Magical Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites in 45 Minutes

There’s something magical about holiday baking, isn’t there? The way the kitchen fills with the scent of chocolate and peppermint, the sound of candy canes being crushed by eager little hands—it’s pure Christmas joy. I’ll never forget the first time my kids helped me make Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites. My youngest stood on a step stool, carefully sprinkling crushed candy canes while my oldest licked the spoon with that look of pure chocolate bliss. These festive little treats became our new tradition that day. They’re the perfect combination of fudgy brownie, creamy peppermint chocolate, and that satisfying crunch of candy cane that just screams holiday cheer.

Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites

Oh my goodness, these little bites of holiday magic check all the boxes! Trust me, once you make them, you’ll understand why they’ve become my go-to Christmas treat. Here’s what makes them so special:

• Super easy – No fancy techniques here! If you can melt chocolate and stir ingredients, you’re golden.
• Festive as can be – That red-and-white peppermint crunch transforms ordinary brownies into Christmas cheer you can eat.
• Perfect for gifting – Package them in cute holiday tins or pair with other peppermint treats for edible presents everyone adores.
• Kid-approved – Little hands love crushing candy canes and sprinkling toppings (though good luck saving some for later!).

The best part? They taste like you spent hours in the kitchen, but the recipe comes together in no time flat. Christmas baking win!

Ingredients for Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to holiday baking magic! I’ve learned through trial and error that quality matters here – especially with chocolate. Let’s break it down into two parts: that fudgy brownie base we all love, and the festive peppermint topping that makes these bites so special.

For the Brownie Base

First up, the dry ingredients – whisk these together in one bowl:

• ½ cup (63 g) all-purpose flour (spoon and level it, don’t scoop!)
• ⅓ cup (35 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder (trust me, it’s richer than regular)
• 1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt
• ¼ tsp. baking soda

Now for the good stuff – the wet ingredients:

• 3 large eggs, room temperature (cold eggs can make your batter seize)
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract (the real stuff, please!)
• ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, cut into ½” pieces
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (packed; 50 g) dark brown sugar
• 6 oz. bittersweet chocolate chips (about 1 cup)
• 1 tsp. instant espresso powder (secret flavor booster!)

For the Peppermint Topping

This is where the holiday magic happens:

• 8 oz. white chocolate chips (about 1⅓ cups) – splurge on good quality here
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ¼ tsp. Diamond Crystal or Morton kosher salt
• ½ tsp. pure peppermint extract (a little goes a long way!)
• 3 candy canes, coarsely crushed into irregular pieces (about ½ cup)

Pro tip: Crush those candy canes right before using so they stay nice and crunchy. I like to put them in a ziplock bag and let the kids go to town with a rolling pin – it’s the best kind of holiday stress relief!

How to Make Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites

Alright, let’s get baking! These peppermint bark brownie bites come together in a few simple steps, but I’ll walk you through each one so they turn out perfect. The secret is taking your time with each layer – trust me, it’s worth it when you bite into that perfect fudgy-crunchy-creamy combo!

Preparing the Brownie Layer

First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F and line your 8×8″ pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This little trick makes it so easy to lift the brownies out later! Now let’s make that batter:

1. Whisk together your dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda) in one bowl. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and vanilla until just combined – don’t go crazy here.
2. Now for the fun part – melt the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (this is called a bain-marie if you want to sound fancy). Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks glossy.
3. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips and espresso powder. Let it sit for a minute to melt the chocolate, then whisk until smooth. This is when your kitchen starts smelling amazing!
4. Slowly whisk in the egg mixture – go gradually so you don’t scramble the eggs! Then gently fold in the dry ingredients just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing = tough brownies, and we want fudgy!
5. Spread the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges look set but the center still has a slight wobble. Let them cool for 15 minutes in the pan – this patience pays off, I promise!

Adding the Peppermint Bark Topping

While the brownies cool, let’s make that dreamy peppermint topping. This is where the holiday magic happens!

1. Combine white chocolate chips, heavy cream, and salt in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (same bain-marie trick as before). Stir constantly until melted and smooth – this usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint extract. Be careful with this – peppermint extract is strong stuff! I always start with ¼ tsp and add more to taste.
3. Pour the ganache over your cooled brownies and spread it evenly with an offset spatula. Now comes the fun part – sprinkle those crushed candy canes over the top while the ganache is still soft. Press them in gently so they stick.

And there you have it – the most festive, delicious little bites that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe! They’re perfect with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace.

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites

After making these festive treats more times than I can count (and eating plenty of “test batches”), I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll take your peppermint bark brownie bites from good to absolutely irresistible. Here are my hard-earned secrets:

• The hot knife trick – Want those picture-perfect clean cuts? Run your knife under hot water and dry it between each slice. The heat glides right through the chocolate layers without cracking. Works like a charm every time!
• Chill before slicing – I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but let those babies firm up in the fridge for at least 1½ hours. The ganache needs time to set properly so you don’t end up with a gooey mess (delicious, but not pretty).
• Peppermint control – That extract is powerful stuff! Start with ¼ tsp and taste before adding more. My kids like it subtle, but for grown-up gatherings I’ll bump it up to ¾ tsp for that real candy cane punch.
• Storage smarts – These keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The peppermint stays crunchy, and the brownie stays fudgy – it’s Christmas magic!
• Get creative – Try swapping the candy canes for crushed peppermint candies or even a drizzle of dark chocolate. Feeling adventurous? Mix in some candy corn for a fun twist that’ll surprise your guests!

Remember, the best part about holiday baking is making it your own. Don’t stress about perfection – those slightly messy, candy-cane-speckled bites made with love taste just as delicious as the picture-perfect ones!

Serving and Gifting Ideas

Oh, let me tell you how much fun I have presenting these peppermint bark brownie bites! They’re practically begging to be the star of your holiday spread. For parties, I arrange them on a vintage holiday tray with sprigs of fresh mint – the red and white pops against the green and makes everyone’s eyes light up. Last year, I even found these adorable mini cupcake liners at the dollar store that made each bite look extra special.

Now, if you’re gifting them (and trust me, you’ll want to – these make everyone feel loved), here’s my go-to method: stack them in clear cellophane bags tied with red and white bakers twine. Tuck in a handwritten tag with baking instructions, and voila – instant Christmas joy! They’re perfect for teacher gifts, neighbor presents, or even as sweet little stocking stuffers. Just warning you – people might start requesting them every year!

Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites FAQs

I get so many questions about these festive little treats – and trust me, I’ve tested all the variations so you don’t have to! Here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen (and inbox):

Can I use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet?

Absolutely! While I love the rich depth of bittersweet chocolate, milk chocolate works beautifully too – especially if you’re making these for kids. Just be aware that milk chocolate is sweeter, so you might want to reduce the granulated sugar by a tablespoon or two. White chocolate chips are non-negotiable for the topping though – they give that perfect peppermint bark look and texture!

How long do these keep fresh?

In our house? About 12 hours before they disappear completely! But seriously, stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. The candy canes might lose a tiny bit of crunch by day 3, but the brownie stays wonderfully fudgy. Pro tip: Layer them between parchment paper so the toppings don’t stick together.

Can I freeze Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites?

You bet! These freeze like a dream for up to 2 months. Here’s how I do it: First, chill them completely (this prevents condensation), then arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid (about 1 hour), then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy. The ganache might lose a tiny bit of shine, but the flavor is still fantastic – perfect for getting ahead on holiday baking!

Nutritional Information

Just between us, I’m not one to count calories during the holidays (life’s too short!), but I know some folks like to keep track. These numbers are estimates – your exact amounts might vary depending on brands and how generous you are with those candy cane toppings!

• Calories: 220 per bite (worth every single one!)
• Sugar: 18g (it’s the holidays, let’s celebrate!)
• Fat: 14g (mostly from that glorious chocolate)
• Protein: 3g (hey, there’s eggs in there!)

Remember, these little bites are meant to be enjoyed in moderation… though I won’t judge if you sneak an extra one or two. After all, ’tis the season!

Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 2 hours 55 min
• Yield: 16 bites 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Festive brownie bites topped with peppermint white chocolate ganache and crushed candy canes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Nonstick vegetable oil spray
• ½ cup (63 g) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (35 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt
• ¼ tsp. baking soda
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, cut into ½” pieces
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (packed; 50 g) dark brown sugar
• 6 oz. bittersweet chocolate chips (about 1 cup)
• 1 tsp. instant espresso powder
• 8 oz. white chocolate chips (about 1⅓ cups)
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ¼ tsp. Diamond Crystal or Morton kosher salt
• ½ tsp. pure peppermint extract
• 3 candy canes, coarsely crushed into irregular pieces

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line an 8×8″ baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda in a bowl. Set aside.
3. Whisk eggs and vanilla in another bowl. Set aside.
4. Melt butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar over simmering water. Stir until smooth.
5. Add chocolate chips and espresso powder to butter mixture. Let sit, then whisk until melted.
6. Add egg mixture and whisk until combined. Fold in dry ingredients.
7. Spread batter into pan and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes.
8. Melt white chocolate chips, cream, and salt over simmering water. Stir in peppermint extract.
9. Spread ganache over cooled brownie. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
10. Chill until set, 1½–2 hours. Cut into 16 squares before serving.

Notes

• Use a hot knife for clean cuts.
• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 35 min
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bite
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites, Holiday Baking, Christmas Treats, Easy Desserts, Christmas Party Food