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These peppermint brownie bites are similar to the Starbucks peppermint brownie cake pop, but much easier to make! No blending required, these are a great holiday no-bake brownie bite that can be made with or without chocolate.
Brownies without chocolate? Yes, it’s possible! With this easy recipe you can use cocoa powder or carob for a chocolate-free Christmas recipe.
This peppermint brownie recipe was inspired by my protein brownies on this site, and pairs well with a festive meal, like this dutch oven pork roast. They’re also perfect for parties, especially if you are serving people who may have food sensitivities like gluten and dairy free.
You could add them to a holiday box with these white chocolate brownies and no bake cake pops for gift giving.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Every year there’s a huge struggle in my community to find holiday recipes that don’t trigger migraine attacks and that’s why I love this Christmas brownie recipe. It’s easy, healthy, and perfect for all types of diets.
You’ll love these peppermint brownie bites because:
- Easy – No special equipment needed for this recipe and it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
- Starbucks copycat– Similar to the Starbucks peppermint brownie cake pop, these have all the same flavors!
- Protein packed – 9 grams of protein in one bite!
- Special diet friendly – These brownie balls are gluten free, dairy free, and can be made chocolate-free, making them Heal Your Headache diet compliant.
Ingredients
Here are a few of the main ingredients you’ll need to make these peppermint brownie bites.
- Protein powder – This recipe uses Sprout Living’s Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder, which is a great single ingredient, migraine-friendly protein powder. You can use the code THEDIZZYCOOK20 for 20% off. You can also use other types of protein powder, I just recommend one with a mild flavor. And see my post on migraine friendly protein powders, if needed.
- Roasted carob powder or cocoa powder – I used Anthony’s carob powder in testing, which is found on Amazon. You can use cocoa powder if not sensitive to chocolate or on the HYH diet.
- Peppermint extract – This is typically found in the spice aisle with other extracts, like vanilla. I used McCormicks peppermint extract.
- Carob chips or chocolate chips – For testing, I used Landau carob chips. Milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips could be used if not sensitive. I recommend using your favorite!
- Peppermint candies – Traditional peppermint candies can be used, or candy canes if they’re in season!
See the below recipe card for all the ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions
- Chocolate – If you simply don’t want to make these with carob or are not following the Heal Your Headache diet, these are find with regular cocoa powder and milk or dark chocolate. It’s easily subbed in the same amounts.
- Sunflower seed butter – Almond butter makes a great substitute if tolerated (also not HYH).
- Protein powder – Your favorite protein powder can be used. Would recommend a mild flavored one.
This recipe is already dairy free and gluten free.
How to Make Peppermint Brownie Bites
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the protein powder, carob powder, and salt.
- Step 2: Add in sunflower seed butter, maple syrup, vanilla and peppermint extracts, and water and use a rubber spatula to mix until the dry and wet ingredients are fully incorporated. (The mixture will be thick!)
- Step 3: Use a 1-ounce cookie scoop (or spoon) to scoop out 2 tablespoons of dough, then use your hands to firmly compact and roll the dough into a golf ball-sized ball. Place the ball on a plate, then repeat until you’ve used all the dough.
- Step 4: Add carob chips and coconut oil to a small bowl and microwave it in 30-second increments, stirring in between each time, until the chips are fully melted. Drizzle on top of each ball.
- Step 5: Place the candy cane in a zip-top bag, seal the bag, and use a pot to firmly crush the candy into small bits.
- Step 6: Top each bite with the crushed candy and place in the freezer for 10 minutes to harden the carob topping.
Variations
Here are a few different ways you can make these peppermint brownie bites.
- White chocolate – Coat the ball in melted white chocolate and place the peppermint on top before it hardens. You can use my no bake cake pops as an example. This would make them like the Starbucks peppermint brownie cake pops.
- Plain brownie bites – Omit the peppermint flavor and peppermint candies for a brownie bite you can make any time of year.
- Peppermint brownie truffles – Use 1 cup chocolate chips or carob chips to completely coat the brownie ball, then allow it to harden on parchment paper. Freezing the brownie balls before coating can help keep the shape.
Storage
Refrigerator – Enjoy immediately or store the bites in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer – Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Pairing Suggestions
These are great by themselves as a snack or dessert, but here are some extra ideas for around the holidays.
- Holiday meal – Pair with the Boursin pasta, mascarpone pasta, or scallop linguine.
- Cookie box – Add these with the snickerdoodle blondies, homemade cereal bars, and pumpkin cheesecake cookies.
Brownie Ball FAQ
Since flour is being replaced with protein powder in these brownie bites, you want a protein you really like the taste of. I recommend using pumpkin seed protein, or another mild flavored protein.
Yes! This recipe works both ways. I recommend Anthony’s carob powder as a great substitute.
If you want to replace the sunflower seed butter, you can use almond butter (not HYH), or pumpkin seed butter instead. Both would work here!
Yes! Turn brownie balls into square brownies using this protein brownie recipe as a base, then adding the crushed peppermint candies.
High Protein Treats
For a sweet treat that packs a little bit of protein for balanced blood sugar, see these recipes!
Snacks
Oatmeal Protein Balls
Snacks
No Bake Protein Brownies
Snacks
Cottage Cheese Protein Popsicles
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 review in the recipe card! Don’t forget to tag me @thedizzycook on Facebook and Instagram, and follow along on Pinterest for more great recipes!
Peppermint Brownie Bites
Ingredients
For the bites:
- ½ cup protein powder
- ¼ cup roasted carob powder* or unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup sunflower seed butter
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon water
For the topping:
- 1 tablespoon carob chips* or chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 peppermint candy cane or 4 peppermint candies
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the protein powder, carob powder, and salt. Next, add in sunflower seed butter, maple syrup, vanilla and peppermint extracts, and water and use a rubber spatula to mix until the dry and wet ingredients are fully incorporated. (The mixture will be thick!)
- Use a 1-ounce cookie scoop (or spoon) to scoop out 2 tablespoons of dough, then use your hands to firmly compact and roll the dough into a golf ball-sized ball. Place the ball on a plate, then repeat until you’ve used all the dough.
- Add carob chips/chocolate chips and coconut oil to a small bowl and microwave it in 30-second increments, stirring in between each time, until the chips are fully melted. Drizzle on top of each ball.
- Place the candy cane or peppermint candies in a zip-top bag, seal the bag, and use a pot to firmly crush the candy into small bits. Top each bite with the crushed candy and place in the freezer for 10 minutes to harden the carob topping.
- Enjoy immediately or store the bites in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Notes
- I used Landau carob chips and Anthony’s carob powder for testing. These can be subbed with cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips if tolerated (not HYH).
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Sunflower seed butter can be substituted with pumpkin seed butter or almond butter, if tolerated (not HYH).
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This was DELICIOUS!!! It was the first time I’ve had “chocolate” in over 6 months. I’m still in the elimination phase, so the carob option was amazing. BONUS: It was fun to make with my seven-year-old.
These are soo good! I substituted almond butter & they turned out perfectly. Made them for a neighborhood gathering & everyone thought they were regular chocolate lol. Incredibly easy to make too!