Combine the delicious flavors of peppermint and chocolate to make these vegan gluten-free peppermint brownies. Makes the perfect gift for chocolate lovers!
Originally published on December 22, 2016
We are getting closer and closer to Christmas! It's almost upon us... can you believe it? The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas was so short this year.
If you're still scrambling to come up with some last minute gifts, I have the perfect option for you. These chewy vegan brownies are especially great for those chocolate lovers in your life.
Vegan Gluten-Free Peppermint Brownies
These are super easy to make ahead and give as gifts! You can get pretty creative with how you want to package them too. Then it looks like you've spent ages putting together this beautiful gift, but the reality is much simpler. It'll be our little secret I promise! If you are looking for a classic boxed brownie, check out these vegan gluten-free brownies!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can absolutely prep ahead to make these an easy treat when you need them. I suggest making the dough, then storing in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to bake.
You can also bake the brownie part of the recipe, then freeze for later use. Make sure to wrap tightly (I use plastic wrap) and store in an airtight container in the freezer to keep the best texture.
Gifting Ideas
I love giving these as gifts for the holidays, they look so pretty packaged up and make a delicious treat for those you love. I'll link some of my favorite methods of packaging these below!
Finding Vegan Candy Canes
Most traditional Candy Canes are Vegan! Which makes this topping super simple to accomplish. The only time you'd have to be careful is when using Candy Canes that may have a chocolate, butterscotch or other fillings that may contain dairy.
But for this recipe I use the traditional red and white peppermint kind! You can find them at about just any store or for a quick delivery from Amazon, you can follow the below link.
Brach's Red and White Peppermint Candy Canes, 12 ct
Other Great Holiday Treats
If brownies just aren't your thing, you can also check out some of my other favorite holiday treats! They also make fabulous gifts and taste delicious. Here are some of my favorites:
- Melomakarona (Greek Christmas Cookies)
- Vegan Oatmeal Raisin
- Caramel Protein Truffles
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls
- Peppermint Patty Freezer Pie
How To Make Vegan Peppermint Brownies
- Combine the dry ingredients into a bowl and mix to combine.
- Blend everything else in a food processor and roll into balls.
- Bake and top with melted chocolate.
- Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- Serve!
Vegan Candy Cane Brownie Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup brown rice flour , I use a finely ground brown rice flour
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups vegan chocolate chips , divided into ½ cup, ½ cup and 1 cup portions
- ½ cup cashew butter , room temperature (or tahini for nut free)
- 6 Medjool dates , soaked in hot water, plus 2 tablespoons of the soaking water
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2-3 tablespoons crushed candy canes , optional for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F/ 190 C. Soak dates in hot water, allow to soak while prepping the other ingredients. I soak mine with the pits because it is easier to remove the pits once soaked and soft.
- Combine flour, starch, baking soda and salt in a small bowl and whisk to break up clumps. Set aside.
- Melt ½ cup chocolate chips with tahini using a microwave or double boiler. If using a microwave, be sure to heat in short 10-15 second increments so you avoid burning it. Stir in between heating to break down large chunks. It took mine about 1 minute to melt, but it will depend on your microwave.
- Once melted, pour mixture into a blender or food processor (save the bowl you used for later). Add dates (make sure to remove the pits), 2 tablespoons of the soaking water, molasses, vanilla and peppermint extract. Blend until smooth.
- Add in the flour mixture. Blend again to combine.
- Pour the other ½ cup of chocolate chips into the blender or food processor and pulse to combine.
- Put batter into the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to harden. You want it pliable but not too sticky or it will be hard to roll into balls.
- Once firm, roll into balls about 1 ½ inches in size. Place them on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes, until slightly firm. They cook more as they cool so make sure NOT to over bake.
- Allow to cool completely. Once cool melt the remaining 1 cup chocolate chips. Pour melted chocolate into a piping bag used for frosting, or you can use a plastic bag and cut the corner off, make sure it isn’t too hot so you don’t burn yourself. Pipe the melted chocolate over the brownie bites so that it covers the entire top, it’s okay if it melts down the side. Messy is good.
- Sprinkle the tops with crushed candy cane if you want and allow the chocolate to harden. You can either put them in the refrigerator or leave them out if the weather isn’t too hot.
Notes
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature or the melted chocolate will harden and not mix well.
- You can use another variety of dates, just keep in mind the size and sweetness as compared to Medjool to ensure the same results.
- Crush candy canes
Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.
auntie dew
I have a nephew with severe allergies but i couldnt remember which ones and i wanted to make him something he could eat bc i always see the kids get excited abt dessert at christmas and he cant ever have any. If the grandparents wont, auntie will. 🫶🏼 the recipe is amazing! I thought it would be harder using the blender but it was so easy and tastes great. Thank you!
Sophia DeSantis
I am so happy that you were able to make him something he can enjoy!! Thank you so much for letting me know, what a great holiday season surprise.
Eve-Marie
Hi, I have everything but the brown rice flour. I do have white rice flour, or all purpose flour (I can eat gluten) - would one of these work here? Thanks!
veggiesdontbite
Hi there! White rice flour does not work the same texture wise as brown rice. I have not tried these with regular flour so I can't tell you what the texture would turn out like. You are always welcome to try but I can't vouch for it. I'm sure the flavor will still be good but with baking the flours do matter for texture. The only thing I can advise is look at the texture in the photos of the ones I made and slowly add the regular flour until you get something similar. It shouldn't be sticky but soft and pliable. Let me know what you try!
Eve-Marie
Thanks! I ended up buying brown rice flour so followed the recipe exactly. They turned out really delicious and so pretty, but got a little scorched on the bottom so next time I think I'll bake at 350 instead of 375. Thanks for the fun recipe!
veggiesdontbite
Oh great!!! So happy you liked them. Yes, you can either cook them for a shorter time or reduce the temperature. Ovens vary!
Emma
Is there a substitute to try for tahini. My batch has a very strong tahini taste and less chocolaty
veggiesdontbite
Hi Emma! Hmm, it may be the kind of tahini you're using. Some aren't a good as others in the flavor department. I have tried some that are very bitter. You could try almond butter and see how that works!
Tracey
I love the simple ingredient list of these brownie bites. So much so that I've actually made them twice! I'm having a problem with them burning though!! 🙁 🙁 I've followed the recipe exactly each time, my cookie sheets are on the top rack of the oven, (I even lowered the temp to 350F) and they consistently burn after 5-7 minutes! I'm racking my brain to figure out why they're burning. Any thoughts?
veggiesdontbite
Hi Tracey! I think the issue is that you’re using the top rack. Put the rack lower, middle should be better!
Annemarie @ justalittlebitofbacon
I love all these tasty gift ideas! Though the sugar scrub might be tough unless you also have one of the treats to enjoy so you don't go crazy smelling it and not being able to eat it. And of course brownie bites are going to be a big hit. They're brownies? Who doesn't love brownies? 🙂
veggiesdontbite
LOL!!! Totally perfect to pair it with cookies!
Brian Jones
That cake in a box is such an awesome idea great packaging too 😀
veggiesdontbite
Isn't it great?!
Natalie | Natalie's Food & Health
Ohhh I loveeee these brownie bites. Looks so delicious, soft and perfect! Thanks for sharing the recipe! Pinning! Happy Holidays Sophia 😉
veggiesdontbite
Thank you!
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours
The brownie bites look amazing. Lovely for a sweet treat.
Your body scrub sounds fab though. The ginger has got to be a wonderful smell.
veggiesdontbite
Thanks so much!
Maria
Looks amazing! Similar to my gingerbread cookies. Gooey on the inside and crispy on the outside! I love it!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you! Your cookies sound amazing!
Mandy
Whoa. Great minds for sure! My original idea was to turn last year's brownie recipe into brownie bites with melted chocolate on top AND crushed candy canes. Too funny! These look amazing, Sophia! And such a perfect little gift idea. OMG!!! That cake looks INSANE!!!! What a gorgeous remake...almost too pretty to eat 😉 Brandi must be over the moon after seeing this! I absolutely love the idea of Cake in a Crate - talk about making life a little easier! Happy Holidays, friend! xo
veggiesdontbite
Crazy!! But at least we both know we have great taste! LOL, thanks so much and hope you have a happy holiday!
Casey the College Celiac
LOVE how simple all of these ingredients are, yet they look like they create a masterpiece! YUM! I've never been a huge peppermint fan, but these cookies might convert me...
veggiesdontbite
Thank you! I actually don't love peppermint on it's own, just with chocolate!
The Vegan 8
Thank you so much for sharing Sophia! I love, love that you doubled the cake layers, it looks stunning. I will share this later on both Facebook and IG and tag you! The cake would be great for ringing in New Years, haha and people could still get it to arrive in time for that. Or, of course, birthdays or any events throughout the year. Thank you again for sharing! So glad that you all loved it too! I love the other gift ideas, too. The brownie bites look so good. I did something similar over Thanksgiving for my guests, I used one of my brownie recipes and turned them into peppermint brownies and omg, I liked the peppermint addition even better!
I'm thinking people would be super happy to receive those brownie bites in jars, lol!
veggiesdontbite
You are so welcome! It was incredible! And I love the idea of the crate, so many people just want it all easy and measured and this is the perfect answer! I'm sad the little cake is gone...although it barely made it to the end of the day. LOL!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
With the ingredients you used...I think these may just be my favorite chocolate peppermint treat I've seen this year! OMG <3 These would just make a gift of pure love!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Rebecca! Only issue is not eating them all before gifting...HA!