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Whip up the perfect cozy treat with this Healthy Peppermint Brownies recipe. Perfect for the holidays but delicious enough to enjoy year round, these brownies take the cake for the best combo of chocolate and peppermint.
Enjoy a festive mint brownie recipe
Brownies are always a good idea, but the holidays and cold weather call for something extra seasonal: the addition of peppermint! And with that thought, healthy peppermint brownies were born.
These are one of my favorite baked goods to make because the blend of chocolate and mint is to die for. They’re like candy cane brownies and I just can’t get enough! Plus, this particular recipe uses healthier ingredients, which means I’m totally devouring an extra or two.
Mint brownies come together in about 45 minutes and are the perfect treat for enjoying with a cozy blanket, glass of hot cocoa, and a holiday movie!
Ingredients in healthy mint brownies
For these brownies we’re keeping things simple and using standard baking ingredients like eggs, sugar, and oil. But by adding peppermint extract, we’re able to turn these brownies into little bites of minty delight, perfect for enjoying as the holiday season approaches!
- Eggs: First up, we will need 2 eggs for texture and flavor.
- Coconut sugar: Make things sweet by using 1/2 cup of coconut sugar, my go-to sugar! I love to use it place of granulated white sugar.
- Maple syrup: Maple syrup is a great all natural sweetener for these brownies and tastes best when used in the amount of 1/4 cup.
- Coconut oil: As for the coconut oil, set aside 1/2 cup. You’ll need it to be melted.
- Peppermint extract: The magic ingredient for this recipe is none other than peppermint extract! This simple ingredient totally changes the taste and gives the brownies that minty touch. 1/2 tsp is perfect.
- Almond flour: Almond flour is used as a great heathy alternative to all-purpose flour. You’ll need 3/4 cup.
- Cocoa powder: We will achieve a rich, chocolate flavor with the help of 2/3 cup of cocoa powder.
- Baking soda: To help the brownies bake properly, throw in 1/4 tsp of baking soda.
- Sea salt: Adding salt to baked goods always takes things up a notch. For these mint brownies I recommend 1/4 tsp of sea salt.
- Chocolate: Chocolate will be used for drizzling on top of the brownies. You can use either chocolate chips, a crushed chocolate bar, or whatever you have on hand. Melt it with 1 tsp of coconut oil, and it’s ready to drizzle!
Tools used to make these brownies
For this dessert you’ll need a few kitchen tools like a baking dish, mixing bowls, and a handful of measuring cups.
- 8×8 baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Mixing utensils
- Measuring cups: 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1/4 cup, 1/2 cup, 2/3 cup, 3/4 cup
How to make healthy peppermint brownies
Brownies are one of my favorite types of baked goods because they are just so simple. This recipe follows suit and comes together after only about 5-10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 in the oven. Just mix, pour, and bake!
First, preheat your oven to 350F and prepare an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper or oil.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, coconut sugar, maple syrup, coconut oil, and peppermint extract together.
Then in a separate small bowl, stir the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until fully combined.
Then, pour the batter into a prepared dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool completely before serving.
Substitution Tip
There are a few simple ingredient swap options that you may be interested in using!
- Coconut sugar: First up, coconut sugar can be easily swapped with any other sugar, including white. Just use a 1:1 ratio.
- Maple syrup: You can skip the maple syrup in favor of either honey or molasses. If using this switch, start with a smaller measurement and add to taste.
- Coconut oil: Coconut can be substituted with any similar baking oil. Think olive, vegetable, or canola!
- Baking soda: Finally, you can use baking powder if you’re out of baking soda! For these brownies you’ll need 1.5 tsp of powder.
Add extra cheer with this simple ingredient
Want to take your peppermint brownie recipe to the next level and add a bit of holiday cheer? Top the brownies with candy canes! Just grab a few (maybe 4 or 5), crush ’em up, and sprinkle them on top!
Cute, minty and extra delicious!
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to common mint brownie questions. Have a question that I didn’t answer? Leave a comment below!
Can I use a different sized baking dish?
I used an 8×8 pan for this recipe, but you can use whatever pan you’d like! 9×9, 13×9, or even a round cast iron skillet will work. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Can I substitute the cocoa with cacao?
Cocoa and cacao are a bit different, so I don’t recommend substituting one for the other. Cocoa is more heavily processed, and the flavors of the two vary slightly.
How long do these stay fresh?
When stored on the counter or in the fridge in an airtight container, these brownies should stay delicious for up to 4-5 days.
More minty fresh baked goods to enjoy
Everyone loves a good chocolate and mint combo. Check out some of my favorites below, and let me know what type of holiday dessert is your favorite!
Healthy Peppermint Brownies
Whip up the perfect cozy treat with this Healthy Peppermint Brownies recipe. Perfect for the holidays but delicious enough to enjoy year round, these brownies take the cake for the best combo of chocolate and peppermint.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 3/4 cups almond flour
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- Chocolate for drizzling (melted with 1 tsp coconut oil)
- crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and prepare an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper or oil.
- In a large bowl, beat together eggs, coconut sugar, maple syrup, coconut oil, and peppermint extract.
- In a separate small bowl, stir together almond flour, cacao powder, baking soda and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet, stirring until fully combined.
- Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before drizzling with chocolate and sprinkling with candy canes. Store on counter or in fridge.
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Jen says
Loved these!! My friends and family did too! They taste so good you would never know they are healthier than most brownies!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jen, so happy they were a hit!!
Jennifer says
Do you think you could use flax eggs?
Erin says
Hi Jennifer, yep that should be okay! I have not tried the recipe with them but please let me know how they come out! 🙂
Danijela says
Hi Erin! Do you think it would be okay to substitute the almond flour for oat flour? Would that ruin the recipe?
Erin says
Hi Danijela, yes that should be fine. Let me know how your brownies come out!!
Olivia says
Just made these tonight and OMG they are AMAZING. They took no time at all and came out so moist and delicious. I love anything with peppermint extract and I had a couple of candy canes & white chocolate chips leftover after the holidays that I used for the topping. Thank you for a great recipe!
Erin says
Hi Olivia, thank you for sharing! I am so happy you enjoyed them and great toppings! 🙂
Abby Rohan says
These brownies were so delicious! They were a crowd favorite – nobody could tell they were GF & DF. Definitely making again!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Abby, so happy you love them!!
Morgan says
They are delicious with the perfect amount of peppermint. Some of the best gf brownies I have had!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Morgan, I am so happy you love them!
Alyssa says
These brownies are super fudgey and delicious! I didn’t have peppermint extract so I subbed for vanilla, and I added extra dark chocolate chips to the batter. They were still peppermint-y from the candy canes. 10/10 will be making these again!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Alyssa, I am so happy you liked them and made them your own! 🙂
Maddie says
Honestly the best brownies I’ve ever had, gluten free or not. I’m obsessed. My boyfriend, my mom, my roommate, her boyfriend- we all loved them. I’m already looking forward to making these again. This recipe will be on repeat. I added chocolate chips in the batter too. Quick, easy, wholesome ingredients plus they’re super moist and fudgy so you can’t go wrong with these. Store them in the fridge for extra fudge factor. A game changer.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Maddie, I am so happy everyone enjoyed them!! Love to hear that! 🙂
Katie says
The perfect holiday treat!! These are UNREAL out of the fridge- they get so fudgy!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Katie, I am so happy you love them!