Peppermint Brownie Bites
There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and peppermint, especially during the winter season. That’s why I adore making Peppermint Brownie Bites every Christmas. The scent of warm brownies baking in the oven fills the house, wrapping us in cozy nostalgia. Every year, I gather my family in the kitchen, and we make these delightful bites together. Kids and adults alike eagerly await the moment when we can pop these chewy gems topped with Candy Cane Hershey’s Kisses into our mouths. It’s become a cherished tradition that brings smiles and sweet memories!
Recipe Snapshot
48 mins
30 mins
18 mins
Medium
120 kcal
1 g
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP
5 g
Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon
The Appeal of This Peppermint Brownie Bites
Deliciously Decadent
When you take a bite of a Peppermint Brownie Bites, the rich chocolate flavor dances on your palate. The brownie base is delightfully fudgy, and the addition of peppermint elevates the flavor to a whole new level. It’s a texture and taste match made in heaven.
Perfect for any occasion
These brownie bites are ideal not only for Christmas but also for any gathering. From holiday parties to cozy family game nights, they add a touch of festive joy. Everyone appreciates a sweet treat, and these little bites make it easy to share deliciousness.
Fun and Interactive
Making Peppermint Brownie Bites is a joyful experience. The process of mixing ingredients and scooping the batter into muffin pans is fun, especially for kids. It’s the perfect recipe to invite your family into the kitchen and create lasting memories while having a little culinary adventure.
Minimal Cleanup
With just a few bowls and utensils required, this recipe doesn’t create a huge mess. That’s a win! More time enjoying our treats and less time cleaning up means more fun for everyone.
Customizable
The best part about these brownie bites is that they can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer different types of chocolate or want to try using different flavored Kisses, the options are endless. You can even experiment with toppings to make them uniquely yours!
Impressive Appearance
These tiny treats are not only delicious but also visually appealing. The Candy Cane Hershey’s Kisses on top add a festive touch that makes them perfect for any holiday spread. Your guests will be impressed with both the look and taste of these delightful bites!
What to Buy for Peppermint Brownie Bites
When creating Peppermint Brownie Bites, the choice of ingredients is paramount for achieving the best flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting that perfect brownie bite. Let’s delve into the essential components that make these treats irresistible!
- ½ cup vegetable oil: This acts as the base fat for the brownies, ensuring they remain moist and fudgy.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: A key sweetener that balances the cocoa’s bitterness and contributes to the brownie’s chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds depth and a lovely aroma to your brownie bites.
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The main source of chocolate flavor, giving the brownies their rich, dark color.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and helping the brownies rise slightly.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the sugar.
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring the brownies aren’t too dense.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the brownies, combining with wet ingredients to form the batter.
- 28 Candy Cane Hershey’s Kisses: These little delights are the perfect finishing touch, adding a festive peppermint flavor.
Recipe Steps for Peppermint Brownie Bites
Making Peppermint Brownie Bites is both straightforward and satisfying. With just a few steps, you’ll have your delicious treats ready to enjoy. Let’s dive into the process!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready. This ensures an even bake right from the start.
- Prepare your mini muffin pans by spraying them with a nonstick cooking spray. This step is crucial; it keeps your brownie bites from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until well combined. You should have a slightly thick mixture that looks glossy.
- Add in the vanilla extract, unsweetened cocoa powder, large eggs, salt, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
- Now, slowly stir in the all-purpose flour. Be careful not to over mix; just combine until there are no dry spots of flour visible.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the brownie batter into each mini muffin cavity. Fill them about halfway to avoid overflow. It’s important not to overfill them, as they will puff up while baking.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’ll be ready when a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few crumbs stuck to it.
- Once baked, immediately top each brownie bite with a Candy Cane Hershey’s Kiss. The heat will slightly melt the Kisses, helping them adhere to the brownies.
- Let the brownie bites cool in the pan until the Kisses have completely hardened. This step is crucial; if you touch the trays too soon, the Kisses may fall off because they’re less stable than regular chocolate.
- Finally, use the tip of a knife to help you gently remove the cooled brownie bites from the pans. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!
Things Worth Knowing
- Adjusting for Altitude: If you’re baking at a higher altitude, you may need to adjust the flour and sugar amounts slightly to achieve the right texture.
- Testing for Doneness: Trust your toothpick! If it comes out too clean, the brownies may be overbaked. A few moist crumbs are ideal.
- Temperature Accuracy: Always check your oven’s temperature with a thermometer, as many ovens can be off by 25°F.
- Cooling Time: Allowing the brownie bites to cool completely in the tin helps them set nicely, preventing them from crumbling when removed.
Ways to Customize
There are countless ways to make Peppermint Brownie Bites your own. Here are some fun ideas:
- Flavor Variations: Use different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses, like caramel or almond, to create unique bites.
- Add-Ins: Consider mixing in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Frosting: Top with a light drizzle of chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent treat.
- Presentation: Serve the brownie bites on a festive platter or in cupcake liners for a beautiful display.
- Seasonal Toppings: During different holidays, you can switch out the Kisses for seasonal candies, like jelly beans for Easter.
- Storage: Keep leftover brownie bites in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to three days.
- Freezing: These bites freeze well! Store them in an airtight container for up to two months.
Great Combinations for Peppermint Brownie Bites
When it comes to serving Peppermint Brownie Bites, pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience. Here are some combinations to consider:
- Hot Cocoa: Serve alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat on a chilly day.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side complements the richness of the brownies perfectly.
- Christmas Parties: These treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, adding a festive touch to your dessert table.
- Gift Giving: Package them in a cute box with a ribbon for a delightful homemade gift during the holidays.
- Movie Nights: Pair them with popcorn for an indulgent movie night snack that everyone will love.
- Seasonal Celebrations: These bites are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration where sweet treats are appreciated.
FAQ
Conclusion
Peppermint Brownie Bites are a festive and delightful treat that combines rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint. They’re not only easy to make but also perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season. I encourage you to try out this recipe for your next gathering or as a sweet treat for yourself. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!
Peppermint Brownie Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it's nice and hot when your batter is ready. This ensures an even bake right from the start.
- Prepare your mini muffin pans by spraying them with a nonstick cooking spray. This step is crucial; it keeps your brownie bites from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until well combined. You should have a slightly thick mixture that looks glossy.
- Add in the vanilla extract, unsweetened cocoa powder, large eggs, salt, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
- Now, slowly stir in the all-purpose flour. Be careful not to over mix; just combine until there are no dry spots of flour visible.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the brownie batter into each mini muffin cavity. Fill them about halfway to avoid overflow. It's important not to overfill them, as they will puff up while baking.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they'll be ready when a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few crumbs stuck to it.
- Once baked, immediately top each brownie bite with a Candy Cane Hershey’s Kiss. The heat will slightly melt the Kisses, helping them adhere to the brownies.
- Let the brownie bites cool in the pan until the Kisses have completely hardened. This step is crucial; if you touch the trays too soon, the Kisses may fall off because they're less stable than regular chocolate.
- Finally, use the tip of a knife to help you gently remove the cooled brownie bites from the pans. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container: Keep leftover brownie bites fresh for up to three days.
- Freezing: These bites can be frozen for up to two months without losing flavor.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to use any flavor of Hershey’s Kiss you prefer!
