Peppermint Brownies
Frosted Peppermint Brownies combine the richness of a classic brownie with the refreshing flavor of peppermint. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a festive, minty dessert. The brownies are topped with a smooth, creamy peppermint frosting and garnished with crushed mint candies for added texture and flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for a sweet gift, or simply want a special dessert, these brownies will delight anyone who tries them.
Preparation Phase
Before beginning, gather all the ingredients and tools. Ensure you have ample time to let the brownies cool before frosting them. You’ll need about 2 hours and 20 minutes in total, but the hands-on prep time is only around 15 minutes.
Tools to Use
- 9-inch square pan: This is the perfect size for baking the brownies. The pan should be greased or sprayed to prevent sticking and to allow for easy removal.
- Mixing bowls: You will need a small bowl for mixing the frosting and extract and a larger bowl for preparing the brownie batter (if the package doesn’t suggest using the same bowl).
- Spatula or butter knife: For spreading the frosting evenly over the brownies.
- Cooling rack: Used to allow the brownies to cool quickly and evenly.
- Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate measurement of ingredients like the extract and food color.
- Refrigerator: Optional, but helps to set the frosting and make cutting the brownies easier.
Importance of Each Tool:
- 9-inch square pan: Ensures the brownies bake to the right thickness and size.
- Mixing bowls: Keeping ingredients separate prevents mixing errors and ensures each part of the recipe is well-prepared.
- Cooling rack: Helps the brownies cool faster and evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.
- Spatula/knife: Ensures the frosting is applied smoothly, making the dessert look neat and appealing.
- Refrigerator: Chilling the brownies briefly ensures that the frosting sets without being too soft and helps when slicing the brownies into neat squares.
Ingredients
- 1 box (16 oz) Betty Crocker™ Delights Supreme Original Brownie Mix: This is the base for the brownies. It provides all the dry ingredients, so all you need is water, oil, and an egg.
- Water, oil, and egg: Follow the instructions on the brownie mix box for these ingredients, which are essential for binding the dry ingredients and creating the right brownie texture.
- 1 1/4 cups Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting: Used for the top layer of the brownies, this frosting creates a smooth, creamy base that pairs perfectly with the mint flavor.
- 1/8 teaspoon peppermint or mint extract: Adds the refreshing mint flavor to the frosting, making it the signature taste of these brownies.
- Green or pink gel food color: This adds a festive touch to the frosting. You can use either color based on your preference or to match holiday themes.
- Peppermint or spearmint candies (crushed, optional): These provide texture, a stronger mint flavor, and a visually appealing crunch when sprinkled over the frosting.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (325°F if using a dark or nonstick pan).
- Grease the bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan with shortening or cooking spray.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions. This usually involves combining the dry mix with water, oil, and an egg.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake according to the package directions, usually for 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely on a cooling rack. This will take about 1 1/2 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Frosting
- In a small bowl, combine the Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting, peppermint extract, and food coloring (green or pink). Stir together until the frosting is smooth and evenly colored.
- Adjust the color and mint extract to your taste preference. You can add more extract if you want a stronger mint flavor.
Step 3: Frost the Brownies
- Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the prepared frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or butter knife.
- For extra festive flair, sprinkle crushed peppermint or spearmint candies over the frosting. This not only adds flavor but also provides a nice crunch and visual appeal.
Step 4: Set the Frosting
- For easier cutting, refrigerate the brownies for about 15 minutes to allow the frosting to set. This helps the frosting stay in place when slicing.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
- Once the frosting is set, cut the brownies into 16 squares (4 rows by 4 rows).
- Store any leftovers covered at room temperature.
Additional Tips
- Holiday Presentation: Cut the brownies into smaller, bite-sized pieces and serve them in holiday-themed paper liners for easy pickup.
- Make-Ahead Option: These brownies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
- Variation: Try using chocolate peppermint candies or even crushed candy canes instead of regular mint candies for a more seasonal touch.
Serving Suggestions
Frosted Peppermint Brownies are a festive and sweet treat that can stand alone, but here are a few fun ideas for serving them in different ways:
- Serve with a Hot Beverage: These brownies pair wonderfully with hot beverages such as peppermint hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. The minty flavor of the brownies complements the warmth of the drinks perfectly.
- Holiday Platter: Arrange the brownies on a dessert platter alongside other holiday treats like cookies, gingerbread, or sugar cookies for a festive dessert spread.
- Individual Desserts: For a neat and elegant presentation, cut the brownies into small, bite-sized squares and serve them in holiday-themed cupcake liners or small paper cups for easy pick-up at parties or gatherings.
- Ice Cream Topping: A scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream would pair perfectly with these brownies. Serve the brownie topped with a dollop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce: For extra richness, drizzle warm chocolate sauce or hot fudge over the brownies before serving. This adds a gooey texture that complements the minty frosting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
- Not Allowing Brownies to Cool Completely:
- Mistake: If you frost the brownies before they are completely cool, the frosting may melt or slide off, and the texture of the brownies may change.
- How to Perfect: Always let the brownies cool completely on a cooling rack for about 1 1/2 hours before frosting them. This ensures the frosting stays intact and doesn’t slide off the warm brownies.
- Overbaking the Brownies:
- Mistake: If the brownies are baked for too long, they may become dry and crumbly.
- How to Perfect: Check the brownies by inserting a toothpick into the center around the recommended baking time. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done. Start checking a minute or two before the recipe’s suggested time to prevent overbaking.
- Too Much Food Coloring:
- Mistake: Using too much food coloring can overpower the flavor and make the frosting unnaturally vibrant.
- How to Perfect: Use gel food coloring (as recommended) and add it gradually. A little goes a long way, so just add a few drops and stir until you reach your desired color. This keeps the frosting’s flavor and texture intact.
- Using the Wrong Type of Extract:
- Mistake: If you use regular mint extract instead of peppermint extract, the flavor may be different from what you expect. Additionally, using too much extract can cause the flavor to become overpowering.
- How to Perfect: Stick with peppermint extract for the classic mint flavor. Start with a small amount (1/8 teaspoon) and adjust to your taste. You can always add more if needed.
- Not Chilling the Frosting:
- Mistake: If the frosting isn’t set, it may smear when you cut the brownies, making them look messy.
- How to Perfect: Once you’ve frosted the brownies, chill them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to let the frosting firm up before slicing. This will make cutting the brownies easier and more precise.
- Not Using a Non-Stick Pan or Greasing the Pan:
- Mistake: If the pan isn’t properly greased or if you’re using a dark or non-stick pan, the brownies might stick to the bottom or burn on the edges.
- How to Perfect: Grease the pan with cooking spray or shortening, or line it with parchment paper to ensure the brownies come out easily. If you use a dark pan, reduce the temperature to 325°F to avoid overbaking.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Brownie Batter: When mixing the brownie batter, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense or tough brownies.
- Adjust the Mint Flavor: If you love a strong mint flavor, you can increase the amount of peppermint extract in the frosting slightly, but be careful not to overdo it, as peppermint extract can be quite potent.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is more concentrated than liquid food coloring, so you’ll need less of it to achieve the desired color. It also won’t alter the consistency of the frosting.
- For Extra Minty Flavor: Consider adding a few chopped mint leaves or crushed mint candies into the brownie batter for an extra burst of mint in every bite.
- Chill the Frosting: Refrigerating the brownies for a short time after frosting will help the frosting set and make cutting easier.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: After the brownies have cooled and the frosting has set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Refrigerator: If you want the brownies to last a bit longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week. However, the frosting may firm up more than desired, so allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezer: If you have leftovers or want to make a batch ahead of time, you can freeze the brownies for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to serve, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before frosting and cutting.
Reheating Instructions
While these brownies are best enjoyed fresh, here are some tips if you’d like to warm them up:
- Microwave: Place a brownie on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. This will soften the frosting slightly and warm the brownie.
- Oven: To reheat multiple brownies, place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-8 minutes. Cover them loosely with foil to prevent the frosting from browning.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Warming the brownies slightly and serving them with a scoop of ice cream can create a delicious contrast between the warm brownie and cold ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! These brownies can be made a day or two in advance. Allow them to cool completely, frost them, and then store them covered at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
2. Can I use a different frosting instead of Betty Crocker vanilla frosting?
Absolutely! If you want a homemade touch, you can use cream cheese frosting or buttercream frosting. Just make sure to add the peppermint extract and food coloring for that minty flavor and festive look.
3. Can I use a different extract?
While peppermint extract is ideal, you could substitute it with mint extract or even vanilla extract for a different flavor. However, peppermint provides that signature holiday flavor.
4. Can I add other toppings besides crushed peppermint candies?
Yes! Feel free to add crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, crushed Oreo cookies, or even mini marshmallows for additional texture and flavor. Get creative with what you have on hand!
5. How do I make the brownies gluten-free?
To make the brownies gluten-free, use a gluten-free brownie mix. Many brands offer gluten-free options that are just as delicious. Just follow the instructions on the package and proceed with the frosting as directed.
6. Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can freeze the brownies. For best results, freeze the brownies before frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and store in an airtight container. When ready to serve, let them thaw, then frost them and serve.
7. What’s the best way to cut brownies neatly?
For clean, neat cuts, make sure the brownies are completely cooled. Use a sharp knife, and wipe the blade between cuts to avoid the frosting sticking to it. You can also refrigerate them for 15 minutes before cutting to make them firmer and easier to slice.
