Kisses Peppermint Brownie Drops are the perfect festive treat to sweeten up your holiday season. These brownie bites are soft, fudgy, and topped with a peppermint kiss that melts slightly, adding a burst of minty freshness to the rich chocolate. With their beautiful dusting of powdered sugar, they look like they’ve just been kissed by winter’s first snow. They are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making them a fantastic choice for last-minute holiday baking.
Ideal for Christmas parties, cookie swaps, or as a simple treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, these brownie drops are sure to be a hit. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is classic and comforting, capturing the essence of the season in every bite. Plus, they are so easy to prepare that even beginner bakers can create these delightful, bite-sized treats with ease.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 box (18.4 ounces) brownie mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses Candy Cane Mint candies, unwrapped
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Stir until well combined.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of the brownie batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kisses Candy Cane Mint candy into the center of each brownie drop.
- Let the brownie drops cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, lightly dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal | Servings: 24 brownie drops
Origins and Inspiration
The combination of chocolate and peppermint is a classic pairing that becomes particularly popular during the holiday season. These Kisses Peppermint Brownie Drops bring together the rich, fudgy texture of brownies and the cool, refreshing taste of peppermint. The inspiration for this recipe comes from the desire to create a simple yet festive treat that captures the essence of winter holidays. Incorporating Hershey’s Kisses Candy Cane Mint candies not only adds a burst of peppermint flavor but also gives these brownie drops a visually appealing and festive touch.
Flavor Profile
Kisses Peppermint Brownie Drops offer a delightful mix of flavors:
- Rich and Chocolatey: The brownie base is deep, fudgy, and decadent, delivering a rich chocolate flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Minty Freshness: The peppermint Kisses on top provide a burst of minty coolness that contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey brownie.
- Sweet and Decadent: The sweetness of the brownie is balanced by the refreshing peppermint, creating a treat that is indulgent yet not overly heavy.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Brownie Drops
- Underbake Slightly: To achieve a soft and fudgy center, slightly underbake the brownie drops. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set, but the centers are still soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Press the Kisses Gently: When placing the peppermint Kisses on top of the brownie drops, press them gently into the warm brownie. The heat will slightly melt the candies, helping them adhere to the brownie without losing their shape.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized brownie drops, use a cookie scoop to portion out the batter. This ensures uniform baking and makes the finished product look more professional.
Variations and Customizations
- Different Kisses Flavors: While the peppermint Kisses are perfect for the holidays, you can switch things up by using other Hershey’s Kisses flavors, such as milk chocolate, caramel, or almond. This allows you to enjoy these brownie drops year-round with different flavor profiles.
- Add Mix-Ins: Incorporate chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or chopped nuts into the brownie batter for added texture and flavor.
- Brownie Mix Alternatives: If you prefer to make brownies from scratch, you can use your favorite homemade brownie recipe for the base instead of the boxed mix. Just adjust the batter to ensure it’s thick enough to hold the shape of the drops.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Dessert Platter: Serve these brownie drops as part of a holiday dessert platter alongside cookies, fudge, and other festive treats. Their small size makes them easy to enjoy alongside other sweets.
- Gift Giving: These brownie drops make excellent holiday gifts. Package them in festive tins or boxes lined with parchment paper, and add a decorative ribbon for a homemade gift that’s sure to delight.
- Warm Treat: For an extra indulgent treat, warm the brownie drops slightly before serving and pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage and Shelf Life
- Room Temperature: Store the brownie drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
- Freezing: These brownie drops freeze well. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: To enjoy the brownie drops warm, microwave them for a few seconds until slightly softened. This brings out their fudgy texture and makes the peppermint kiss slightly melty.
Nutritional Considerations
- Caloric Content: At approximately 150 kcal per serving, these brownie drops are a small yet satisfying treat. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free brownie mix. Ensure the Hershey’s Kisses you choose are also gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: To make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free brownie mix and replace the peppermint Kisses with a dairy-free peppermint candy or a small piece of dark chocolate.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Peppermint and Chocolate: This pairing is a favorite during the winter months because the coolness of peppermint complements the warmth of chocolate, creating a taste experience that feels festive and comforting.
- Perfect for Cookie Swaps: These brownie drops are a great addition to cookie swaps because they combine the best of brownies and cookies in one bite-sized treat. Their unique look and flavor make them stand out on any dessert table.
- Versatile for Different Occasions: While they’re especially popular during the holidays, you can adapt this recipe for different occasions. For example, use milk chocolate Kisses for Valentine’s Day or dark chocolate Kisses for a rich, elegant treat at any time of year.
Hosting and Presentation Ideas
- Festive Display: Arrange these brownie drops on a platter lined with holiday-themed parchment paper. Sprinkle some extra powdered sugar over the top for a snowy effect that adds to the festive presentation.
- Pair with Beverages: Serve these brownie drops with a variety of warm beverages like hot chocolate, peppermint mocha, or spiced tea for a cozy holiday treat. The combination of warm drinks and minty chocolate is a match made in heaven.
- Holiday Baking Party: These brownie drops are simple enough to make at a holiday baking party. Invite friends or family over for a fun afternoon of baking, decorating, and, of course, sampling the treats.
The Brookie Experience
These Kisses Peppermint Brownie Drops are not just a dessert; they embody the spirit of holiday cheer. They bring together the comforting richness of brownies with the festive burst of peppermint, making them a delightful treat for winter celebrations. Their bite-sized form makes them easy to share, gift, and enjoy, whether you’re hosting a party or curling up by the fireplace with a sweet snack.
Conclusion
Kisses Peppermint Brownie Drops are a deliciously festive treat that combines the fudgy goodness of brownies with the cool, minty freshness of peppermint. They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and bring a touch of holiday magic to any dessert spread. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cookie swap, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these brownie drops are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.