Chocolate peppermint brownie balls are a compact, festive treat that pack the fudgy flavor of brownies with a bright peppermint finish. They’re easy to make ahead, great for holiday cookie exchanges, and one of my go-to no-fuss desserts when I want something impressive with minimal baking. I’ve tested versions using both homemade and store-bought brownies and landed on a simple method that consistently gives tender centers and crisp chocolate shells.
Why Make This Recipe
- Incredible flavor contrast: rich chocolate centers with a cool peppermint hit make each bite satisfying.
- Make-ahead convenience: you can roll and coat them a day or two before serving, saving last-minute stress.
- Minimal equipment and time: no piping or complicated baking—mostly mixing, chilling, and dipping.
- Flexible for occasions: perfect for holidays, gift boxes, or potlucks.
- Personal insight: I love this recipe because I can turn leftover brownies into an elegant treat in under an hour.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 20–30 minutes active (plus chilling)
- Cook time: none (if using baked brownies); if making brownies from scratch, add 25–35 minutes bake time
- Total time: about 1 hour including chilling (longer if you bake brownies)
- Servings: about 24 bite-size balls (using 1 tablespoon scoop)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: Crumble fudgy brownies, bind with a little frosting or cream cheese, chill, roll into balls, and dip in melted chocolate to set. For a printable reference, see this full recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested several binders and chilling times to get the ideal texture and found that a tablespoon of frosting per cup of crumbled brownie gives a firm but tender center. Tempering the coating chocolate yields a firm snap, but using untempered couverture still works if you chill properly. The biggest discovery was that brief freezing (10–15 minutes) before dipping reduces smudging and helps the coating set evenly.
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls
Start with fully cooled, fudgy brownies—homemade or store-bought—crumbled into a bowl. Add a binder (buttercream, cream cheese, or sweetened condensed milk) and a 1/2–1 teaspoon of peppermint extract per batch to taste, then combine until the mixture holds together when squeezed. Chill the mixture 20–30 minutes, scoop into uniform balls (use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop), freeze briefly to firm, then dip in melted chocolate and let set on parchment. Key techniques are controlling moisture so balls don’t fall apart and tempering or carefully cooling the coating chocolate for a crisp finish.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use fudgy brownies, not cakey ones. Fudgy crumbs bind more easily and give the right texture.
- Measure peppermint extract carefully—start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more after tasting; it concentrates when chilled.
- Chill the dough 20–30 minutes and then freeze balls 10–15 minutes before dipping to prevent smearing.
- Melt coating chocolate gently: use a double boiler or microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between intervals; aim for ~115°F (46°C) for dark chocolate, and if tempering, cool to ~82°F then rewarm to 88–90°F. A candy thermometer helps.
- Use a fork or dipping tool and tap off excess coating, then set on parchment or a silicone mat to avoid sticking.
How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls
- Arrange them on a festive platter dusted with crushed candy canes for holiday parties.
- Package 6–8 in a clear box with tissue paper as edible gifts or party favors.
- Serve alongside coffee or hot cocoa—these rich bites pair beautifully with warm drinks.
- For a dessert plate, add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint to each serving.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store finished brownie balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days; place layers between parchment to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve texture; avoid microwaving frozen balls directly. If you want the coating slightly glossy again, let them come to room temperature for 20–30 minutes or flash with a 2–4 second microwave burst on low (watch carefully).
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: Start with gluten-free brownies or use an almond flour or certified GF mix—binding ratios stay the same.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free brownie base and substitute vegan cream cheese or coconut condensed milk for the binder; use dairy-free chocolate for coating.
- Peppermint intensity: Swap peppermint extract for 1–2 teaspoons of finely crushed candy cane or peppermint oil (use sparingly—peppermint oil is concentrated).
- Boozy twist: Add 1 tablespoon of peppermint liqueur (e.g., crème de menthe) to the binder for adult-only batches.
Nutritional Highlights
- Small portion size packs flavor: these are bite-sized treats—aim for 1–2 per person to enjoy without excess.
- Key considerations: they are calorie-dense and contain sugar, chocolate, and dairy in standard versions; suitable as an occasional indulgence.
- Allergen information: contains gluten (unless using GF brownies), dairy (unless substituted), and may contain nuts if brownies include them; label accordingly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Problem: Balls fall apart when dipping. Solution: Add a teaspoon more binder or chill the mixture longer; freeze balls 10–15 minutes before dipping.
- Problem: Coating blooms or looks dull. Solution: If using tempered chocolate, maintain correct temperature ranges; if not tempering, chill coated balls right away to set the gloss, and store cool.
- Problem: Overpowering peppermint taste. Solution: Use less extract and add crushed candy canes for texture rather than more extract; always start small and taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use leftover brownies from a pan that’s a few days old?
A: Yes—stale but still moist brownies work well. Crumble them and press a little between your fingers; if they’re dry, add a teaspoon or two of frosting or condensed milk to reach a cohesive texture before chilling.
Q: Do I need to temper the chocolate for the coating?
A: Tempering gives the best snap and shine and increases shelf life at room temperature. However, you can skip tempering—melt chocolate gently, dip, and chill quickly. Store chilled to avoid a soft, matte finish.
Q: How do I make perfectly round, uniform balls?
A: Use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop for consistency, roll briefly between parchment-lined palms (don’t overwork), and chill before final shaping. Cooling firms them and helps maintain shape when dipping.
Q: Can I prepare these entirely ahead of time for parties?
A: Absolutely. You can make and coat them up to 4–7 days ahead if refrigerated, or freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
If you want recipe inspiration and variations, check these similar takes: Peppermint Brownie Truffles – Inside BruCrew Life, Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls – The Soccer Mom Blog, Chocolate Mint Brownie Bites, Peppermint Brownie Bites – The Dizzy Cook, and a low-carb alternative at Peppermint Brownie Balls (Gluten/DairySugar-Free) – Pretty Pies. These links offer tested methods, frosting ratios, and presentation ideas that complement this guide.
Print
Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 24 bite-size balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive chocolate peppermint brownie balls are a delightful treat that merges fudgy brownie flavor with refreshing peppermint, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 batch of fudgy brownies (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon of buttercream, cream cheese, or sweetened condensed milk (per cup of brownie crumbs)
- 1/2–1 teaspoon of peppermint extract (to taste)
- 8 oz of chocolate (for coating)
- Crushed candy canes (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Start with fully cooled brownies and crumble them into a bowl.
- Add the binder and peppermint extract, mixing until it holds together when squeezed.
- Chill the mixture for 20–30 minutes.
- Scoop into 1-tablespoon balls and freeze briefly for 10–15 minutes.
- Dip in melted chocolate and set on parchment paper to cool.
Notes
Use fudgy brownies for best results. Chill the mixture well before dipping to prevent smudging.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg