We’ve all fallen for the irresistible charm of Starbucks’ Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops especially during the holiday season. These bite-sized delights blend rich brownie goodness with a refreshing peppermint twist making them a festive favorite we can’t resist recreating at home.
Our easy recipe lets you capture that cafe magic without leaving your kitchen. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat that’ll impress friends and family.
With simple ingredients and steps we’ll guide you to bake these crowd-pleasers that taste just like the original.
Ingredients
In our Starbucks-inspired Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops recipe, we focus on simple, high-quality ingredients that capture the rich chocolatey brownie base infused with refreshing peppermint flavors. We’ve curated this list in the order they are used during preparation, including any necessary prep notes for accuracy and ease.
Brownie Base Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted – We start with this for a moist texture; ensure it’s at room temperature for even mixing.
- 2 cups granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create the fudgy consistency; measure precisely for the best results.
- 4 large eggs – Beat these lightly before adding; they bind the mixture and add structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Provides a subtle depth; use pure extract for authentic flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Sifted for lump-free batter; this forms the base structure.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Key for that deep chocolate taste; opt for high-quality brands like Hershey’s.
Peppermint Flavor Add-ins
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract – Added next for the signature minty kick; a little goes a long way, so measure carefully.
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies – Such as candy canes; crush them finely for even distribution and a festive crunch.
Assembly and Coating Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting – Prepared or store-bought; used to bind the cake balls, so keep it creamy.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – For dipping the cake pops; melt these smoothly for a glossy finish.
- ¼ cup vegetable oil – Mixed in with the chocolate for a thinner coating; helps achieve that professional shine.
- Sprinkles or additional crushed peppermint – For decoration; we suggest about ½ cup to add holiday flair without overwhelming the pops.
This selection ensures our Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops deliver the same delightful balance of flavors as the originals, making your home baking effortless and impressive.
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into preparing our Starbucks-inspired Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops, let’s gather the essential equipment. This setup ensures smooth baking and assembly, helping us achieve professional-looking treats with minimal hassle.
To make the process efficient, we recommend having these key items on hand:
- Mixing Bowls: Two or three medium-sized bowls for combining ingredients like batter and frosting. Opt for heat-safe glass or stainless steel to handle various steps.
- Baking Pan: A 9×9-inch square pan for baking the brownie base. This size works perfectly for even cooking and easy portioning.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk: A hand mixer for creaming butter and sugar, or a sturdy whisk if we’re mixing by hand. It helps incorporate air for a lighter texture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of standard cups (1 cup, ½ cup, etc.) and spoons for accurate measurements of ingredients like flour and peppermint extract.
- Spatula: A silicone spatula for scraping bowls and folding mixtures without damaging nonstick surfaces.
- Cookie Scoop: A 1-tablespoon scoop to portion the brownie mixture into uniform balls, ensuring consistent cake pop sizes.
- Baking Sheet: A large rimmed sheet lined with parchment paper for chilling and setting the cake pops.
- Melting Pot or Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting chocolate chips smoothly. If using a double boiler, it prevents scorching for our semi-sweet chocolate coating.
- Cake Pop Sticks: At least 24 sticks (about 4-6 inches long) for inserting into the formed balls. These are crucial for that authentic Starbucks-style presentation.
- Parchment Paper or Wax Paper: Sheets to line trays and prevent sticking during cooling and dipping.
With this equipment organized, we’re ready to move seamlessly from mixing our ingredients to assembling the cake pops, capturing that festive peppermint flavor in every bite.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and equipment, we guide you through the straightforward steps to create these irresistible Starbucks-inspired Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops. Follow our precise instructions to achieve a treat with a rich, fudgy center and a refreshing peppermint burst that delights the senses.
Prepare the Brownie Batter
In this step, we combine the base ingredients to form a smooth, chocolatey batter that sets the foundation for our cake pops. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure even incorporation. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract for that signature festive flavor.
Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cocoa powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt to create a uniform dry mixture. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing and keep the batter velvety. The result is a glossy batter with a deep chocolate aroma that hints at the decadent treat to come.
Bake the Brownies
Here, we transform the batter into a moist brownie base that captures the essence of Starbucks’ version. Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the prepared brownie batter into the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, signaling perfect fudginess. As the brownies bake, your kitchen fills with the irresistible scent of warm chocolate and mint, building anticipation for the final product. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
Cool and Crumble
Cooling ensures the brownies set properly, while crumbling creates the ideal texture for our cake pops. Allow the baked brownies to cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour at room temperature, preventing them from becoming gummy when handled.
Once cooled, remove the brownies from the pan and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a fork to gently crumble the brownies into fine, even crumbs, aiming for a consistency like moist sand. This step yields about 4 cups of crumbles from the batch, giving us a versatile base that’s easy to mold and infused with that subtle peppermint undertone.
Form the Cake Pops
Now we shape our mixture into bite-sized cake pops, blending in binding elements for a cohesive form. In the bowl with the brownie crumbles, add ½ cup of cream cheese frosting and mix thoroughly with a spatula until the mixture holds together like a dough, enhancing the creamy texture.
Using a cookie scoop, portion out 1-inch balls of the mixture and roll them between your palms to form smooth, uniform spheres—each about 1 ounce in weight. Insert a cake pop stick into each ball about halfway, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. At this stage, the formed pops should feel firm yet yield slightly, promising a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite of chocolatey goodness.
Dip and Add Peppermint Coating
In this final assembly, we coat the cake pops for a glossy finish and add the peppermint flair that makes them festive. Melt 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth and shiny.
Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, twirling gently to coat evenly and letting any excess drip off for a clean finish. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the wet coating for a crunchy, cooling contrast that evokes holiday cheer. Place the coated pops back on the baking sheet to set for 15-20 minutes at room temperature, resulting in a visually appealing treat with a satisfying snap and vibrant peppermint flavor that mirrors the original Starbucks delight.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To help you enjoy our Starbucks-inspired Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops without last-minute rush, we recommend preparing components in advance. This approach keeps the rich, fudgy brownie base and refreshing peppermint flavors intact while simplifying holiday baking.
Preparing the Brownie Base Ahead
We suggest baking the brownie base up to 2 days in advance for optimal freshness. Follow the main instructions to mix and bake the batter, then cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This step preserves the moist, chocolatey texture, ensuring your Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops retain their delightful appeal.
Assembling the Cake Pop Mixture in Advance
You can prepare the crumbled brownie mixture with cream cheese frosting up to 1 day ahead. After baking and cooling the brownies, crumble them into fine pieces as directed. Mix in the frosting to form a cohesive dough, then shape into balls using a cookie scoop. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Storing at this stage locks in the peppermint-infused moisture, making assembly faster when you’re ready to dip.
Coating and Decorating Ahead of Time
For make-ahead convenience, coat and decorate the cake pops up to 3 hours before serving—or even the night before for events. Melt the chocolate as per the instructions, dip the chilled balls onto sticks, and add crushed peppermint candies. Let them set on a baking sheet in the refrigerator. If preparing overnight, store the finished cake pops in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their glossy coating and vibrant flavors.
Storage Tips and Timeline
Proper storage is key to keeping your Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops fresh and festive. Here’s a quick overview of timelines and methods:
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Thawing/Reheating Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baked Brownie Base | Up to 2 days | Airtight container at room temperature | Thaw if refrigerated; use immediately |
| Crumbled Mixture (Balls) | Up to 1 day | Refrigerated on a lined sheet | Keep chilled until ready to coat |
| Fully Assembled Cake Pops | Up to 3 hours (or overnight) | Refrigerated in airtight container | Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for best texture |
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure your homemade Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops stay as irresistible as the originals, allowing more time to savor the holidays.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this take on Starbucks’ Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops, a treat that brings holiday magic right to your kitchen.
It’s rewarding to craft these homemade delights, letting you savor that perfect blend of chocolate and mint without leaving home.
Now it’s your turn—whip up a batch and make your gatherings even sweeter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops?
Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops are bite-sized treats featuring a rich chocolate brownie base infused with refreshing peppermint flavor, often inspired by Starbucks’ holiday favorites. They’re perfect for festive gatherings, combining crumbled brownie mixed with frosting, shaped into balls, and coated in chocolate for a delightful, easy-to-eat dessert.
What ingredients do I need for Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops?
You’ll need unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, peppermint extract, crushed peppermint candies, cream cheese frosting, semi-sweet chocolate chips, vegetable oil, and optional sprinkles. Using high-quality ingredients ensures a rich, balanced flavor that mimics Starbucks’ version.
What equipment is required to make these cake pops?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, a baking pan, an electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, a spatula, a cookie scoop, a baking sheet, a melting pot or microwave-safe bowl, cake pop sticks, and parchment or wax paper. These items help streamline the process for easy assembly and coating.
How do I make Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops at home?
Start by preparing and baking the brownie batter, then cool and crumble it. Mix with cream cheese frosting, shape into balls, insert sticks, and coat in melted chocolate mixed with peppermint extract. Add crushed candies or sprinkles for decoration. The whole process is straightforward and takes about 1-2 hours, including cooling time.
Can I make Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops ahead of time?
Yes, bake the brownie base up to 2 days in advance and store it airtight. Prepare the crumbled mixture with frosting up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate. Coat and decorate the cake pops up to 3 hours before serving or the night before, keeping them in the fridge to stay fresh for your holiday events.
How should I store homemade Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops?
Store uncoated cake pop balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Once coated, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or at room temperature for a few hours. For longer storage, freeze for up to a month, then thaw in the fridge before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
Are these cake pops similar to Starbucks’ version?
Yes, this homemade recipe captures the essence of Starbucks’ Peppermint Brownie Cake Pops with a rich brownie base and peppermint twist. Using the specified ingredients and steps ensures a similar taste and texture, making it easy to recreate that holiday magic at home for less.