November 1, 2023
Review RecipePeppermint Brownies
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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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.
Peppermint Brownies Ingredients
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Peppermint Brownies
These peppermint brownies boast a rich chocolate flavor and the perfect amount of peppermint crunch for a holiday treat that is sure to impress.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 9
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.
- 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.
Notes
- Lining the pan with parchment paper will allow you to lift the entire baked brownies out of the pan for easier cutting once cooled.
- 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.
- 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.
Nutrition
Calories: 653kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 159mg | Potassium: 254mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 67g | Vitamin A: 433IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 4mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb
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Comments
Cathy says
Good morning
I have not made layered brownies before but have made swirled brownies!
We love peppermint & chocolate; this seems like peppermint bark in brownie form, so I think just about any occasion from right about now through Epiphany would be appropriate but perhaps especially on Christmas Eve. We traditionally have a fairly light soup before heading off for church so this wonderful when we return home.
I do think I might add chocolate chunks to the batter and I MIGHT serve with a scoop of peppermint ice cream but that might be a bit too much mint.
Keep those recipes coming please. Thanks!
Tina says
I love making layered brownies. You can customize to your taste. I love peppermint and chocolate especially around the holidays. Instead of ice cream I might try hot cocoa.
Gabriela B. says
Would a coffee whipped cream work as a side for this? That’s what I’d serve with it.
Carena Brittain says
I’ve made several versions of layered brownies before! These look very decadent
Claudine Brassard says
Never made layered brownies before, but this one is definitly on my list for Christmas!! Or before…..! 😉
Kelly says
I am going to make these for my son. He loves brownies…and mint! What more could a kid ask for! I would make these for Christmas Eve and leave a couple for Santa!!
Maureen says
These brownies would be a great addition to a Christmas cookie tray. My daughter and grandchildren are coming to visit us during the holidays and these would be perfect for their visit. My daughter is always looking for a good brownie recipe. I don’t think I could add anymore chocolate since my granddaughter is diabetic and these are already over her daily sugar allowance for a day.
Thanks for a great recipe for the holidays. I’m sure they will be a huge hit.
Jennifer says
OMG! This look absolutely perfect. One of my favorite things about the holiday season is all of the peppermint recipes that get shared. I would totally have these topped with some peppermint ice cream and a cup of warm hot chocolate. I try and stock up on peppermint ice cream so I have some all year so this would be great any time of year for me!!!! Thanks for sharing this.
Stacy says
I have never made layered brownies. I can’t wait to try these!
Angela Hurst says
Looooks great. I would also like recipes for easy Chinese food.
Melanie says
These look amazing! I will definitely make these for Christmas!
Phyllis Warner says
Easy to make, but takes patience and time. I would do all 4 items to the recipe and different times of course. Delicious!
Chery says
I have never made a layered brownie, this looks like a good one to make. I think I will probably make this for our Gem and Mineral club Christmas potluck. It looks so festive.
Jodi says
I would TOTALLY make this recipe and ADD extra chocolate chips with Ice Cream..These would be served for the holidays or anytime during the cold weather season for sure..
While I have never made layered brownies there is always a first time for everything and I am looking forward to these. Peppermint everything for me !!
Brandon says
I would definitely serve these brownies with ice cream. Can’t wait to try this recipe for Christmas.
Dannette Lambert says
I haven’t tried them but will try them.
Christine Lachenauer says
I will be making these for my Christmas cookie gifts, can’t wait to try them!
Lynn Sanders says
These Brownies are great! I would serve them anytime, but especially in the winter with hot chocolate.
Andrea Stoeckel says
This recipe looks amazing. I have read and heard about layered brownies before but never made them. If I was still active working in churches, this would be a go-to for a bake sale or potluck
Wayne Emde says
I’ve made layered deserts before (just made a chocolate-orange version of the famous Nanaimo bars) and I would bake and serve this one with some rich coffee and ice cream.
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