Easy One Bowl Peppermint Brownies: 4 Holiday Steps of Joy

Okay, so picture this: it’s December, the snow’s coming down (maybe!), and you’re craving something decadent but *totally* don’t want to deal with a huge mess. I get it! That’s why I’m obsessed with these Easy One Bowl Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache. Honestly, who has time for mountains of dishes during the holidays?! Plus, the combo of peppermint and chocolate? It’s like Christmas in every single bite!

I’ve been baking brownies for, like, ever. And trust me, I’ve tried *everything*. But these? These are special. They’re fudgy, they’re minty, they’re chocolatey, and they’re SO easy! Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 45 minutes. And most of that is just waiting for them to bake – you can kick back and wrap presents while you wait!

Why You’ll Love These Easy One Bowl Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache

Okay, so why are these brownies about to become your new holiday BFF? Let me break it down:

• One Bowl Wonder: Seriously, everything goes into one bowl. Cleanup is a breeze!
• Peppermint Perfection: That cool, minty flavor with rich chocolate? It’s a match made in dessert heaven.
• Holiday Cheer: These brownies just scream festive fun. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in.
• Chocolate Ganache Dreams: That smooth, chocolatey topping? It’s so good, you might just eat it with a spoon (I won’t judge!).

Ingredients for Easy One Bowl Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted, please!), 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, and, of course, 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies. That’s it! Told ya it was easy!

How to Make Easy One Bowl Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache

Okay, here’s the fun part! Let’s get these Easy One Bowl Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache baking! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it step-by-step. So easy, even the kids can help (with supervision, of course – melted butter gets hot!).

1. First things first: **Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).** And don’t forget to grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. Trust me, you do *not* want these sticking!
2. Now, grab your *one* big bowl (yay, less cleanup!) and **mix together the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.** Get it all combined nicely.
3. Next up, **stir in that vanilla extract**, makes everything smell amazing, right?! Then, **add your eggs, one at a time**, making sure you mix *really* well after each one. This helps get that fudgy texture we’re after.
4. Alright, time for the flour. **Add the flour and mix until *just* combined.** Seriously, don’t overmix! Overmixing = tough brownies, and nobody wants that. You want to see no more white streaks.
5. Now for the good stuff! **Fold in those chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.** Save a few extra peppermint pieces to sprinkle on top before baking if you’re feeling fancy.
6. **Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.** Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for a toothpick inserted into the center to come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. If it’s clean, they’re overdone!
7. This is *crucial*: **Let the brownies cool COMPLETELY before frosting them!** I know, it’s torture, but trust me on this one. Warm brownies + ganache = melty mess. Go make a coffee or something!
8. While those brownies are cooling, let’s make the **chocolate ganache.** Heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream until it’s *just* simmering. Careful, it can bubble over fast! Pour it over 6 ounces of chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for a minute to melt the chocolate… then **stir until it’s smooth and glossy.** Oh my goodness.
9. **Pour that glorious ganache over the cooled brownies and spread it evenly.** Make sure every single bit of that brownie is covered for maximum chocolate enjoyment!
10. Last step: **Refrigerate the brownies for about 15 minutes to let the ganache set.** Okay, *now* you can cut them into squares (or triangles, or whatever shape your heart desires!) and serve! Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Easy One Bowl Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache

Want bakery-worthy Easy One Bowl Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache every single time? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my tried-and-true secrets:

• Don’t overbake! Seriously, slightly underbaked is way better than dry. Those moist crumbs on the toothpick are your best friend.
• Quality chocolate matters. Splurge a *little* on good semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache. Trust me, you’ll taste the difference!
• Chill that ganache! Don’t skip the fridge time. It’s so much easier to cut clean squares when the ganache is set (and they look way prettier!).
• Don’t have crushed peppermint candies? Just toss peppermint candies in a ziplock bag and smash them with a rolling pin. Bam!

I’ve tweaked this recipe a *million* times, and these tips are what I’ve found make the biggest difference. Happy baking!

Variations for Your Peppermint Brownies

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Easy One Bowl Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache (go, you!). Wanna jazz things up a bit? Here are a few fun twists you can try!

• Chocolate Switch-Up: Instead of semi-sweet, try dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor. Or, go wild with white chocolate chips for extra sweetness!
• Nutty for Peppermint: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a little crunch. Toasting them first makes them extra delicious!
• Extract Experiment: Swap out the vanilla extract for peppermint extract. Careful, though – a little goes a LONG way! Start with 1/4 teaspoon and taste as you go.
• Double the Peppermint: Put a layer of crushed peppermint on the bottom of the pan *before* the batter.

Honestly, the possibilities are endless! Get creative and make these brownies your own!

Storing Your Easy One Bowl Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache

So, you’ve managed *not* to eat all the brownies in one sitting (amazing willpower!). Now, how do you keep those Easy One Bowl Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache fresh and delicious? Easy peasy! Just pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay perfect at room temperature for up to 3 days. Or, if you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge – they’ll last for about a week (if they aren’t devoured first!). Just bring to room temperature before serving. They’re yummy cold too though – don’t let me tell you what to do!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy One Bowl Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache

Got questions about these Easy One Bowl Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache? I got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me. Don’t be shy – if you have more, drop them in the comments!

Can I use a different size pan?

Yep, you can, but you might need to tweak the baking time. If you’re using a 9×13 inch pan, for example, they’ll bake a little faster, so start checking them around 20 minutes. For smaller pans, they’ll need a bit longer.

Can I make these peppermint brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Easy One Bowl Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache are great for making ahead. Bake the brownies, let them cool completely, and then frost them. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll be good to go when you need a festive treat!

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yep, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge. You might want to add a fresh layer of ganache when serving for the prettiest result, but honestly, they’re delicious straight from the freezer too!

Can I add more peppermint?

Oh, you’re a peppermint fanatic, huh? I get it! If you want *extra* peppermint flavor, you can add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter. But be careful – a little goes a long way! You could also sprinkle extra crushed peppermint candies on top *after* you pour on the chocolate ganache – just press them in gently to help them stick!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a heads-up: the nutrition info you see above is an estimate. It can vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use. So, consider it a helpful guide, but not an exact science!

Enjoy Your Easy One Bowl Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache

Alright, my friend, you’ve officially conquered the Easy One Bowl Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache! Give yourself a pat on the back (and maybe sneak a brownie…you deserve it!). If you loved this recipe as much as I do, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out! And if you’re feeling extra generous, give the recipe a rating – it helps other brownie lovers find it. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media, too! Thanks so much for baking with me – happy holidays!

Print