These easy peppermint brownies are like Christmas in your mouth! They’re rich, chocolatey, and have not only a delicious peppermint frosting but also a decadent ganache on top of the brownies; plus, this irresistible dessert is super easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Peppermint Brownies:
Tips For Making These Layered Brownies
Use a metal baking pan, not glass. Metal heats evenly and sets brownies without giving them hard, overcooked edges. Glass takes longer to heat and continues cooking long after it’s out of the oven, which can make the base dry once you add chilled layers.
Bake on the lower-middle rack. This keeps the brownie base fudgy from edge to center and prevents the top from becoming too crisp — important when you’re layering frosting and ganache on top.
Watch the brownies, not the clock. Box mixes and ovens vary. Pull them as soon as the center has set and the edges are just beginning to pull away. Over-baked brownies lose the fudgy base that contrasts so well with the frosting.
Warm ganache pours darkest. If the ganache cools too much before pouring, it spreads thick and loses that shiny, glassy finish. Pouring while still warm (not hot) gives that smooth, glossy top you want.
If you have the time, let the brownies rest overnight. It doesn’t just firm the layers — it deepens the peppermint flavor. Everything melds into a smoother, more “bakery” taste.
Storage Instructions
Peppermint brownies actually get better after a short overnight chill—the layers settle, the ganache firms into a clean sliceable finish, and the peppermint flavor deepens. Keep them covered in the fridge and cut just before serving for the sharpest edges; they stay fresh for up to four days.
They also freeze extremely well: once the ganache is fully set, slice the brownies, freeze the pieces on a tray until firm, then wrap and store in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator so the frosting and ganache return to their smooth, creamy texture.
More Christmas Dessert Recipes
Peppermint Brownies
Ingredients
Brownies
- 16 ounce box brownie mix (and ingredients needed to prepare brownies according to box – usually water, eggs, oil)
- ½ cup crushed candy canes for topping
Peppermint Frosting
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 2 cups confectioner's sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
- 2 drops red food coloring
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare an 8×8 square pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare and bake brownies according to package directions in the prepared pan, then allow to cool.
- Prepare the frosting while the brownies are cooling. Add butter to a stand mixer or large bowl with an electric mixer and beat until light and fluffy. Add confectioner’s sugar in batches and beat until well combined. Add heavy whipping cream, then fold in peppermint candies and food coloring.
- Top the cooled brownie base with buttercream frosting, spread evenly, then refrigerate or freeze while preparing the ganache. (We recommend in the freezer for 20 mins.)
- Add cream to a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 60 seconds or until beginning to steam. Immediately add chocolate chips and cover for 3 minutes, then whisk until creamy.
- Pour ganache over frosted brownies, and sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy over top of the ganache. Chill in the freezer until the ganache is set – about 20 minutes.
- Remove brownies from the pan to a cutting board using the parchment paper, then cut into squares and serve.
Nutrition
Comments
pcd says
Yep I’ve made layered brownies and yep they’re kind of a pain but WELL worth the end result!
Who needs a special occasion to serve peppermint brownies??
Anytime of the year is just perfect for chocolate and peppermint!!!
Pick a day, any day:}
Thank you for the great recipes..
Cindy Petko says
Yum!! These brownies look terrific, and would be great for Christmas! Thanks for the recipe! Also I wanted to mention that I used your recipe for taco seasoning today…it was fantastic!! Again ,thanks!
Shaunda Snider says
Would I serve ice cream with these brownies? Yes! Absolutely!
Laura Lach says
I have not tried this recipe. I do love chocolate and mint. This sounds delicious. Added to our holiday list.
Fay says
This will be the 1st time I’ve made layered brownies. Looking forward to trying these for the holidays this year! They look amazing, served with or without ice cream!
Lisa Coyle says
I have a work-related Christmas party to attend and was needing a chocolate type of dessert. These will work wonderfully! Since it is for a group, I will follow the recipe but for my household– more peppermint and more chocolate! Thank you for your recipe! I have used several and saved many more!
Cindy Wisdom says
These are so pretty and look so delicious!
You asked where we serve these, absolutely at Book Club! The ladies will love them!
Teo says
Would I add extra chocolate to these brownies? Totally! 3 types of chocolate! ❤
Dena Biornstad says
I can’t wait to try out this recipe during December for my senior residents! I love peppermint and chocolate, so this looks like a match made in heaven!
Darla Brigman says
These Peppermint Brownies will go great with ice cream…Yummy