Gluten-Free Peppermint Brownies

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The holiday season is the perfect time to whip up delightful treats, and these Gluten-Free Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache are a true embodiment of festive flavors. Paired with a smooth chocolate ganache and topped with crushed peppermint candies, these brownies are sure to become a holiday favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Festive Flavors: The combination of chocolate and peppermint is a classic during the holidays. These brownies offer that perfect blend of rich, sweet, and minty freshness.
2. Impressive Presentation: These brownies not only taste divine but look the part too. The glossy chocolate ganache and sparkling crushed peppermint candies make them an eye-catching dessert for any holiday gathering.
3. Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet appearance, these brownies are surprisingly easy to create. You’ll have a tray of these decadent treats in no time.

Gluten-Free Peppermint Brownies Ingredients:

For the Brownies:

• Unsalted Butter: Butter is a key component in brownies, providing richness and flavor. You will melt it in the first step!
• Granulated Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness and contributes to the brownies’ moist texture.
• Light Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth of flavor and moisture to the brownies, as well as a hint of caramel notes. It is awesome when paired with granulated sugar.
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent, providing structure to the brownies. They also contribute to the fudgy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the brownies, providing a subtle but important background note.
• Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder is what gives brownies their deep chocolate flavor.
• GF All-Purpose Flour: Flour provides structure and thickness to the brownies (I used 1:1 flour)
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavors in the brownies, preventing them from tasting overly sweet and balancing the sweetness.
• Chocolate Chips: Chocolate chips are used for extra bursts of chocolate and a gooey texture in each bite.
• Crushed Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes: These crushed candies add a refreshing peppermint flavor and a lovely crunch.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These chips are melted down to create a luscious, smooth chocolate layer on top of the brownies.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is used to create a velvety and luxurious texture for the ganache.
• Peppermint Extract: Peppermint extract adds a minty zing to the chocolate ganache.

For Garnish:

• Additional Crushed Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes: These crushed candies on top add an extra punch of peppermint flavor and festive decoration.

Instructions:

For the Brownies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Melt the unsalted butter in the microwave using 20-30 second increments until fully melted.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, mixing until well incorporated.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies to the batter.
7. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat until it starts to simmer, but don’t let it boil.
2. Remove from heat, and stir in the semisweet chocolate chips and peppermint extract. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted, creating a smooth ganache.

For Assembly:

1. Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled brownies, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. While the ganache is still soft, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top.
3. Allow the ganache to set before cutting the brownies into squares.
4. Serve and enjoy these irresistible Gluten-free Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Ganache!

Kitchen Equipment & Tools Needed

To make these homemade Hot Cocoa Cookies, you will need a saucepan, measuring cups and spoons, whisk, rubber spatula, mixing bowl, and parchment paper.

FAQs:

How long do these Gluten-Free Peppermint Brownies last?
These brownies are best when enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week.

How do I make the chocolate ganache?
Making the chocolate ganache is simple. Heat the heavy cream until it starts to simmer, then remove it from heat and stir in the semisweet chocolate chips and peppermint extract until it’s smooth and glossy.

Expert Tips:

• Be cautious not to overbake the brownies; they should be slightly fudgy in the center.
• Adjust the peppermint extract in the ganache to customize the level of peppermint flavor to your preference.
• For easier slicing, chill the brownies in the refrigerator after adding the ganache.

More Recipes You Will Love:

• Gluten-Free Dairy Free Crinkle Cookies
• White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
• White Chocolate Red Velvet Cookies(GF)
• Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
• No Bake Sugar Cookie Truffles (GF)

Hungry for more? If you make these Gluten-Free Peppermint Brownies, I would really appreciate a comment and rating down below, under the recipe card. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me over on Instagram, Tik Tok, or Pinterest. For more ideas, check out my Holiday Recipes page.