There’s something undeniably magical about a freshly baked loaf of Chocolate Peppermint Bread. The rich chocolate flavor dances with bursts of cool, refreshing peppermint and a tender, moist crumb, making it utterly impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving it as a winter holiday treat, giving it as a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply craving a slice with a warm cup of cocoa, this bread is pure comfort with every bite.

Chocolate Peppermint Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chocolate Peppermint Bread recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious balance of flavor, texture, and just a touch of seasonal sparkle. Gather these pantry staples and a few festive add-ins—paying attention to the details here will make your baking experience easy and successful!

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect sturdy base, resulting in a loaf that’s soft yet holds together beautifully when sliced.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Lends intense chocolate depth and a hint of bitterness to offset the sweetness.
Baking soda: Helps the bread rise, ensuring a light crumb and lovely texture.
Salt: Just a touch heightens all the other flavors—never skip it!
Unsalted butter (softened): Gives richness and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf while also helping it brown beautifully.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate with warm undertones.
Peppermint extract: The real star for that cool, fresh, unmistakably festive kick.
Sour cream: Adds incredible moisture for a lush, ultra-tender crumb.
Milk: Ensures the batter is just the right consistency—think plush, not dry!
Mini chocolate chips: Each one melts into gooey pockets, doubling down on chocolate bliss.
Crushed peppermint candies (optional): For topping—the crunch and color makes this truly celebratory.
Chocolate drizzle or glaze (optional): Adds shiny, irresistible flair and even more chocolate goodness.

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×5-inch loaf pan a generous coating of nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper. This little bit of prep makes unmolding your Chocolate Peppermint Bread a breeze and keeps the loaf’s lovely shape.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until everything looks uniform. This step not only blends the essential dry elements but also aerates the cocoa for a more tender crumb.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes and helps create a soft, light texture in your finished Chocolate Peppermint Bread.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until smooth. The extracts are what give this loaf its fabulous aroma and distinct chocolate-mint identity!

Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream

Gently blend in the sour cream until the mixture looks creamy and well combined. This step is key for richness and that unforgettable, plush crumb.

Step 6: Add Dry Ingredients and Milk Alternately

Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with dry ingredients, mixing until everything just comes together. Take care not to overmix, as that can make your loaf tough.

Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Scatter in the mini chocolate chips and gently fold to distribute them evenly. This ensures chocolate in every bite—exactly what you want in Chocolate Peppermint Bread!

Step 8: Bake

Scrape the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Your kitchen will fill with the cozy scent of chocolate and peppermint!

Step 9: Cool and Top

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re feeling festive, now’s the time to drizzle over some chocolate glaze and shower the top with crushed peppermint candies for a bakery-worthy finish.

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Bread

Garnishes

Garnishes can turn a simple loaf into something truly special. Consider a glossy chocolate drizzle, a sprinkle of vibrant crushed peppermint candies, or even a few mini chocolate chips dusted on top. Each option adds both eye-catching flair and delicious extra flavor to your Chocolate Peppermint Bread.

Side Dishes

Pair your loaf with a cozy mug of hot chocolate, fresh fruit like strawberries, or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive brunch, serve slices alongside coffee, tea, or even a refreshing glass of cold milk—the minty chocolate flavors are just so versatile.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gifting, wrap individual slices of Chocolate Peppermint Bread in parchment and tie with baker’s twine. Or try stacking cubes of the bread on a skewer for a playful dessert kebab. If you’re entertaining, arrange the loaf on a pretty platter with scattered peppermint candies for instant party magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Chocolate Peppermint Bread moist and flavorful, wrap it tightly in plastic or foil once it’s fully cooled. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or move it to the fridge where it will stay delicious for up to a week without drying out.

Freezing

Need to make this loaf ahead? Absolutely! Slice the bread, wrap individual pieces in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a chocolate-mint fix, thaw slices overnight in the fridge or for a couple of hours at room temperature.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, pop a slice of Chocolate Peppermint Bread in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. If you prefer a more toasty edge, warm the bread briefly in a toaster oven until soft and fragrant.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips add extra richness and pair beautifully with the cool peppermint. You can use minis or regular-sized chips, just be sure to fold them in gently to keep the crumb tender.

Is it necessary to add the crushed peppermint candies on top?

Not at all—the candies add festive color and crunch, but the Chocolate Peppermint Bread is wonderful on its own or with just a chocolate drizzle. It’s your call based on preference and occasion!

Can I make this bread gluten free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum if needed). The texture will be slightly different, but it should still produce a moist and delicious loaf.

What’s the best way to prevent my bread from sticking to the pan?

Either grease the pan thoroughly or use parchment paper for complete insurance. Parchment slings also make it easy to lift out the finished bread, keeping the loaf’s shape intact.

How do I know when the bread is finished baking?

Look for a slightly cracked top and test with a toothpick in the center—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs. If it’s wet, give it another few minutes, checking carefully to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the cozy, chocolatey, and minty goodness of homemade Chocolate Peppermint Bread. Whether you’re making it for a festive gathering or treating yourself to something special, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing—so preheat that oven and enjoy every bite!

Chocolate Peppermint Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of this Chocolate Peppermint Bread, perfect for holiday celebrations or a sweet treat any time of year. With a hint of peppermint and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, this loaf is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
½ cup sour cream
½ cup milk
½ cup mini chocolate chips

Optional Toppings:

Crushed peppermint candies
Chocolate drizzle or glaze

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla and peppermint extracts. Mix in sour cream.
Combine: Alternately add dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
Bake: Pour batter into pan, bake for 50-60 mins until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve: Let bread cool in pan for 10 mins, then transfer to a wire rack. Optionally drizzle with chocolate and sprinkle peppermint candies before serving.

Notes

This bread is a wonderful holiday gift or dessert option.
For a richer taste, use dark chocolate chips.
Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American