breakfast: Okay, maybe not *for* breakfast (though I won’t judge!), but these truffles would be amazing alongside a cup of strong coffee or a peppermint mocha. The rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint are the perfect complement to a hot beverage. I like to arrange them on a small plate with a few fresh mint leaves for a pretty presentation.
For Brunch: Elevate your brunch spread by adding a platter of these truffles. They’re a sophisticated and unexpected dessert that your guests will love. Pair them with mimosas or a festive holiday cocktail for an extra special touch.
As Dessert: These Peppermint Brownie Truffles are the perfect after-dinner treat. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. Or, keep it simple and enjoy them on their own with a glass of milk.
For Cozy Snacks: Curl up on the couch with a plate of these truffles and a good book or movie. They’re the Ultimate Comfort Food and are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings on a cold winter night. My kids love to sneak a few of these while we’re watching holiday movies. It’s a family tradition!
My family loves a cup of hot chocolate with these! You can’t go wrong with milk or dark chocolate on a cold evening!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Peppermint Brownie Truffles
Want to take your Peppermint Brownie Truffles to the next level? Here are some of my top tips for achieving perfection:
Cocoa Quality: Use a high-quality cocoa powder for the brownies. I prefer Dutch-processed cocoa powder for its richer, less acidic flavor. It makes a big difference in the overall taste of the truffles!
Extract Measurement: Be careful not to add too much peppermint extract. A little goes a long way, and you don’t want your truffles to taste like toothpaste. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste. I’ve learned this the hard way!
Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the brownie batter! Overmixing will result in tough brownies. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay.
Chilling Time: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the brownie balls before dipping them in chocolate is essential for helping them hold their shape. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Chocolate Melting: Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil slowly and gently to avoid burning. Use a double boiler or melt them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. The coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a nice shine.
Peppermint Customization: Get creative with the crushed peppermint candies! Use different flavors or colors, or mix them with other toppings like sprinkles or chopped nuts. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredient Swaps: These brownie truffles are very flexible! Try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour to make it gluten free! I have found that it adds a nice nutty flavor to them as well! Also, if you are in a pinch and don’t have chocolate chips, try melting down a chocolate bar! Any dark chocolate will work!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make these Peppermint Brownie Truffles ahead of time? Here’s how to store them properly:
Room Temperature: You can store the truffles at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. However, they’re best stored in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent the chocolate from melting.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure they’re tightly sealed to prevent them from drying out. I like to layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the truffles for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning on freezing the truffles, it’s best to wait to dip them in chocolate until after they’ve been thawed. This will prevent the chocolate from cracking or becoming discolored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Peppermint Brownie Truffles are more than just a recipe; they’re a little piece of holiday magic. The combination of rich chocolate, refreshing peppermint, and the sheer joy of making something homemade makes them truly special. Whether you’re gifting them to loved ones or enjoying them yourself, these truffles are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. If you love these, definitely check out my recipes for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies or Gingerbread Loaf – they’re other holiday favorites that are sure to please! Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy baking, everyone!