Easy Peppermint Patty Brownies
Homemade peppermint patty brownies start with a rich, fudgy brownie layer and have chewy Peppermint Patty candies tucked inside that middle layer.
As far as kids are concerned, a cookie may be good but a cookie filled with candy is BETTER. The same goes for brownies. Why bake a plain chocolate brownie when you can fill it with York peppermint patties??
When I asked my girls what was the One Thing they really wanted to do to celebrate Christmas, my older daughter immediately responded: "Bake your peppermint brownies!"
Since I have dozens of Christmas cookies and treats to choose from, I was surprised that this was her first pick but, they are just that good. Try them yourself and see!
Why This is the Best Recipe
- From Scratch Brownies: Yes, you could make these with a store-bought boxed brownie mix, but the from-scratch brownie batter tastes soooo much better and doesn't take long to stir together at all.
- Decadent and Chewy: Homemade brownies with chocolate peppermint patties tucked inside are downright fudgy. I love the chewy texture of each bite.
- Festive and Easy: They are filled with the perfect festive holiday flavor, an perfect upgrade from regular brownies for the holidays when you're time is limited and you need an easy treat NOW.
Ingredients
- Mini Peppermint Patties: I buy the bags of individually wrapped peppermint patty candies.
- Butter
- Chocolate Chips
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- Eggs
- Flour
- Sugar
- Kosher Salt
Make the Brownie Batter
Measure the flour and unsweetened cocoa powder into a small mixing bowl and whisk them together. Set aside.
Place the chocolate chips and diced butter in a large microwave-safe bowl.
By cutting the butter into smaller chunks, you'll help it melt faster so that you don't overcook your chocolate chips.
Heat the mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds and then stir it. Heat again in 20 - 30 second increments until the butter is just melted and the chocolate smooths out when you stir it.
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Add the sugar and salt to the bowl of melted chocolate chips and whisk it in.
Add the eggs into the chocolate and whisk them in.
Pour the prepared flour-cocoa powder mixture into the bowl and use a spatula to stir them together until just combined. Do not over stir the batter.
Assemble the Brownies
Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so that you can lift the baked brownies out of the pan easily later.
Scrape just half of the brownie batter into the bottom of the pan and smooth it out into the corners.
Arrange the peppermint patty candies evenly over the top of the batter. It helps to do this in neat rows so you can remember where they are when you want to test the doneness of the brownie batter with a toothpick later.
Scrape the remaining half of the brownie batter over the top and smooth it evenly.
Baking Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Bake the brownies for 35 - 40 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the brownie layer, it should come out clean.
Be careful: If you prick a candy, what you see on the toothpick may be melted chocolate from the peppermint patty. I try to poke where I know is between a row of candies.
Let the pan of brownies cool completely before lifting out the parchment paper to slice them into squares. You want the chocolate candies to firm back up inside the warm brownie layers or your squares will fall apart when you slice them.
Make Ahead Tips
These fudgy brownies taste the best on the day you've prepared them but will definitely keep well for up to 2 days if you prefer to bake them in advance.
We like to store them in an airtight container at room temperature but you could also freeze them if you like to do your holiday baking far in advance.
Serving Suggestions
Our family often bakes these brownies as a Christmas Eve dessert but they'd be an excellent choice to bring to a cookie exchange or Christmas potluck party since they travel so well.
The minty layer of candy makes them a delicious option for a party dessert any time of the year. My kids love them for Valentine's Day or St. Patrick's Day, too.
More Easy Brownie and Cookie Bars
Love brownies and cookie bars? Here are some more easy, kid-friendly treat ideas:
📖 Recipe
Peppermint Patty Brownies
Ingredients
- 16 - 20 mini peppermint patties from 1 (10.1oz) bag
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) butter plus more for the greasing the parchment paper
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or 8 ounces
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8-inch square baking dish by lining it with a piece of parchment paper that is long enough to drape over the sides of the dish. Spread softened butter over the bottom of the parchment paper. Set aside.
- Unwrap the peppermint patties and set aside.
- Measure the flour and cocoa powder into a small bowl and stir them together with a fork. Set the bowl aside.
- Place the chocolate chips and diced butter in a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. Heat them in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between each session. Continue until the butter has just melted and the chocolate can be stirred smoothly.
- Add the sugar and salt to the melted chocolate. Whisk them in.
- Add the eggs to the melted chocolate and whisk them in.
- Pour the prepared flour-cocoa mixture in and use a spatula to gently stir it together until just combined. Do not over mix the batter.
- Pour HALF of the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish. It will be very thick, so you may have to spoon it in carefully. Spread the batter evenly, nudging it into all the corners.
- Place the peppermint patties in a single even layer across the top of the batter.
- Carefully spoon the remaining half of the brownie batter over the peppermint patties. Spread it evenly to form the top crust and tuck all the candies inside.
- Bake the brownies for 35 - 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Be careful that you don't mistake the melted chocolate candy for brownie batter, just prick the top layer for testing.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before you slice them or the layers will fall apart. You want the candies to firm up before slicing.
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