Name: Irresistibly Easy Peppermint Brownie Truffles for Holiday Joy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 1 box Brownie Mix (Any fudge brownie mix works perfectly.); 1 cup Chocolate Frosting (Homemade frosting can be used as an alternative.); 1 cup Ghirardelli Melting Chocolate (Almond bark or chocolate chips can be used.); 1 cup Crushed Candy Canes (Crushed peppermint candies can be a substitute.)

There's something truly enchanting about the combination of rich, fudgy brownies and the refreshing kick of peppermint. As the holiday season unfolds, the sparkling lights and fresh scents fill the air, making it the perfect time to whip up these irresistible Peppermint Brownie Truffles. Imagine the sweet aroma of chocolate wafting through your kitchen, instantly lifting your spirits and setting the stage for delightful gatherings.

These truffles are not only an easy-to-make treat but also a crowd-pleasing gift idea for friends and family. Whether you're hosting a festive party or simply craving a cozy night in, these little bites of happiness will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping the holiday spirit alive. Plus, with their gluten-free option and variations to suit every palate, you can make them your own with just a few simple twists. Embrace the season, indulge your senses, and let's dive into this delightful recipe!

Why Are Peppermint Brownie Truffles So Irresistible?

Indulgent Flavor: The rich, fudgy brownie paired with refreshing peppermint creates a mouthwatering contrast that delights all your senses.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and basic ingredients, you can whip these truffles up in no time.
Gift-Friendly Treat: Perfect for sharing, these truffles look gorgeous in holiday packaging, making them an ideal gift for loved ones.
Festive Crunch: Topped with crunchy crushed candy canes, they add a festive flair that elevates any dessert platter.
Versatile Options: You can easily customize them with variations like nuts or exciting spices to suit everyone's taste. Embrace the holiday spirit with these delectable bites, and don't forget to check out more easy holiday desserts for your celebrations!

Peppermint Brownie Truffles Ingredients

For the Brownie Base
• Brownie Mix - The core of these Peppermint Brownie Truffles, providing rich chocolatey goodness; any fudge brownie mix works perfectly.
• Chocolate Frosting - Adds moisture and sweetness to the mixture, ensuring a delightful texture; homemade frosting can be used as a delicious alternative.

For the Coating
• Ghirardelli Melting Chocolate - Creates a glossy finish that makes the truffles irresistible; try almond bark or chocolate chips for a different flavor.

For Topping
• Crushed Candy Canes - Introduces festive crunch and refreshing minty flavor; if you can't find candy canes, crushed peppermint candies make a great substitute.

Take a moment to gather these ingredients and prepare for a delightful journey in holiday baking!

How to Make Peppermint Brownie Truffles

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal later on.
Mix Batter: Follow the package instructions for your brownie mix to prepare the batter. Once done, pour it into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly for uniform baking.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely afterward.
Crumble Brownies: Once cooled, crumble the brownies into fine pieces in a mixing bowl. The goal is to achieve a fine crumble for a smooth truffle texture.
Mix Frosting: Add the chocolate frosting to the crumbled brownies and gently mix until a dough-like consistency forms. This mixture should be well combined but not overly sticky.
Add Mint: Fold in the crushed candy canes into the brownie mixture. This will give your truffles that refreshing holiday flavor everyone loves!
Shape Truffles: Roll the brownie mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined cookie sheet, leaving space between each for coating later.
Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the Ghirardelli chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until it's smooth and completely melted.
Coat Truffles: Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, making sure to coat it fully while allowing any excess chocolate to drip off.
Add Toppings: While the chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top for that crispy festive touch.
Set: Let the chocolate finish setting at room temperature. This should take about 30 minutes before they're ready to serve.

Optional: Try adding festive sprinkles on top for an extra holiday splash!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Peppermint Brownie Truffles

Cool Brownies Completely: Ensure brownies are fully cooled before crumbling to prevent a gummy texture in your truffles.
Use Quality Chocolate: For the best coating, go with high-quality Ghirardelli melting chocolate; it results in a smooth and glossy finish.
Check For Doneness: Overbaking can lead to dry brownies; check at 25 minutes, using a toothpick that should come out clean but moist.
Experiment with Flavors: Don't hesitate to add a splash of peppermint extract or a pinch of sea salt in the brownie mixture for a flavor boost!
Storage Tips: Keep finished peppermint brownie truffles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Make Ahead Options

These Peppermint Brownie Truffles are a dream for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festive spirit without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the brownie base and crumble it up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can mix the brownie crumble with chocolate frosting and candy canes, forming the truffles and placing them on a lined cookie sheet up to 3 days ahead of serving. When it's time to impress your guests, simply melt the coating chocolate, dip the truffles, and add the toppings. They're just as delicious and save you valuable time during the holiday hustle!

Peppermint Brownie Truffles Variations

Feel free to get creative and make these delightful truffles your own with some fun twists!

Minty Extra: Add a splash of peppermint extract to enhance the flavor intensity, making each bite even more refreshing. This small addition can elevate the flavor profile significantly.
Nutty Twist: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the brownie base. The combination of creamy chocolate and crispy nuts adds a wonderful dimension.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute chocolate frosting with a dairy-free version and use dark chocolate for the coating. This makes the recipe accessible for those who avoid dairy while still enjoying rich flavors.
Spicy Kick: Introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper in the chocolate coating for a surprising heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweet peppermint. It's a delightful twist that adventurous eaters will love!
Celebratory Sprinkles: Use holiday-themed sprinkles on top while the chocolate is still wet for a fun visual element. These festive touches create a cheerful presentation perfect for any gathering.
Caramel Surprise: Incorporate a dollop of caramel sauce into each truffle center before coating. The rich, gooey surprise enhances the overall dessert experience, balancing the mint perfectly.
Chocolate Lover's Delight: Substitute the regular chocolate for a mixture of milk, dark, and white chocolate for a multi-layered chocolate flavor. This variety can add depth and delight to every bite.
Crunchy Cocoa: Add a layer of crushed graham crackers or cocoa nibs to the coating for a delightful crunch and a unique texture contrast. This extra layer brings a sophisticated touch to your truffles.

How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Brownie Truffles

Room Temperature: Store truffles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their delightful texture.

Fridge: For extended freshness, place truffles in the refrigerator, where they can last up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they're sealed tightly to prevent drying out.

Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, freeze uncoated brownie balls for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before coating with chocolate.

Reheating: These truffles are best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer them at room temperature, allow them to sit out for about 30 minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Peppermint Brownie Truffles?

Elevate your festive gatherings with complementary treats that highlight the delightful flavors of these truffles.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of rich vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast, balancing the sweetness of the truffles with its smooth texture.
Minty Hot Toddy: This soothing drink made with warm water, honey, and mint serves as a cozy complement, inviting warmth during holidays.
Melty Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the truffles for an indulgent touch that enhances their chocolatey richness-ideal for dessert lovers!
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, fresh whipped cream adds a luscious flair, perfect for pairing with the fudgy brownie texture of the truffles.
Fruit Platter: Bursting with fresh fruits like strawberries and raspberries, a fruit platter offers a refreshing twist that cuts through the richness of the truffles.
Festive Coffee: A spiced latte or peppermint mocha can bring out the minty notes of the truffles while warming you up during the chilly season.
Holiday Spritz Cookies: The buttery crunch of these cookies compliments the chewy richness of the truffles, creating a delightful dessert spread!
Chocolate-Dipped Fruit: Strawberries or banana slices dipped in chocolate provide a playful and delicious contrast to the richness of peppermint brownie truffles.
Eggnog: Celebrate the season with a glass of creamy eggnog, which pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and mint-a true holiday classic!

Peppermint Brownie Truffles Recipe FAQs

What type of brownie mix should I use?
You can use any brand of fudge brownie mix for this recipe! Just make sure it's a rich variety for the ultimate fudgy texture. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, many brands offer gluten-free brownie mixes that will work perfectly.

How long can I store peppermint brownie truffles?
Store your truffles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them for a longer period, refrigerating them will extend their freshness to about 2 weeks. Just ensure they are tightly sealed to avoid drying out and losing that delightful fudgy goodness.

Can I freeze peppermint brownie truffles?
Absolutely! You can freeze uncoated brownie mixture balls for up to 3 months. Just roll them into balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray to freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge and coat them in chocolate as usual.

What should I do if my brownie mixture is too sticky?
If your brownie mixture is too sticky, you may have added too much frosting or not crumbled the brownies fine enough. Just add a bit more crumbled brownie to absorb the excess moisture. If it's still too tacky, try chilling the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to roll into balls.

Can I give these truffles as gifts? Any packaging suggestions?
Absolutely! Peppermint brownie truffles are perfect for gifting. Consider using clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons or placing them in a decorative tin. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together, adding an extra touch of love to your gifts!

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Yes! Always check for allergens in your ingredients, especially if gifting to others. The brownie mix and chocolate used may contain gluten or dairy. If you need a gluten-free option, look for certified gluten-free brownie mixes. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free chocolate frosting and coatings, which are widely available.