Oh my gosh, you guys! I just made these peppermint brownies, and wow—they smell like Christmas in my kitchen. I couldn’t wait to take a bite.

They are fudgy, chocolatey, and have this cool peppermint twist that makes them so special. Honestly, I’ve never had brownies like this before.

Just imagining that first bite makes me want one right now. Warm, sweet, and a little minty—so perfect for a treat.

You have to try these with me. Grab your ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Holiday Favorite: Peppermint brownies are the perfect addition to any holiday spread, adding festive flair and flavor.
Foolproof: Starting with a boxed brownie mix saves time without sacrificing taste, making it accessible for all skill levels.
Irresistible Layers: From the fudgy brownie to the creamy peppermint frosting and rich chocolate topping, every bite is a masterpiece.
Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe with alternative ingredients or decorations.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a classic chocolate and mint combo—these brownies disappear in no time!

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these brownies to life:

Mixing Bowls: For combining the frosting and chocolate topping ingredients.
Electric Mixer: Makes creating a creamy, lump-free frosting effortless.
9×13 Baking Pan: Ensures a perfect brownie layer.
Rubber Spatula: For spreading frosting and toppings smoothly.
Microwave-Safe Bowl: To melt chocolate easily.
Rolling Pin: For crushing candy canes into festive pieces.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Base

Brownie Mix: 1 box of your favorite brand. (I recommend a fudge-style mix for extra richness.)
Eggs, Oil, and Water: As required on the brownie mix package.
Cooking Spray: To prevent sticking.

For the Peppermint Frosting

Butter: 2 tablespoons, softened.
Cream Cheese: 2 ounces, softened for a tangy and creamy texture.
Milk or Cream: 1 tablespoon for the perfect consistency.
Powdered Sugar: 2 cups for a smooth, sweet frosting.
Peppermint Extract: 1/8 teaspoon for that signature minty flavor.

For the Chocolate Topping

Semisweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup for a rich chocolate layer.
Butter: 1/4 cup to create a silky topping.
Crushed Candy Canes: 3/4 cup for a festive and crunchy garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Brownie Base

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray.
Mix and Bake: Follow the instructions on your brownie mix box to prepare the batter. Pour it into the greased pan and bake for the recommended time.
Cool Completely: Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial for easy frosting application.

2. Make the Peppermint Frosting

Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
Add Sweetness and Flavor: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and milk until creamy. Add the peppermint extract, adjusting the amount to your taste preference.
Frost the Brownies: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownie base using a spatula.

3. Prepare the Chocolate Topping

Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until fully melted and smooth.
Spread Over Frosting: Carefully pour and spread the melted chocolate over the peppermint frosting, creating a smooth layer.
Add Candy Cane Crunch: Sprinkle the crushed candy canes evenly over the top before the chocolate sets.

4. Let It Set

Allow the brownies to sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate topping hardens completely. Once set, slice into squares or rectangles and serve!

Variations for Peppermint Brownies

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free brownie mix for a celiac-friendly treat.
Dark Chocolate Twist: Replace semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Extra Minty: Add chopped Andes mints between the brownie and frosting layers for a double dose of mint.
Festive Decorations: Swap crushed candy canes for holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter for a different look.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Finish the brownies with a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra flair.

How to Serve Peppermint Brownies

These brownies are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

As-Is: Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or as a snack.
With Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Topped with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.
On Dessert Platters: Arrange alongside cookies and truffles for a stunning holiday dessert spread.

Storing Peppermint Brownies

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days for a firmer texture.
Freezing: Wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	210
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	20mg
Sodium	120mg
Carbohydrates	28g
Sugars	20g
Protein	2g

Conclusion

Peppermint Brownies are a celebration of holiday flavors that everyone will adore. With their decadent layers and festive appearance, they’re perfect for gifting, parties, or indulging at home. This recipe’s easy steps and versatile options make it a go-to for bakers of all skill levels.