Decadent Peppermint Patty Brownies: Your Ultimate Guide to a Rich Mint-Chocolate Delight

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary treat with these **Peppermint Patty Brownies** – a true embodiment of rich, restaurant-quality dessert that you can effortlessly create right in the comfort of your own home. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey brownie, its deep chocolate flavor perfectly complemented by a cool, refreshing burst of peppermint. This recipe takes convenience to a new level by utilizing a simple boxed brownie mix as its foundation, making it incredibly easy to prepare while delivering an impressive flavor profile that will surely delight any crowd. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a luxurious dessert in your pajamas, these brownies are the ideal choice for a decadent, mint-chocolate indulgence.

The Inspiration Behind These Peppermint Patty Brownies

The journey to perfecting these irresistible Peppermint Patty Brownies began during a recent visit to my grandparents’ cozy home in Massachusetts. One lazy afternoon, I found myself sprawled on their kitchen floor, captivated by the worn pages of my grandmother’s vintage cookbooks. It was there, amidst recipes from a bygone era, that I unearthed a fascinating peppermint patty brownie recipe dating back to the 1950s.

Back then, convenience was king in the kitchen, and my grandmother fondly recalled how boxed brownie and cake mixes were all the rage. The original recipe from the cookbook was quite straightforward: it called for using a standard boxed brownie mix and then, after baking, simply pouring melted Peppermint Patties candy over the cooled brownies. While a classic approach, I couldn’t help but ponder how to elevate this concept, infusing the minty goodness throughout every bite.

Of course, for those who relish the art of from-scratch baking, you could certainly opt for your own homemade brownie recipe. However, for sheer convenience and a real-time saver, especially when time is of the essence, a quality boxed brownie mix is an absolute lifesaver. It allows you to focus on the exciting part – transforming a simple mix into something truly spectacular.

One of my personal philosophies in the kitchen is to minimize cleanup. The idea of melting candy separately and then drizzling it seemed like an extra step that could lead to more dishes and potential sticky messes. This thought sparked an idea: what if, instead of simply pouring melted candy over the top, the chopped Peppermint Patties were mixed directly into the brownie batter itself before baking? This simple modification promised a more integrated flavor, a richer texture, and, most importantly, fewer dishes!

The results of this little experiment were nothing short of amazing! By incorporating the chopped Peppermint Patties directly into the mix, they gently melt and meld with the chocolate during baking, creating an incredibly rich, fudge-like brownie with a delightful, subtle hint of mint in every bite. This method not only deepens the flavor but also ensures a more uniform distribution of that signature peppermint coolness. And as an added bonus, my kitchen remained much cleaner – no melted candy mess to scrub away!

Ingredients You Will Need:

Crafting these delectable brownies requires just a few key components, many of which you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility, making a gourmet-style dessert achievable for any home baker.

• 1 box brownie mix: Choose your favorite brand of rich, chocolatey brownie mix. Ensure you also have the additional ingredients specified on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water). This forms the foundation of our brownies, providing a reliable and consistently delicious base.
• 1 cup chopped Peppermint Patties candy: This is where the magic happens! The peppermint patties will melt into the batter, infusing a refreshing mint flavor and contributing to a wonderfully gooey texture. Chopping them ensures even distribution throughout the brownies.
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: A secret weapon for enhancing the minty freshness. This extract boosts the flavor profile, ensuring that distinct peppermint taste shines through without being overwhelming.
• Chocolate syrup: For an optional but highly recommended garnish. A generous drizzle of chocolate syrup adds an extra layer of chocolatey richness and a beautiful presentation.
• Fresh mint and a handful of chopped Peppermint Patties for garnish: These garnishes add a professional touch and provide visual appeal, hinting at the delightful flavors within. The fresh mint adds a vibrant color and aromatic freshness, while extra chopped patties provide a textural contrast and reinforce the main flavor.

These Tools Will Be Handy:

Having the right tools can make the baking process even smoother and more enjoyable. These essential kitchen items will ensure you can whip up your peppermint patty brownies with ease.

• 8×8 baking pan: The perfect size for a batch of these brownies, yielding thick, satisfying squares. A light-colored metal pan is often best for even baking.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least one large mixing bowl to combine your brownie batter. Stainless steel or glass bowls are excellent choices for their durability and ease of cleaning.
• Electric mixer: While you can certainly mix by hand, an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) makes light work of preparing the brownie batter, ensuring a smooth and consistent mixture.
• Sharp knife: Essential for neatly chopping your peppermint patties and for cleanly slicing the cooled brownies. A clean, sharp edge prevents tearing and crumbling.
• Cutting board: To protect your countertops while chopping the peppermint patties.
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in the chopped candies.

The baking process for these Peppermint Patty Brownies is wonderfully straightforward. First, preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your brownie mix box. Grease and flour your 8×8 baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup (more on this in the tips section!). In a large mixing bowl, prepare your chosen brownie mix according to the package directions. This usually involves combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. As you’re mixing, incorporate the 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. This addition is crucial; it elevates the mint flavor, giving your brownies that signature cool freshness that complements the rich chocolate so perfectly.

Once your batter is smooth and well-combined, it’s time for the star ingredient: gently fold in the 1 cup of chopped Peppermint Patties candy. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; just ensure the pieces are evenly distributed. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake as directed on the box, which is typically around 50 minutes. Keep an eye on the brownies; a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, for that perfect gooey texture.

During baking, the chopped Peppermint Patties will melt beautifully into the brownie batter, creating pockets of luscious, minty goodness and contributing to an incredibly rich, fudge-like texture. Your kitchen will be filled with the most enticing aroma of chocolate and peppermint – a true delight!

Once baked, the most challenging part is cooling. It is absolutely essential to cool the brownies completely before attempting to cut them. Warm brownies tend to be very crumbly and difficult to slice cleanly, often leading to a messy outcome. Allowing them to cool and firm up results in much cleaner, more appealing squares. However, for the ultimate experience, I highly recommend warming them briefly in the microwave before serving. This revives their gooey texture and enhances the melted mint flavor, making them taste as if they just came out of the oven.

To truly elevate your Peppermint Patty Brownies, presentation is key. A simple yet elegant garnish can transform them from a casual treat into a dessert fit for any occasion. A generous drizzle of rich chocolate syrup adds another layer of decadent flavor and a glossy finish. Sprinkling a few extra chopped Peppermint Patties on top not only hints at the deliciousness within but also provides a delightful textural contrast. Finally, a sprig of fresh mint leaf placed on each brownie adds a vibrant pop of color and an aromatic freshness that perfectly complements the cool mint and deep chocolate. These garnishes are not just beautiful; they are a delicious enhancement to an already incredible dessert.

Kitchen Tips for Perfect Peppermint Patty Brownies:

Achieving brownie perfection is all about the details. Here are some invaluable tips to ensure your Peppermint Patty Brownies turn out incredibly delicious every time:

1. Bake and Take Convenience: If you’re planning to bake these brownies for a potluck, picnic, or to share with friends, using a baking pan that comes with a lid is a game-changer. Like this one, these pans allow for easy transport and keep your brownies fresh. Simply bake and cool the brownies, then cover the pan. Bring your chocolate syrup, extra chopped peppermint patties, and fresh mint garnishes in separate small containers, and top the brownies just before serving at your destination. This ensures they look their best and the garnishes remain fresh.
2. Effortless Lifting and Slicing: For impeccably cut brownies without the struggle, line your baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends over the sides of the pan. These overhangs will act as convenient “handles” once the brownies are baked and cooled. You can then easily lift the entire slab of brownies out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. This method allows for precise, even slices and protects the bottom of your pan from scratches, making cleanup a breeze.
3. Smart Candy Shopping: When purchasing Peppermint Patties for this recipe, consider buying the larger, individually wrapped candies often found near the checkout counters of grocery stores. While bags of smaller, bite-sized patties might seem convenient, they often require significantly more unwrapping, which can be tedious. Opting for the larger ones means fewer wrappers to deal with and quicker prep time.
4. Don’t Skimp on Cooling: I know the temptation to cut into warm brownies is strong, but truly, resist it! As mentioned, allowing brownies to cool completely (even chilling them in the fridge for 30 minutes) makes them much denser and easier to cut into neat squares. This also helps the peppermint flavor to fully develop and integrate.
5. Storage Suggestions: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and chewiness. If you prefer them a bit firmer, they can also be stored in the refrigerator.
6. Serving Temperature Matters: While cooling is crucial for cutting, these brownies are truly at their best when slightly warm. A quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave for each individual brownie will bring back that glorious gooey texture and really make the mint flavor sing.

More Delicious Chocolate Recipes:

If your heart beats for chocolate, these Peppermint Patty Brownies are just the beginning! Here are some other delightful chocolate-infused desserts that are sure to satisfy your cravings and expand your baking repertoire:

• Chocolate Spritz Cookies – From Fireflies & Mud Pies, these classic buttery cookies get a rich chocolate twist, perfect for any holiday or everyday treat.
• French Silk Brownies – Crazy for Crust brings you a truly decadent experience with these brownies, topped with a luscious, creamy French silk filling that melts in your mouth.
• Fudge Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting – A match made in heaven! Rich, fudgy brownies paired with a creamy, dreamy peanut butter frosting that’s simply irresistible.
• Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies – Indulge in the best of both worlds with these brownies, featuring swirls of tangy cheesecake baked into a rich chocolate base.
• Fudge Frosted Espresso Brownies – For coffee and chocolate lovers, these brownies combine deep chocolate flavor with a hint of espresso, all topped with a silky fudge frosting.

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make these incredible Peppermint Patty Brownies. If you loved this recipe, you might want to explore some of my other amazing brownie recipes for more chocolatey goodness! And for those who adore the cool, refreshing taste of mint, don’t miss all of my delightful peppermint and candy cane recipes!

Peppermint Patty Brownies

Indulge in these rich, mint-infused chocolate brownies – the perfect restaurant-style dessert you can easily make at home for any craving!

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For optimal results and additional tips, be sure to read the full blog post above!

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Course: Desserts

Author: Amanda Davis

Ingredients

• ▢ Boxed Brownie Mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
• ▢ 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• ▢ 1 cup chopped Peppermint Patties
• ▢ Garnish: Chocolate syrup chopped Peppermint Patties, and fresh mint

Instructions

• Preheat oven and prepare your 8×8 baking pan as directed on your brownie mix box (grease and flour, or line with parchment paper).
• Prepare the brownie mix in a large bowl according to the package directions, incorporating the specified eggs, oil, and water. While mixing, add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract for enhanced flavor.
• Gently stir in the 1 cup of chopped Peppermint Patties candy until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan.
• Bake the brownies as directed on the box, typically around 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
• Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Cooling ensures clean, neat slices.
• Serve warm (briefly microwave individual pieces if desired), topped with a drizzle of chocolate syrup, a sprinkle of extra chopped Peppermint Patties, and a fresh mint leaf for garnish.

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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.