Peppermint Brownies

These Frosted Peppermint Brownies are a festive twist on a classic dessert! With the rich, fudgy base of brownies topped with a smooth peppermint-infused frosting and a sprinkle of crushed mint candies, they’re the perfect treat for the holidays. The peppermint flavor combined with the brownie’s chocolatey richness creates a delightful, refreshing bite that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re easy to make with just a few simple ingredients!

Ingredients:

• 1 box (16 oz) Betty Crocker™ Delights Supreme Original Brownie Mix
• Water, oil, and egg (as called for on the brownie mix box)
• 1 1/4 cups Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy Vanilla Frosting (from a 16 oz container)
• 1/8 teaspoon mint or peppermint extract
• Gel food color (green or pink)
• Peppermint or spearmint candies, crushed (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (or 325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Grease the bottom of a 9-inch square pan with shortening or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Brownie Mix:
   Follow the instructions on the brownie mix box, adding the required water, oil, and egg. Mix and pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
3. Bake the Brownies:
   Bake the brownies as directed on the box (typically around 20-25 minutes). After baking, allow the brownies to cool completely on a cooling rack, which should take about 1 1/2 hours.
4. Make the Peppermint Frosting:
   While the brownies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a small bowl, mix together the vanilla frosting, mint or peppermint extract, and food color (green or pink) until smooth.
5. Frost the Brownies:
   Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the peppermint frosting evenly over the top of the brownies.
6. Add the Minty Touch:
   If desired, sprinkle the crushed peppermint or spearmint candies over the frosted brownies for an added crunch and extra minty flavor.
7. Set the Frosting:
   For easier cutting, refrigerate the brownies for about 15 minutes until the frosting has set.
8. Cut and Serve:
   After the frosting has set, cut the brownies into 4 rows by 4 rows (16 brownies in total). Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Tips:

• For easier serving, cut the brownies into bite-sized pieces and place them in holiday-themed paper liners.
• You can adjust the amount of peppermint extract based on how strong you want the mint flavor to be

Recipe Tips:

• Customize the Color: Use the gel food color to make the frosting match your holiday theme—green for Christmas or pink for a fun twist!
• Make Ahead: These brownies can be made ahead of time. After frosting, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Cutting Tip: If you want perfectly neat cuts, use a warm knife (dip it in hot water and dry it off) to slice through the brownies. This helps avoid squishing the brownies or frosting.
• Candy Alternatives: If you don’t have peppermint candies, you can use crushed chocolate-covered peppermint patties, or even sprinkles for a colorful touch.

Nutritional Information (per brownie):

• Calories: 240
• Calories from Fat: 80
• Total Fat: 9g (14% of Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 2 1/2g (12% of Daily Value)
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 10mg (4% of Daily Value)
• Sodium: 140mg (6% of Daily Value)
• Potassium: 15mg (0% of Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 38g (13% of Daily Value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 28g
• Protein: 1g
• Iron: 8% of Daily Value
• Vitamin A: 0%
• Vitamin C: 0%
• Calcium: 0%

Exchanges:

• 2 1/2 Other Carbohydrates
• 2 Fat

Serving Suggestions:

1. Holiday Treats Platter: Arrange these peppermint brownies on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats like sugar cookies, gingerbread, and chocolate truffles for a well-rounded dessert table.
2. With Hot Beverages: Serve them with a cup of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or coffee to complement the minty flavors.
3. Top with Ice Cream: Serve these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert. The cold ice cream pairs perfectly with the sweet, minty frosting.
4. In Mini Portions: Cut the brownies into smaller, bite-sized squares and place them in decorative holiday paper liners. This makes them easy to serve at parties or gatherings.
5. Garnish with Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate or a bit of chocolate syrup over the brownies before serving for a decadent finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe:

1. Not Letting Brownies Cool Completely: If you frost the brownies while they are still warm, the frosting can melt. Let the brownies cool for about 1 1/2 hours before adding the frosting to keep the texture intact.
   • How to Perfect It: Ensure the brownies are fully cooled by testing with a toothpick—there should be no warm spots in the center when you touch them.
2. Overmixing the Frosting: If you overmix the frosting, it could become too thin or lose its smooth texture.
   • How to Perfect It: Mix the frosting gently, just until the peppermint extract and food coloring are fully incorporated, so you don’t risk thinning it out or changing its consistency.
3. Too Much Peppermint Extract: Peppermint extract can be quite strong, and too much can make the frosting taste overly sharp or artificial.
   • How to Perfect It: Start with the suggested amount (1/8 teaspoon) and taste the frosting. Add a little more if you like, but go slow to avoid overpowering the flavor.
4. Using the Wrong Pan Size: Using a pan that’s too small or too large can affect the texture of your brownies. If your pan is too small, the brownies will be too thick and may underbake. If it’s too large, they may bake too quickly and turn out dry.
   • How to Perfect It: Stick to the recommended 9-inch square pan. If you need to adjust for a different pan, you may need to modify the baking time.
5. Not Setting the Frosting: If you skip refrigerating the frosted brownies for 15 minutes before cutting, the frosting may be too soft and could squish or slide off.
   • How to Perfect It: Let the frosted brownies chill in the fridge briefly to ensure the frosting firms up and is easier to cut without making a mess.

Side Dish Recommendations:

To round out the dessert, you can pair these Frosted Peppermint Brownies with some complementary side dishes:

1. Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits like oranges, cranberries, and pomegranate will balance out the rich, chocolatey brownies.
2. Cheese Platter: For a savory contrast, serve these brownies with a cheese platter, including mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese, along with some crackers. The creamy, tangy cheeses are a nice contrast to the sweet brownies.
3. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream (perhaps with a hint of vanilla or cinnamon) will complement the brownies without overwhelming the peppermint flavor.
4. Spiced Nuts: Offer some roasted, spiced nuts (like cinnamon almonds or candied pecans) for a crunchy and savory contrast to the soft and rich brownies.
5. Hot Beverage Pairings: Along with hot cocoa or peppermint tea, you could serve a warm chai latte or a spiced apple cider to add a cozy, comforting touch to the dessert spread.

Recipe Tips:

1. Frosting Texture: If the frosting becomes too thick after refrigerating, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then spread it easily over the brownies.
2. Adjusting Mint Flavor: If you prefer a milder mint taste, start with less peppermint extract and taste the frosting before adding more.
3. Crushed Candies: For a more even distribution, crush the peppermint candies using a rolling pin or food processor before sprinkling them over the frosting.
4. Flavor Twist: For a fun variation, try adding a few tablespoons of crushed Oreo cookies or chocolate chips into the brownie batter before baking to create a mint-chocolate crunch.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions:

Storage:

• At Room Temperature: Store the frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will stay fresh and soft.
• In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate the brownies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating:

• If you prefer warm brownies, simply heat individual squares in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
• If the frosting softens during reheating, you can reapply a fresh layer of frosting after warming the brownies, or simply enjoy them without the frosting for a more cake-like experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1: Can I use a different flavor of frosting?

• Yes! You can use chocolate, cream cheese, or any other flavor of frosting you prefer. For a fun twist, try using mint chocolate chip frosting or a rich ganache.

Q2: Can I use a different type of candy topping?

• Absolutely! Instead of peppermint candies, you can use crushed chocolate-covered mints, holiday sprinkles, or even chopped nuts like almonds or pecans.

Q3: Can I make the brownies from scratch instead of using a boxed mix?

• Yes, you can make brownies from scratch using your favorite brownie recipe. Just ensure they are baked to the correct consistency before frosting.

Q4: Can I double the recipe to make more brownies?

• Yes! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger pan, such as a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly (longer baking time), so check for doneness with a toothpick.

Q5: Can I add other flavorings to the frosting?

• Yes, feel free to experiment! A dash of vanilla extract or even a little cocoa powder in the frosting could complement the peppermint flavor nicely.

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