Oh my goodness, have I got a delightful treat for you! Chocolate Peppermint Bread is one of those goodies that truly embodies the spirit of the holiday season. Every time I whip up a loaf, the whole house fills with the sweet, minty aroma that simply screams “Christmas!” It’s become a tradition in my family to bake this bread as we gather around to celebrate the season, each slice garnished with a little sprinkle of powdered sugar and a cup of hot cocoa on the side. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like a warm, chocolaty slice paired with a refreshing hint of peppermint!
This recipe is unique because it brings together the flavors of rich chocolate and cool peppermint in a way that feels both comforting and festive. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing—wrap a loaf in some festive paper and it makes a lovely gift for your neighbors or friends!
What’s in Chocolate Peppermint Bread?
Let’s dive into the delicious ingredients that make this bread so special!
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our bread. I love using a good-quality brand like King Arthur, which gives the bread a wonderful structure.
Cocoa Powder: This is the star of the show! You want a nice, rich cocoa for that deep chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa can give it an extra smooth taste.
Baking Powder: This will help our bread rise and give it that airy, delightful texture.
Baking Soda: Another rising agent to keep our bread fluffy—don’t skip it!
Salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Sugar: We’ll use granulated sugar to sweeten things up. This is getting delectable already!
Eggs: These provide moisture and act as a binding agent, helping everything hold together nicely.
Buttermilk: This adds a lovely tang and keeps our bread moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, mixing milk with a splash of vinegar works too!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor we all love. Don’t skimp on quality here!
Peppermint Extract: The magic ingredient that gives us that holiday cheer. A little goes a long way!
Chocolate Chips: I usually go for semi-sweet chips, but if you’re feeling wild, dark chocolate or mint-flavored chips would be simply divine!
Is Chocolate Peppermint Bread Good for You?
Now, let’s keep it real—this isn’t exactly health food, but hey, life is about balance!
Cocoa Powder: Dark chocolate, like that found in cocoa powder, is known for its antioxidant properties. It can help elevate your mood, which is a nice bonus during the chilly winter months.
Buttermilk: This tangy ingredient adds probiotics to your diet, contributing to healthy digestion.
However, while this bread does have its delightful perks, it can be a bit heavy on sugar and calories, especially with the added chocolate chips. Moderation is key, my friends! Enjoy this with a nice cup of tea, and you’ve got yourself a lovely afternoon treat.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Powdered sugar (for dusting)
This recipe makes a lovely 1 loaf, serving about 8 generous slices, perfect for sharing or keeping for yourself—I won’t judge!
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Bread?
Ready to bake? Here’s how we create this scrumptious bread:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan (9×5 inches) lightly with butter or baking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Give it a good whisk!
3. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and peppermint extract until everything is well blended.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough bread, and we want it light and fluffy!
5. Fold in the chocolate chips, letting them peek through the batter.
6. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and give it a gentle shake to level the top.
7. Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few crumbs are okay!).
8. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for that winter wonderland touch.
Serving Suggestions and Other Fun Ideas!
This Chocolate Peppermint Bread is delicious on its own, but you can jazz it up a bit! Spread a little whipped cream cheese or your favorite nut butter on top for extra flavor. You could also slice it and toast it for a buttery, crunchy treat that takes it to another level.
If you want to take it up a notch, consider making mini loaves to gift to friends or neighbors—how sweet would that be? Tying them up with a pretty ribbon makes them an extra-special gift!
I can’t wait for you to try this Chocolate Peppermint Bread! It’s cozy, festive, and absolutely delicious. If you do make it, I would love to hear how it turned out! Happy baking and enjoy the flavors of the season!
