Introduction

Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls are a festive and indulgent treat perfect for the holiday season. These bite-sized delights combine rich chocolate brownies with a refreshing peppermint crunch, all coated in smooth melted chocolate.

The image shows round chocolate truffles with a smooth, shiny milk chocolate outer layer, some decorated with crushed red and white peppermint candy on top. One truffle is bitten to reveal a dense, dark chocolate interior with small bits of red candy inside. The truffles sit on a white surface with a red-striped cloth underneath, and small pieces of peppermint candy are scattered around them. The overall colors are rich browns and bright reds against a clean white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
1/2 cup chocolate frosting
8 oz Ghirardelli melting chocolate
1 cup candy canes (crushed)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Prepare the brownie batter according to the directions on the box, then pour it into the prepared pan.
Step 3: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 4: Once cooled, transfer the brownies to a large mixing bowl and crumble them into smaller pieces using your hands.
Step 5: Add the chocolate frosting to the bowl and mix until you achieve a thick, dough-like consistency.
Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup of finely crushed candy canes for a peppermint burst.
Step 7: Using a cookie scooper, portion out the dough and roll into balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
Step 8: Melt the Ghirardelli chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and fully melted.
Step 9: Dip each brownie ball into the melted chocolate, rolling to coat completely. Return them to the cookie sheet.
Step 10: While the chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle the tops with the remaining crushed candy canes.
Step 11: Let the coating set completely before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

For extra peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the brownie batter or frosting.
Use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter coating.
Substitute crushed candy canes with peppermint baking chips if available.
Chill the brownie balls in the fridge for 30 minutes before dipping to make coating easier.

Storage

Store the brownie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

How to Serve

The image shows several round chocolate-covered treats placed on a white marbled surface with parchment paper underneath. Each treat is coated in smooth milk chocolate with a slightly glossy texture and has a light sprinkle of crushed red and white peppermint pieces on top. The treats are arranged loosely, some in focus and others blurred in the background. A woman's hand is gently picking up one chocolate treat in the foreground, with visible natural light enhancing the shine on the chocolate and the vibrant color of the peppermint pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade brownies instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! Homemade brownies can be used as a base—just be sure they are fully cooled before crumbling and mixing with frosting.

What can I use if I don’t have melting chocolate?

You can substitute with good quality chocolate chips or chocolate bars. If using regular chocolate, add a little vegetable oil when melting to ensure a smooth coating.

Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

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These Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls are a festive and indulgent treat combining rich homemade brownie dough with creamy chocolate frosting, dipped in smooth melted chocolate and sprinkled with crushed peppermint candy canes for a refreshing holiday twist. Perfect as bite-sized desserts or party favors, they bring together classic brownie flavors with a minty crunch.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Approximately 24 brownie balls 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Base

1 box brownie mix (plus required ingredients as indicated on the box, usually eggs, oil, and water)

Frosting & Coating

1/2 cup chocolate frosting
8 oz Ghirardelli melting chocolate (chocolate chips or wafers)

Topping

1 cup candy canes, crushed (about 1/4 cup finely crushed for mixing and remaining for topping)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray to ensure the brownies don’t stick.
Make Brownie Batter: Prepare the brownie batter according to the directions on the brownie mix box, usually combining brownie mix with eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake Brownies: Bake the brownies for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to set properly for easy handling.
Crumble Brownies: Once cooled, use your hands to crumble the brownies into smaller pieces inside a large mixing bowl. This creates a crumbly base to form the brownie balls.
Add Frosting: Scoop in 1/2 cup of chocolate frosting and mix it thoroughly with the brownie crumbs until you achieve a thick, dough-like consistency that holds together well.
Mix in Candy Canes: Stir in 1/4 cup of finely crushed candy canes into the brownie-frosting mixture to infuse a peppermint flavor throughout the dough.
Form Balls: Use a cookie scooper or tablespoon to portion out the dough, then roll each portion into smooth balls. Place the balls evenly spaced on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper for easy handling.
Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the 8 ounces of Ghirardelli melting chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring well between each until the chocolate is fully melted, smooth, and ready for dipping.
Dip Brownie Balls: Dip each brownie ball into the melted chocolate, rolling it to coat completely. Allow excess chocolate to drip off, then place the coated balls back onto the parchment-lined cookie sheet.
Add Toppings: While the chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes over the tops of the brownie balls to add a festive and crunchy peppermint finish.
Set and Serve: Allow the chocolate coating to set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly until firm. Once set, serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Notes

Ensure brownies are completely cooled before crumbling to prevent the mixture from becoming too sticky or melty.
Use high-quality melting chocolate or chocolate wafers for a smooth coating that hardens nicely.
Crush candy canes finely for mixing in and slightly coarser for topping to balance flavor and texture.
Store the brownie balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
These treats are great for holiday parties, gifts, or a decadent dessert bite.

Keywords: chocolate peppermint brownie balls, holiday treats, peppermint chocolate desserts, brownie bites, festive desserts