Peppermint Browniesrn

These peppermint brownies boast a rich chocolate flavor and the perfect amount of peppermint crunch for a holiday treat that is sure to impress.

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Table of Contents

Peppermint Brownies Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions
How To Make This Peppermint Brownies Recipe
How To Serve This Peppermint Brownie Recipe
Storage
Why We Love This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.

close up shot of Peppermint Brownies stacked on top of each other on a plate

Peppermint Brownies Ingredients

Peppermint Brownies raw ingredients that are labeled

The perfect balance of chocolatey comfort and cool, minty pleasure awaits in every bite of these decadent brownies.

The rich chocolate offers indulgent satisfaction while each hint of peppermint perfectly comes through to give you a refreshing lift.

To make these delectable treats, you’ll need:

For The Brownies:

1 (16-ounce) boxed brownie mix (and ingredients needed to prepare brownies according to box – usually water, eggs, oil)
½ cup of crushed candy canes for topping

For The Peppermint Frosting:

¾ cup of butter, softened
2 cups of confectioner’s sugar
1-2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream
½ cup of crushed candy canes
2 drops of red food coloring

For The Chocolate Ganache

1 cup of heavy whipping cream
2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Substitutions And Additions

CHOCOLATE CHIPS: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips or larger chocolate chunks mixed into the brownie batter for an extra burst of rich chocolate.

PEPPERMINT CANDY TOPPING: If you prefer a different topping, consider crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and a nutty flavor.

Shredded coconut or toffee bits can also be excellent alternatives for a crunchy and sweet topping.

How To Make This Peppermint Brownies Recipe

There are three parts to making these rich and minty brownies. First, you will make and bake the brownie base using a simple boxed brownie mix.

Once the brownies come out of the oven and cool, you will make the pretty pink peppermint frosting to top the brownies.

Finally, a layer of chocolate ganache will finish off this treat in the most perfect way.

Follow these easy steps to whip up a batch of these scrumptious baked goods.

STEP ONE: Prepare an 8×8 square pan with parchment paper.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Lining the pan with parchment paper will allow you to lift the entire baked brownies out of the pan for easier cutting once cooled.

STEP TWO: Prepare and bake brownies according to package directions in the prepared pan, then allow them to cool.

PRO TIP:

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your brownies as the suggested baking time approaches.

brownies prepared according to package in a baking dish

STEP THREE: Prepare the frosting while the brownies are cooling. Add the butter to a stand mixer or large bowl with an electric mixer and beat until light and fluffy.

Add the confectioner’s sugar in batches and beat until well combined. Add the heavy whipping cream, then fold in the peppermint candies and food coloring.

confectioner's sugar, cream added, butter and candy pieces folded in a bowl

STEP FOUR: Top the cooled brownie base with buttercream frosting, spread evenly, then refrigerate or freeze while preparing the ganache.

PRO TIP:

The frosting is light and fluffy – chilling it before adding the ganache will help it hold up to the addition of the warm ganache. I popped the frosted brownies in the freezer for about 20 minutes before adding the ganache.

frosting spread over the brownies in a baking dish

STEP FIVE: Add the 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 three minutes, then whisk until creamy.

cream heated and chocolate chips added in a bowl

STEP SIX: 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.

ganche poured over the frosted brownies in a baking dish

STEP SEVEN: Remove brownies from the pan to a cutting board using the parchment paper, then cut into squares and serve.

How To Serve This Peppermint Brownie Recipe

This holiday season, add these delightfully decadent brownies to your festivities.

Serve them along with a warm mug of homemade hot chocolate or a pumpkin spice latte for a special treat after dinner.

Rich peppermint brownies paired with creamy, cool vanilla ice cream are a match made in heaven!

Add a dollop of whipped cream while you are at it for an insanely indulgent dessert.

Our coconut brownies and caramel brownies are two more over-the-top amazing variations of this classic treat.

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Storage

Whether you’re planning to make them ahead, keep them in the fridge, or freeze some for later, we’ve got you covered.

MAKE AHEAD: If you want to get a head start on your peppermint brownies, you can make them a day or two in advance.

Simply let the brownies cool completely in the pan after baking. Once cooled, cover the entire pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.

Store them at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.

ON THE COUNTER: This delicious treat will keep at room temperature in an airtight container for three to four days.

IN THE FRIDGE: You can also store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

IN THE FREEZER: Freeze this peppermint brownie recipe for up to three months. Label the container to ensure that you enjoy your brownies while they are at their best.

Why We Love This Recipe

IRRESISTIBLE FLAVOR COMBO: These brownies offer a delightful blend of rich, fudgy chocolate with the refreshing and slightly minty kick of peppermint.

PERFECT FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Peppermint brownies are a festive treat that’s perfect for the holiday season.

EASY TO MAKE: This recipe provides a straightforward and beginner-friendly approach to making brownies from scratch.

a close up shot of a slice of Peppermint Brownie on a plate

The peppermint flavor makes these yummy brownies the perfect holiday treat. Made with a boxed brownie mix, the hardest part of this simple recipe is waiting for the peppermint brownies to bake and the frosting to firm up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this easy brownie recipe?

These fudgy brownies can be frozen for up to three months.

Why are my brownies hard?

Brownies harden up if they are in the oven too long. For brownies, it’s better to slightly underbake them than to overbake them.

What is the secret to a good brownie?

One of the keys to good moist brownies is not overbeating the eggs. Mixing them too much will add more air to the batter, resulting in cake-like brownies rather than dense, fudgy ones.

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