Peppermint Brownie Recipe

If you’re like me and adore a festive twist on a classic treat, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Peppermint Brownie Recipe. I absolutely love how these brownies come out rich, fudgy, and bursting with that cool peppermint flavor that feels perfect for any cozy afternoon or holiday gathering. Stick around, and I’ll share all my best tips to help you nail this dreamy recipe — trust me, once you try it, your family and friends will be asking for it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are beautifully simple but work together to create that melt-in-your-mouth peppermint chocolate magic. When shopping, I recommend getting good quality unsalted butter and real peppermint extract for the best flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted gives you control over the salt flavor, plus it’s important for that rich, creamy texture.
• Chocolate Chips: Dividing them lets you melt some for the batter and fold in the rest for texture surprises.
• Espresso Powder: Adds a subtle depth that enhances the chocolate flavor — don’t skip it even if you’re not a coffee fan!
• Eggs: Make sure they’re at room temperature to blend smoothly and help create that lovely fudgy texture.
• Granulated & Brown Sugar: The combo provides sweetness and a touch of chewiness from the brown sugar.
• Peppermint & Vanilla Extracts: Peppermint gives the festive sparkle, vanilla rounds it out with warmth.
• Salt, Cocoa Powder, All-Purpose Flour: Basic pantry essentials that form the classic brownie foundation.
• Powdered Sugar: For the frosting’s silky smoothness.
• Dark Chocolate & Candy Canes: The icing on the cake—or should I say brownie! The crushed candy adds crunch and holiday cheer.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Peppermint Brownie Recipe—sometimes I swap ingredients or add my own twist. It’s fun to make it your own and adjust the flavors based on what you have in the pantry or your dietary needs.

• Peppermint Brownies with Box Mix: When I’m pressed for time, I use a family-sized box of brownie mix and stir in peppermint extract—quick, easy, and still delicious!
• Cream Cheese Peppermint Frosting: I swap half the butter for cream cheese once in a while, and it adds a tangy richness that’s absolutely decadent on top of these brownies.
• Gluten-Free Version: You can swap all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, just keep an eye on the moisture to keep that fudgy texture.

How to Make Peppermint Brownie Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Melt the Base

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your 9×9 pan with parchment paper on the bottom and two sides. This makes pulling out the brownies a breeze. Next, melt the butter and 1 cup of chocolate chips together in a microwave-safe bowl. I like to heat in 30-second bursts and stir in between; this helps avoid burnt spots and gives you a glossy chocolate base. Once melted, whisk in the espresso powder—this little trick does wonders to deepen that chocolate intensity.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt together until smooth. You’ll notice how the mixture lightens and thickens a bit—that’s the good stuff setting the stage for a tender brownie.

Step 3: Combine Chocolate Mixture with Eggs

Let the melted chocolate and butter cool just enough so it’s warm to the touch—too hot and it could scramble the eggs! Slowly whisk it into your egg mixture until silky and smooth. Then, sift in your cocoa powder and flour, folding gently until everything comes together in a glossy batter. Stir in the remaining ½ cup of chocolate chips—these little bursts of chocolate make every bite extra special.

Step 4: Bake and Chill

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–35 minutes—you’ll want to watch carefully here: the edges should be set, and the center just slightly wobbly. This gives you that perfect fudgy texture. Cool it right in the pan for an hour, then pop it in the fridge for another hour to fully set. I discovered chilling really helps the brownies hold their shape, especially once we add the frosting and glaze.

Step 5: Make the Peppermint Frosting

While the brownies chill, whip up your frosting. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment makes quick work of creaming the butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Spread this lovely frosting evenly over the chilled brownies — this creates a light and minty contrast to the dense chocolate base.

Step 6: Top with Chocolate Glaze and Peppermint Candy

Ready for the grand finale? Melt your dark chocolate and butter together, stirring until shiny and smooth. Pour the glaze over the frosting and spread evenly. I love sprinkling crushed peppermint candy on top because it gives the brownies a festive crunch and beautiful color contrast. Pop the pan back in the fridge for 30 minutes to let everything set perfectly.

Step 7: Slice and Serve with Care

When you’re ready to dive in, remove the brownies from the fridge. For neat slices, use a long, sharp knife and press straight down, then gently pull up. Wiping your knife clean between cuts helps keep those edges pretty and prevents mess. Trust me, this little trick creates brownies that look as good as they taste!

How to Serve Peppermint Brownie Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a few whole mini candy canes or even a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving to boost the festive look. Sometimes a sprig of fresh mint on the side adds a nice homemade touch that guests really appreciate.

Side Dishes

This peppermint brownie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For drinks, a hot cup of coffee or peppermint hot cocoa is my favorite combo for ultimate indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve served these brownies on a festive platter surrounded by fresh cranberries and pine branches—super simple but always a hit. You could also cut them into bite-sized squares and serve as part of a dessert board with assorted chocolates and nuts for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the brownies are cool, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for about 5 days, maintaining their fudgy texture and fresh peppermint flavor—perfect for weekend treats or unexpected guests.

Freezing

Freezing works great for this recipe if you want to prep ahead. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or container. I’ve found they freeze well for up to 2 months without losing much flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen brownies, I let them thaw at room temperature and then warm briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This little warm-up revives the fudginess without melting the frosting or glaze—just the way I like it!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Brownie Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the one dessert that gets me excited every holiday season and brings everyone to the table with big smiles. I love sharing it with friends because it’s not just tasty but also a joy to make. Give yourself the gift of baking these brownies, and I promise they’ll become a family favorite fast. You’ll have so much fun making them and enjoying the delightful blend of chocolate and peppermint that truly feels like a warm hug in every bite.

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