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Introduction

Chocolate Peppermint Bread is a rich, moist, and festive dessert bread that combines deep chocolate flavor with refreshing peppermint. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or cozy winter nights, this bread is topped with a peppermint glaze and crushed candy canes, making it an irresistible seasonal favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Rich & Moist – Made with cocoa and chocolate chips for a fudgy texture.
• Festive Flavors – A delicious combination of chocolate and peppermint.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Perfect for Holidays – Great for Christmas parties, gifting, and dessert tables.
• Pairs Well with Hot Drinks – Enjoy with coffee, hot cocoa, or peppermint tea.

Origin of Chocolate Peppermint Bread

• Chocolate and peppermint have been a classic holiday pairing for centuries, dating back to Europe’s early chocolate confections.
• Candy canes, which originated in the 17th century, became popular in the U.S. in the 1900s and inspired many peppermint-flavored desserts.
• This bread is a modern twist on chocolate loaf cakes, incorporating peppermint for a holiday spin.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Peppermint Bread:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips

For the Peppermint Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 crushed candy canes (for topping)

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract, mixing well.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, stirring gently.
6. Fold in mini chocolate chips for extra richness.

Step 2: Bake the Bread

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
2. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
3. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Peppermint Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.
3. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.

Cooking Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
• Sift the cocoa powder to avoid lumps in the batter.
• Fold in mini chocolate chips lightly to keep the batter airy.
• Crush candy canes just before serving to maintain crispness.

Mistakes to Avoid:

• Overmixing the batter – Can lead to a dense texture.
• Overbaking – Check at 45 minutes to prevent dryness.
• Adding glaze to warm bread – It will melt instead of setting.
• Using too much peppermint extract – A little goes a long way!

Serving Tips

• Enjoy warm with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or eggnog.
• Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Pair with vanilla or peppermint ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Wrap in parchment paper and gift as a homemade holiday treat.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

• Cocoa Powder – Rich in antioxidants and may improve heart health.
• Peppermint Extract – Aids digestion and provides a refreshing flavor.
• Buttermilk – Adds moisture and beneficial probiotics.
• Brown Sugar – Contains molasses with trace minerals.

Interesting Facts About Chocolate Peppermint Bread

• The combination of chocolate and peppermint is linked to holiday traditions dating back to Victorian England.
• Candy canes were originally all white – The red stripes were added in the early 1900s.
• Chocolate bread recipes date back centuries, but peppermint was introduced to holiday desserts much later.
• Peppermint flavor pairs exceptionally well with dark chocolate, enhancing its richness.

Summarized Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10 slices

Ingredients:
 Flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, buttermilk, mini chocolate chips, powdered sugar, milk, crushed candy canes.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. Whisk dry ingredients in one bowl, cream butter and sugars in another.
3. Add eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Mix in dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk.
4. Fold in mini chocolate chips, then pour batter into the loaf pan.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, then let cool completely.
6. Drizzle with peppermint glaze and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Peppermint Bread is a festive, rich, and indulgent holiday dessert that brings together the warm flavors of chocolate and the refreshing coolness of peppermint. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, giving homemade gifts, or enjoying a cozy winter treat, this bread is sure to be a seasonal favorite!

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