These easy peppermint brownies are rich, fudgy, chocolatey, and filled with classic holiday peppermint flavor. Soft homemade brownies are topped with creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes for a festive Christmas dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
They’re perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday parties, family gatherings, bake sales, and cozy winter nights.
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Brownies
- Rich and fudgy chocolate brownies
- Easy homemade dessert
- Classic chocolate-peppermint combination
- Perfect Christmas dessert
- Festive holiday appearance
- Great for cookie exchanges
- Easy to make ahead
- Freezer-friendly
- Family-friendly
- Beautiful Pinterest-worthy presentation
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Peppermint Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping
- 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
- 2 tablespoons melted semi-sweet or white chocolate, optional
- Mini candy cane pieces, optional
How to Make Easy Peppermint Brownies
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Brownie Batter
Add melted butter and sugar to a large mixing bowl.
Whisk until well combined.
3. Add Cocoa Powder
Whisk in the cocoa powder until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs and vanilla extract.
Whisk until well incorporated.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients
Add flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gently fold until just combined.
Avoid overmixing.
6. Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
7. Transfer to the Pan
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
Spread evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake
Bake for approximately 22–28 minutes.
The edges should be set while the center remains slightly soft.
9. Cool Completely
Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting.
For especially clean slices, chill them briefly after cooling.
10. Make the Peppermint Frosting
Beat softened butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar.
Add peppermint extract, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
Add milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
11. Frost the Brownies
Spread the peppermint frosting evenly over the completely cooled brownies.
12. Add Crushed Candy Canes
Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy canes over the frosting.
Press them gently into the frosting so they stay in place.
13. Add Chocolate Drizzle
If desired, drizzle melted chocolate over the top.
Allow it to set before slicing.
14. Chill
Refrigerate the brownies for approximately 20–30 minutes to help the frosting firm up.
15. Slice
Lift the brownies from the pan using the parchment overhang.
Cut into squares with a sharp knife.
Wipe the knife between cuts for cleaner edges.
16. Serve
Serve chilled or allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
What Peppermint Extract Should I Use?
Use pure peppermint extract if available.
Peppermint extract is concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
Don’t substitute peppermint extract with a large amount of peppermint oil because the strength can vary significantly.
Can I Use Peppermint Oil?
Only use food-grade peppermint oil specifically intended for culinary use, and use it very sparingly according to its labeling.
Peppermint extract is easier to measure for this recipe.
Can I Use Candy Canes?
Absolutely.
Crushed candy canes provide both peppermint flavor and festive crunch.
How Do I Crush Candy Canes?
Place the candy canes in a sealed bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin.
Don’t pulverize them completely; small pieces create a better texture.
Can I Use Peppermint Candies?
Yes.
Any hard peppermint candy can be crushed and used as a topping.
Can I Use White Chocolate?
Absolutely.
White chocolate pairs beautifully with peppermint.
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosting before adding the crushed candy canes.
Can I Use Dark Chocolate?
Yes.
Dark chocolate creates a richer contrast with the sweet peppermint frosting.
Can I Use Brownie Mix?
Absolutely.
For a shortcut, prepare your favorite boxed brownie mix according to the package directions, then add the peppermint frosting and candy cane topping.
How Do I Make Fudgy Brownies?
Avoid overbaking.
The center should still look slightly soft when the brownies come out of the oven.
They will continue setting as they cool.
Why Are My Brownies Dry?
The most common reasons are:
- Overbaking
- Too much flour
- Overmixing
- An oven running hotter than expected
Measure flour carefully and remove the brownies when the center is just set.
Can I Use a 9×13-Inch Pan?
Yes.
Double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan.
The baking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Yes.
Use a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Check the labels of chocolate and candy canes if strict gluten avoidance is necessary.
Can I Make These Dairy-Free?
Yes.
Use dairy-free butter, dairy-free chocolate, and plant-based milk.
Make sure the candy canes and other packaged ingredients fit your dietary requirements.
Can I Make These Egg-Free?
You can use a suitable egg replacement, although the brownie texture may differ from the original recipe.
Can I Make the Frosting Without Peppermint?
Yes.
For a simple chocolate brownie dessert, use vanilla buttercream instead and keep the candy cane topping for a subtle peppermint flavor.
Can I Add Chocolate Chips?
Definitely.
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work especially well.
Can I Add Espresso Powder?
Yes.
A small amount of instant espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste strongly like coffee.
Can I Add Nuts?
Yes.
Finely chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch.
Can I Add Marshmallows?
You can, although marshmallows can change the texture and appearance during baking.
For a cleaner holiday brownie, keep the topping focused on frosting and peppermint candy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely.
Bake the brownies a day ahead and decorate them closer to serving.
How Long Do Peppermint Brownies Last?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for approximately 2–3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Because the frosting is butter-based, refrigeration is recommended if your kitchen is warm.
Can I Freeze Peppermint Brownies?
Yes.
Freeze the brownies without the candy cane topping for best texture.
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to approximately 3 months.
Thaw completely before frosting and decorating.
How Should I Store Them?
Place them in an airtight container.
If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper.
Will the Candy Canes Get Soft?
They can soften over time because of moisture from the frosting.
For the crunchiest topping, add crushed candy canes shortly before serving.
Can I Take These to a Christmas Party?
Absolutely.
They’re easy to cut into small squares and arrange on a holiday dessert platter.
Keep them cool during transportation if the frosting is soft.
Easy Peppermint Brownie Variations
Chocolate Peppermint Brownies
Add extra chocolate chips to the brownie batter.
White Chocolate Peppermint Brownies
Drizzle white chocolate over the peppermint frosting.
Peppermint Mocha Brownies
Add a small amount of espresso powder to the brownie batter.
Double Chocolate Peppermint Brownies
Add chocolate chunks and cocoa powder for an extra-rich chocolate flavor.
Peppermint Oreo Brownies
Fold crushed chocolate sandwich cookies into the brownie batter.
Candy Cane Cheesecake Brownies
Swirl a peppermint cheesecake mixture into the brownie batter before baking.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Brownies
Use dark chocolate chips and dark cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Yes. It’s an easy shortcut.
Can I use peppermint extract?
Yes. Use it sparingly because the flavor is concentrated.
Can I use crushed candy canes?
Absolutely. They make a perfect festive topping.
Can I use white chocolate?
Yes. White chocolate and peppermint pair beautifully.
How do I keep the brownies fudgy?
Don’t overbake them.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes. Bake them ahead and decorate closer to serving.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze the unfrosted brownies for best results.
How long do they last?
Approximately 2–3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days refrigerated.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes. Use certified gluten-free flour and check packaged ingredients.
Are they good for Christmas?
Absolutely. They’re ideal for holiday parties and Christmas dessert trays.
Recipe Card
Easy Peppermint Brownies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup melted butter
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Peppermint Frosting
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- 1/3 cup crushed candy canes
- 2 tablespoons melted chocolate, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan with parchment.
- Whisk melted butter and sugar.
- Add cocoa powder.
- Whisk in eggs and vanilla.
- Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Spread batter in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 22–28 minutes.
- Cool completely.
- Beat butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Add peppermint extract, vanilla, salt, and milk.
- Spread frosting over cooled brownies.
- Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- Add chocolate drizzle if desired.
- Chill briefly.
- Slice and serve.