Our Best Brownies

Peppermint-Topped Brownies

Crowned with layers of melted chocolate, cream (ganache), and then melted starlight mints, these easy brownies will surely ring in the holiday cheer. Not a fan of mint? Try six other mouth-watering ways to top these beauties.

Recipe: Peppermint-Topped Brownies

Irish Cream Brownies

Need a light way to indulge your chocolate cravings? These scrumptious brownies have just 5 grams of fat. A splash of Baileys Irish Cream complements the intense chocolate flavor, but feel free to substitute other flavored liqueurs such as coffee, raspberry, or almond.

Recipe: Irish Cream Brownies

Caramel-Marshmallow Brownies

Nothing goes better with chocolate than gooey caramel and fluffy marshmallows. And at only 31 cents per serving, you'll have plenty of money left over for more holiday desserts. When serving large crowds, try cutting these into bite-size treats for easy pick up.

Recipe: Caramel-Marshmallow Brownies

Shortbread Caramel Brownie Bars

Made-from-scratch brownies, cookie dough, and gooey caramel are layered to make what's sure to be a hit at your holiday cookie exchange. If you're short on time, substitute store-bought cookie dough and brownie mix to make the process quick and easy.

Recipe: Shortbread Caramel Brownie Bars

Chocolate-Glazed Brownies

With deep dark chocolate flavor plus creamy chocolate icing (and ingredients you probably have on hand), this is the ultimate go-to brownie for last-minute pot lucks and holiday gatherings.

Recipe: Chocolate-Glazed Brownies

Peanut Butter Candy Bar Brownies

Let the kids help with this one! Made with crushed peanut butter sandwich cookies, chocolate peanut butter cups, crushed peanut butter candy bars, chocolate chips, coconut, and condensed milk, it's the quintessential brownie for those who love a splash of chocolate with their peanut butter.

Recipe: Peanut Butter Candy Bar Brownies

Chunky Chocolate Brownies

Studded with big chunks of chocolate, these brownies could just be the fudgiest on the planet. Keep a stash in the freezer for when chocolate cravings strike, or make a rich dessert by topping warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla, coffee, or caramel ice cream.

Recipe: Chunky Chocolate Brownies

Caramel-Coconut-Pecan Brownies

Spruce up that plain brownie recipe with a gloriously chewy, crunchy topping of shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and condensed milk. It's like a brownie and candy bar all rolled into one.

Recipe: Caramel-Coconut-Pecan Brownies

Fudgy Mocha-Toffee Brownies

Instant coffee granules combine with chocolate for a rich mocha-flavored brownie that's sprinkled with crunchy toffee chips. If you have any leftovers (highly unlikely, but possible), wrap them in foil and pop them in the freezer. They'll keep for up to four months.

Recipe: Fudgy Mocha-Toffee Brownies

Dark Chocolate and Cherry Brownies

The brownie version of chocolate-covered cherries, these cakey gems are a snap to make. Keep a jar of cherry preserves and a bag of chocolate chips in the pantry and bake up a batch in just 25 minutes.

Recipe: Dark Chocolate and Cherry Brownies

Mexican Chocolate Streusel Brownies

Streusel toppings may be more common on pies and coffeecake, but they taste uncommonly good on top of chewy chocolate brownies, particularly when the streusel is a mix of Mexican chocolate, cinnamon, and brown sugar.

Recipe: Mexican Chocolate Streusel Brownies

More Chocolate Desserts

Chocolate lovers, you've come to the right place! Check out even more ideas for chocolate desserts.

• 7 Ways With Chocolate Chips
• Cookies, Bars, and Brownies
• 10 Chocolate Treats Under 100 Calories