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Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls Recipe

5 from 71 reviews

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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