Chocolate Peppermint Bread: A Festive Holiday Recipe

If you’re looking to add a dazzling, festive treat to your holiday table, this Chocolate Peppermint Bread: A Festive Holiday Recipe is an absolute showstopper. Imagine rich cocoa-infused bread swirled with crunchy peppermint bits and melty chocolate chips, all wrapped up in a moist, tender crumb that feels like a warm winter hug. Topped with a luscious peppermint glaze and a sprinkle of crushed candies, it balances sweet, minty, and chocolaty flavors perfectly. Whether you’re gifting it or savoring it yourself, this bread brings all the holiday cheer in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chocolate Peppermint Bread is in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s providing structure, moisture, or that signature festive flavor that makes every slice unforgettable.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender yet sturdy crumb that holds all those delicious add-ins.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings deep chocolate flavor and rich color, making this bread irresistibly dark and inviting.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Leavening agents that ensure your bread rises beautifully with a light texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and bringing out the chocolate and peppermint notes.
• Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: Sweetness with a hint of molasses from the brown sugar adds moisture and depth.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and softness, helping the bread stay moist.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread tender and prevents it from drying out.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness that hold everything together.
• Vanilla extract and peppermint extract: The aromatic stars that bring warmth and festive mint vibes.
• Boiling water: Used to bloom the cocoa powder for an intensified chocolate flavor and smooth batter.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Little pockets of melty chocolate throughout every slice.
• Crushed peppermint candies: Add delightful crunch and bright minty bursts that scream holiday spirit.
• Powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt: Whisked into a glaze that gives the bread a shiny, sweet finish with a refreshing peppermint kick.

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Bread: A Festive Holiday Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and cocoa, setting the stage for a perfectly textured bread with rich chocolate flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Combine Sugars

In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar with the light brown sugar, breaking up any clumps in the brown sugar. The mix of sugars adds complexity to the sweetness and keeps the bread moist and tender.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

Next, in another bowl, mix together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. This flavorful wet blend will bring moisture, richness, and that essential holiday mint essence that makes this bread special.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid a heavy texture; the goal is a tender, soft bread.

Step 5: Add Boiling Water

Slowly pour the boiling water into the batter while mixing on low speed. This might seem unusual, but it blooms the cocoa powder and results in an ultra-moist, luscious batter that bakes into the richest chocolate bread you’ve ever tasted.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Peppermint

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies, saving some for the topping if you like. These mix-ins bring bursts of melty chocolate and refreshing crunch throughout the bread.

Step 7: Prepare the Loaf Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy release. This step ensures your bread won’t stick and comes out perfectly shaped.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, then sprinkle with the reserved chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies for an extra festive touch. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze

Once out of the oven, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth to create a peppermint glaze. Once the bread is cool, drizzle the glaze over the top and sprinkle with extra crushed peppermint candies or even chocolate shavings. Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Bread: A Festive Holiday Recipe

Garnishes

For serving, extra crushed peppermint candies or chocolate curls on top instantly make slices look dazzling and festive. Garnishes add not just beauty but a fun texture contrast to each bite, enhancing that peppermint-chocolate allure.

Side Dishes

This bread is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with a hot cup of coffee, peppermint-spiced cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates it to an indulgent holiday experience everyone will rave about.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap slices in colorful parchment or cellophane tied with a ribbon for charming edible gifts. You can also serve this bread on a rustic wooden board alongside an assortment of holiday cookies to create a stunning seasonal dessert spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chocolate Peppermint Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps maintain the bread’s moist texture and keeps those peppermint bits crisp.

Freezing

If you want to make this ahead or save extra slices, wrap the bread tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready, and you’ll barely notice it’s not freshly baked.

Reheating

To enjoy the bread warm and fresh-tasting, pop slices in the toaster oven or microwave for 15-20 seconds. Warming gently melts the chocolate chips and revives that unmistakable heavenly aroma of peppermint and cocoa.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to a cup of milk to make a quick buttermilk alternative. This acidity helps tenderize the bread and balance the sweet flavors.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the buttermilk for a plant-based milk with a bit of lemon juice added, and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The bread will still turn out moist and delicious with that festive peppermint twist.

Can I use peppermint extract only, skipping vanilla?

While peppermint is the star flavor, the vanilla extract adds warmth and depth, balancing the mint and chocolate. However, if you prefer a stronger mint flavor, you can omit vanilla, though the overall taste might be a bit sharper.

What type of peppermint candies work best in this recipe?

Crushed hard peppermint candies or candy canes deliver excellent crunch and mint bursts. Avoid soft peppermint candies since they may melt and lose texture during baking.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The best test is to insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the bread. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—not wet batter. This ensures the bread is fully baked but still moist and tender.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Chocolate Peppermint Bread: A Festive Holiday Recipe this season. It’s a delightful blend of nostalgic holiday flavors and comforting chocolate goodness wrapped into one easy-to-make loaf. Whether you’re sharing, gifting, or treating yourself, this bread has a way of brightening chilly days with every warm, minty slice.

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