For me, December 1 marks the official start to the holiday season. We haven’t picked out our tree, but I’m hoping to pick one up and decorate the house within the next few days. Even though my house isn’t technically festive yet, there’s no better time than now to share this recipe for Easy Peppermint Mocha Brownies.
This brownie recipe is made healthier by using less sugar and NO butter or oil. Can you guess what the secret ingredient is that lets you leave out the oil?
Pumpkin puree! You can’t taste it once the brownies are baked, but pumpkin puree adds the perfect amount of moisture to make dense, fudge-like treats. Pumpkin puree is super healthy for you too, with Vitamins A and K, as well as fiber and protein. {source} These brownies are also made with almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, so they happen to be gluten free.
Chocolate combined with peppermint is my absolute favorite holiday flavor combo for dessert. I made these brownies with my 4-year-old nephew over the weekend, and he gave them two thumbs up.
Easy Peppermint Mocha Brownie Recipe
A delicious holiday dessert recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-
Mix dry ingredients in a bowl - almond flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. *Add wet ingredients - pumpkin puree, egg, and peppermint extract. Mix until combined.
-
Stir in chocolate chips.
-
Add brownie batter to a 9x9 pan, or equivalent baking pan.
-
Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Adapted from King Arthur Flour’s recipe for Almond Flour BrowniesÂ
Looking for more holiday recipes? Try my:
- Instant Pot Chocolate Peppermint Rice Pudding
- Flourless Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Bars
- Candy Cane Mascarpone Dip
I’m Celia. I live in the Chicago area. I'm a mama of two, runner, business owner and former Iowan. My blog includes recipes, fitness and travel posts, and stories about Chicago.
Oooh, what a great idea for all those cans of pumpkin I've been hoarding!
I have alll of these ingredients at my house… and it's december 1st… so I think it's only right that I make these peppermint treats 🙂
whoa – this recipe sounds amazing! I agree, anything with peppermint and chocolate is a win in my book.
These look so fudgey and delicious, plus peppermint/chocolate is my jam during the holidays!!!
These look amazing!! I need to try this recipe ASAP! 🙂
No butter or oil in a brownie recipe?!? I might have to give these a try!
This sounds like a great twist on a brownie recipe. I have never thought to use pumpkin puree!
These look really fudgy! Can you taste the pumpkin?
I love chocolate and peppermint too…the joy of the season is peppermint mocha lattes at Starbucks…and now these brownies!
Chocolate and peppermint is one of the best flavor combinations ever. Especially in a brownie.
yum!! this sounds delicious! I used to hate peppermint but it grew on me 🙂
yummers! Evan loved these and I did too!
Ooooh, what a great flavour combo. Love it.
Such an intriguing recipe! I am going to have to give this a go. 🙂
I love these and I'm intrigued by the use of pumpkin puree, I love this. Chocolate and mint, great combo, great recipe.
I love that you used pumpkin in these! I can enjoy a few extra as a result.
Healthy brownies! I am in! They sound delicious
What a festive and fabulous flavor combination! I can't wait to try these, maybe even today!
I love chocolate and peppermint and need to try your brownies soon!!! yum!
I totally dig chocolate and peppermint combo – a huge favorite of mine. Love that this delish brownies are gluten-free, too!
Wow, those look amazing and the peppermint would be perfect!!
I love chocolate and peppermint, they were made to go together.
Always nice to see healthy treats pop up this time of year. This recipe looks really interesting. Chocolate, pumpkin and mint together Must be good!
They look so fudgy and yummy—I love that they're healthy!
Chocolate and peppermint, can't go wrong with that.. Brownies looks so yummy and are perfect for the season.
Yum! I love pumpkin in brownies and adding peppermint makes these so festive!
I think that brownies that remind me of fudge are the best ever. I'll take a whole pan of these beauties.
I really like using almond flour in brownies, as it gives them a really nice texture.
Mmmm, bet these smell wonderful baking away! Love this flavor combination!!!
What a great idea to use pumpkin puree!