This Peppermint Blondies recipe is proudly sponsored by Minerva Dairy. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Contents

Irresistibly Chewy Peppermint Blondies: Your Ultimate Holiday Treat

As the festive season approaches, there’s an undeniable magic in the air, and for many of us, that magic often comes with the delightful aroma of freshly baked goods. If you’re a lover of all things mint and chocolate, prepare to fall head over heels for these incredible Peppermint Blondies. Soft, remarkably chewy, and bursting with the classic holiday flavors of cool peppermint and rich chocolate, these blondies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration in every bite. They effortlessly capture the spirit of winter wonderlands and cozy evenings, making them the perfect addition to any holiday gathering or a simple, comforting treat for yourself.

There’s something uniquely satisfying about sinking your teeth into a blondie that perfectly balances a tender crumb with a delightfully chewy texture. Add to that the vibrant zest of peppermint and the luxurious melt of chocolate, and you have a truly unforgettable experience. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy baking marathons – these Peppermint Blondies are designed for ease, bringing maximum flavor with minimal fuss, leaving you more time to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year. Their simple preparation, coupled with their stunning appearance, makes them a go-to for anyone looking to impress without the stress.

Why These Peppermint Blondies Will Become Your Holiday Favorite

For me, the holiday season isn’t complete without an abundance of peppermint-flavored delights. From candy canes to hot cocoa, minty freshness is synonymous with festive cheer. This recipe takes that love for peppermint to a whole new level, encapsulating it within a beautifully soft and chewy blondie base that is utterly irresistible. What makes these particular Peppermint Blondies a standout? Beyond their phenomenal taste and texture, they boast an impressive simplicity that makes them accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

Imagine a recipe where most of the magic happens in a single pot or bowl, with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor payoff. That’s precisely what these blondies offer. You’ll simply mix, pour, bake, and then cut into perfect squares of minty, chocolatey bliss. This straightforward approach means you can whip up a batch (or two!) quickly, making them ideal for last-minute guests, holiday potlucks, or when a sudden craving for something sweet and festive strikes. They also present beautifully, with their snowy white base, dark chocolate drizzle, and sparkling red candy cane bits, ensuring they’ll be a showstopper on any dessert spread or cookie tray. Their vibrant colors and inviting aroma are guaranteed to add a special touch to any festive occasion, making them a centerpiece not just for their taste, but for their visual appeal too.

The Secret to Superior Texture: Minerva Dairy Butter

In baking, every ingredient plays a crucial role, but none quite as significant as butter when it comes to achieving that coveted soft and chewy texture in blondies. That’s why I wholeheartedly recommend Minerva Dairy Butter for this recipe. It’s not just any butter; it’s a testament to tradition and quality that truly elevates your baked goods from good to extraordinary. The difference a high-quality butter makes in a simple recipe like blondies is truly remarkable, impacting both the texture and the depth of flavor.

Minerva Dairy takes pride in its slow-churned process, which results in butter with an impressive 85% butterfat content. This higher butterfat, compared to standard butter, translates directly into a richer, creamier, and more flavorful product. When incorporated into your blondie batter, this superior quality butter imparts an unparalleled tenderness and a luxurious chewiness that makes each bite an absolute dream. It contributes to the golden-brown edges and the soft, moist interior that defines a perfect blondie, ensuring that your Peppermint Blondies are nothing short of spectacular. Choosing Minerva Dairy Butter is choosing a foundational ingredient that guarantees a consistently delicious and unforgettable baking experience, giving your holiday treats that extra special touch that homemade goodies deserve.

Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Creating these festive Peppermint Blondies requires a simple list of readily available ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to assemble:

For the Peppermint Blondie Base:

White Chocolate Melting Wafers: These are preferred over standard white chocolate chips for melting as they provide a smoother, more consistent base and a richer, creamier texture in the finished blondie.
Unsalted Butter: As discussed, a high-quality butter like Minerva Dairy is essential not only for flavor but also for achieving that desirable soft and chewy consistency that sets these blondies apart.
Granulated Sugar: Provides the foundational sweetness and plays a crucial role in the blondies’ tender, moist crumb.
Eggs: Act as a critical binder, giving structure to the blondies and contributing to their richness and moistness.
Vanilla Extract: A timeless flavor enhancer that beautifully complements both the chocolate and peppermint, adding a warm, aromatic depth.
Peppermint Extract: The star flavor! This provides the cool, refreshing mint essence. Be sure to use a baking-specific extract for the best results, as peppermint oil can be much stronger.
All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient, giving the blondies their structural integrity. Measuring correctly is key for texture.
Baking Powder: A leavening agent that ensures the blondies have a slight lift, contributing to their tender, cake-like yet chewy texture.
Salt: A crucial ingredient that balances the sweetness, enhancing all the other flavors and preventing the blondies from tasting one-dimensional.
White Chocolate Chips: Folded into the batter, these melt into delicious pockets of creamy white chocolate, adding an extra layer of sweetness and texture.

For the Festive Topping:

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melted and spread over the warm blondies, these create a beautiful, rich, and slightly bitter chocolate layer that perfectly contrasts the sweet blondie base and cool peppermint.
Crushed Candy Canes: The ultimate festive garnish! These add a delightful crunch, an extra burst of vibrant peppermint flavor, and a striking holiday red and white visual appeal.

Easy Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Perfect Peppermint Blondies

Creating these delightful Peppermint Blondies is a straightforward process, even for beginner bakers. Follow these simple steps to ensure a batch of perfectly soft, chewy, and festive treats that will be a hit with everyone.

Preparation is Key:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking pan with butter or baking spray. For even easier removal and cleanup, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Set this aside, ready for your delicious batter.

Melting the Base:

In a double boiler set over simmering water (ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the top bowl), or carefully in a microwave-safe bowl using short intervals and stirring frequently, melt your white chocolate wafers until completely smooth and free of lumps. Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat (or microwave) and add the unsalted butter. Stir continuously with a spatula or whisk until the butter is entirely melted and fully incorporated, creating a smooth, glossy, and luxurious mixture. This white chocolate and butter base is crucial for the blondies’ richness and fudgy texture.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients:

To the warm melted white chocolate and butter mixture, whisk in the granulated sugar until it’s well combined and the mixture looks smooth. Next, add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition until each egg is fully incorporated and the batter is homogeneous. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and, most importantly, the peppermint extract. The aroma at this stage is absolutely intoxicating and will get you excited for the final product!

Adding the Dry Ingredients and Chocolate:

Gently stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix only until just combined; be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can overdevelop the gluten in the flour and result in tough, less tender blondies. Overmixing is a common pitfall in blondie making. Once the dry ingredients are mostly incorporated and no streaks of flour remain, gently fold in the white chocolate chips using a spatula. This adds another layer of creamy chocolate delight and visual interest throughout the blondie.

Baking to Perfection:

Pour the prepared blondie batter evenly into your greased 13×9 inch baking pan, spreading it with a spatula to ensure an even thickness. Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Remember, blondies are meant to be slightly fudgy and moist in the center, so avoid overbaking, which can dry them out. The edges should be set and lightly golden brown.

The Finishing Touch:

As soon as you remove the blondies from the oven, immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot surface. Allow them to melt for a minute or two from the residual heat of the blondies. Then, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the melted chocolate smoothly across the entire top surface. While the chocolate is still warm and soft, generously sprinkle with your crushed candy canes. The warmth of the chocolate will help the candy cane pieces adhere perfectly.

Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them into squares. This patience is absolutely key for achieving clean, neat cuts and for the chocolate and candy cane topping to fully set. If you try to cut them too soon, the warm topping might slide off, and the blondies themselves could crumble. A full hour, or even two, at room temperature, or a short stint in the fridge, will ensure perfect, picture-worthy slices that hold their shape beautifully.

Common Questions & Helpful Tips for Peppermint Blondie Success

Even the simplest recipes can benefit from a few expert tips and answers to common questions. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure your Peppermint Blondies turn out perfect every single time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I crush candy canes easily? The simplest method is to place candy canes in a sturdy zip-top bag, remove as much air as possible, and then use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to crush them into small pieces. For a finer crumb, a food processor works wonders, but be careful not to turn them into a powder.
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! Peppermint Blondies are an excellent make-ahead dessert. Their flavors deepen slightly overnight, and they maintain their delicious texture. They’re perfect for preparing a day or two in advance of your event.
How should I store leftover blondies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you need to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze individual squares by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Why are my blondies crumbly? This is a common issue often caused by overbaking. Blondies are meant to be slightly fudgy and moist in the center, so aim for that “moist crumbs” stage on a toothpick test, rather than completely clean. Watch your oven closely as baking times can vary.
Can I use different types of chocolate? Yes, you can certainly experiment! While white chocolate is traditional for blondies, you could try substituting some or all of the white chocolate chips in the batter with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. For the topping, semi-sweet or dark chocolate provides a nice, rich contrast to the sweet blondie base.

Pro Tips for Perfect Peppermint Blondies:

Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is crucial. Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten, which can lead to a tougher, less chewy blondie texture. A gentle hand makes all the difference.
Use Quality Extracts: The flavor of your blondies will largely depend on the quality of your vanilla and peppermint extracts. Opt for pure extracts for the best, most authentic taste.
Cool Completely for Clean Cuts: Resist the urge to cut into the blondies while they’re still warm. Cooling them fully allows them to set properly, ensuring clean, perfect squares and preventing the chocolate topping from sliding or cracking. Patience is a virtue here!
Adjust Peppermint to Your Liking: If you’re very sensitive to strong mint flavors or prefer a milder peppermint note, you can slightly reduce the amount of peppermint extract (e.g., start with 3/4 teaspoon). You can always add a tiny bit more to the batter if you desire a stronger punch.
Perfect for Gifting: These blondies make fantastic homemade gifts during the holidays! Package them in festive tins or boxes, tie them with a ribbon, and present them as a thoughtful, edible present that friends and family will adore.
Microwave Melting for Ease: If you don’t have a double boiler, melt the white chocolate and butter in the microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize.

Creative Variations to Customize Your Blondies

While these Peppermint Blondies are absolutely perfect as is, they also lend themselves beautifully to customization, allowing you to put your own spin on this festive treat. Here are a few ideas to get your creativity flowing and adapt the recipe for any occasion:

Chocolate Drizzle Instead: For a more elegant look, instead of spreading a full layer of melted chocolate, you could simply drizzle melted semi-sweet or white chocolate in an artful pattern over the cooled blondies.
Nutty Crunch: For added texture and a hint of earthy flavor, consider folding in a handful of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter alongside the white chocolate chips.
Double Chocolate Mint: If you’re a serious chocolate lover, use dark chocolate chips in the batter and create a rich dark chocolate ganache for the topping instead of semi-sweet, for an even deeper chocolate experience.
Cream Cheese Swirl: For a tangy, creamy addition, prepare a simple cream cheese mixture (softened cream cheese, a little powdered sugar, and an egg yolk) and swirl it into the blondie batter just before baking.
Peppermint Glaze Topping: Instead of melted chocolate, you could make a simple peppermint glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little milk or cream and a drop of peppermint extract, then drizzling it over the cooled blondies.
Miniature Bites: Bake the blondie batter in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized peppermint treats, perfect for parties or as individual holiday favors. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Looking for other delightful dessert recipes to complement your baking repertoire? Here are a few more ideas from my kitchen that you might enjoy:

Apple Fritter Bread
Monster Cookies
Cherry Mash Truffles
Peanut Butter Dirt Cups
Peppermint Patty Bars

Peppermint Blondies

Yield:
20 servings

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

Additional Time (Cooling):
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 40 minutes

These Peppermint Blondies are soft, chewy, and filled with delicious mint and chocolate flavor for the perfect holiday treat!

Ingredients

10 ounces white chocolate melting wafers
1/2 cup unsalted butter (Minerva Dairy recommended)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
For topping:
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup candy canes, crushed

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9 inch baking pan and set aside.
Into a double boiler or in a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate wafers. Remove from heat and add in butter, stirring until melted and smooth.
Whisk in sugar, eggs (one at a time), vanilla, and peppermint extract until well combined.
Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Fold in white chocolate chips.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Immediately sprinkle the top with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let them melt for a minute, then spread evenly.
Sprinkle with crushed candy canes and allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting my kitchen!

Farberware Classic Stainless Series 2-Quart Covered Double Boiler
Mrs. Anderson’s Baking Mini Brownie Serving Spatula, 8-Inches x 1.5-Inches

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 20
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 87
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 12mg
Sodium: 70mg
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 1g

All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on strawberryblondiekitchen.com should only be used as a general guideline.

A Treat for Every Season: Enjoy Peppermint Blondies Year-Round!

While Peppermint Blondies are undeniably a quintessential holiday treat, brimming with festive cheer and flavor, there’s no rule saying you have to limit them to just one season. If you’re a true peppermint enthusiast, you’ll find these blondies equally delightful any time of year. Imagine enjoying a cool, minty bite on a warm summer evening, or as a refreshing twist during a spring gathering. The versatility of this recipe means you can indulge in its unique combination of mint and chocolate whenever the craving strikes, making it a staple in your baking repertoire far beyond December.

Feel free to customize them based on the occasion. For a non-holiday version, simply omit the crushed candy canes and perhaps drizzle with white chocolate or add a dusting of powdered sugar. The core flavors of rich white chocolate, creamy butter, and bright peppermint are fantastic on their own, making these blondies a flexible and reliable dessert for any event, or simply for a moment of sweet indulgence. So go ahead, bake a batch, share them with loved ones, or keep them all to yourself – these blondies are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face, anytime they’re served.

Minty Blondie Bars