Story Behind Peppermint Cream Cheese Brownies
I’ve always been a huge fan of the peppermint and chocolate flavor combination. To me, it’s a match made in heaven—right up there with peanut butter and jelly or tomato soup and grilled cheese. Lucky for me, almost everyone in my family loves this duo, too.
When we lived in Portugal, however, the chocolate and peppermint combo wasn’t really a thing. You could buy chocolate for baking, but forget about finding peppermint chips or peanut butter chips. It was a challenge, and I think my lack of access to peppermint treats left me feeling deprived.
This year, I made sure to stock up on all the peppermint goodness. I ordered multiple bags of Andes Peppermint Chips and Ghirardelli Chocolate Peppermint Mix-Ins and when I say multiple, I mean four or five bags of each!
The result? These incredible Chocolate Peppermint Cream Cheese Brownies. I even took them to friends who don’t usually love chocolate, and they couldn’t stop raving about them.
What Makes These Peppermint Cream Cheese Brownies Special
These brownies start with a rich, fudgy base made by melting dark chocolate chips and butter together. Then, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, and cocoa powder are added to create the perfect brownie batter. For an extra dose of holiday flavor, I stirred in an entire bag of Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark mix-ins.
To take these brownies to the next level, I added a creamy cream cheese layer swirled on top. The result? Pure brownie bliss. These are rich, festive, and incredibly satisfying. My family was so sad when the batch was gone—and I’m sure you’ll feel the same way.
F.A.Q.S
Can I make these brownies ahead of time? Yes! These brownies stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature or a week if refrigerated.
Can I freeze these brownies? Absolutely. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
What if I don’t like peppermint? You can omit the peppermint chips and replace it with a bag of your favorite baking chips.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to avoid dense brownies.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: For a richer flavor, opt for a good-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips if adding.
- Chill Before Cutting: For cleaner slices, refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour before cutting.
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Cream Cheese Brownies
- Holiday Flavor Combo: The chocolate and peppermint combination screams holiday cheer, and the cream cheese swirl adds a luscious touch.
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrap them up in a festive box, and they make an excellent homemade gift.
- Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you’ll have bakery-worthy brownies right in your kitchen.
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