Name: Peppermint Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 32 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup (98g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure); 2/3 cup (56g) dutch cocoa powder (spoon and level to measure); 1/2 tsp salt; 12 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp peppermint extract (tested with McCormick, strength varies by brand); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/4 cups (150g) powdered sugar; 1/4 tsp peppermint extract; 3 Tbsp finely crushed peppermint candy canes

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 2 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances rich, fudgy chocolate and a refreshing peppermint zing, you’re in for a treat with this Peppermint Brownies Recipe. These brownies bring together the deep cocoa flavor you love with a creamy, minty frosting that’s just the right amount of festive flair. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or just an everyday indulgence, these peppermint brownies deliver a delightful twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There are three small glass containers at the top left, one filled with white salt, one dark bottle labeled vanilla, and a white bowl with flour. Below the flour, there is a wooden bowl filled with powdered sugar, and next to it, a white bowl holding three brown eggs. To the right of the eggs, a rectangular white dish is filled with red and white striped candy canes. Further down, two sticks of butter wrapped in yellow paper sit beside a white bowl with granulated sugar. Next to that, a wooden bowl holds a square block of cream cheese, and at the bottom right, a small white bowl contains dark brown Dutch cocoa powder. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Peppermint Brownies Recipe shines because of its straightforward yet thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that luscious texture and peppermint-kissed flavor that makes these brownies irresistible.

All-purpose flour (2/3 cup, 98g): The base that gives brownies their ideal structure without being too dense.
Dutch cocoa powder (2/3 cup, 56g): Offers a rich, deep chocolate taste with a smooth texture.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances and balances the sweetness to bring out the chocolate’s full flavor.
Unsalted butter (12 Tbsp, melted): Adds moisture and richness for that fudgy brownie consistency.
Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups, 250g): Sweetens and creates a tender crumb.
Large eggs (3): Bind the ingredients and give structure while keeping the brownies wonderfully chewy.
Peppermint extract (1 tsp): The star ingredient that infuses a fresh, festive mint flavor into the brownies themselves.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the overall flavor profile.
Cream cheese (2 oz., softened): For the frosting, creating a smooth, tangy contrast that complements the chocolate.
Unsalted butter (4 Tbsp, softened): Helps make the frosting rich and silky.
Powdered sugar (1 1/4 cups, 150g): Provides just the right sweetness for the frosting without being gritty.
Peppermint extract (1/4 tsp): Adds a delicate mint flavor to the frosting to echo the brownies’ peppermint kick.
Crushed peppermint candy canes (3 Tbsp): A festive, crunchy topping that finishes the brownies with color and texture.

How to Make Peppermint Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and butter a 9 by 9-inch baking dish. For easy removal, lining the dish with parchment paper and buttering the parchment ensures your brownies come out cleanly and in perfect shape.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch cocoa powder, and salt. This mixture forms the chocolatey foundation of your brownies and ensures even flavor and texture distribution throughout.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined and glossy. Then add the eggs along with 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture together for about a minute until everything is smooth and slightly thickened. This step is where the peppermint flavor begins to infuse into your brownies.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure to scrape the edges and bottom of the bowl to combine everything evenly without over-mixing, which can make brownies tough.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Pop it into the preheated oven for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the center is set but still fudgy. When done, let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack — this step is critical to getting the frosting to set beautifully.

Step 6: Prepare and Apply the Frosting

In a clean bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract, whipping until light and fluffy. Spread this dreamy frosting over your cooled brownies with a spatula.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

Generously sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy canes over the frosting. This adds an irresistible crunch and a burst of festive color that will brighten up any dessert table.

How to Serve Peppermint Brownies Recipe

A freshly baked single-layer dark brown chocolate cake rests evenly inside a white parchment-lined square baking pan. The cake surface has a slightly rough, crackled texture with tiny holes and a matte finish. The edges meet the pan’s sides neatly, and the surrounding parchment paper folds gently outward. The background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the crushed candy canes provide a classic finishing touch, you can also add a few whole mini candy canes or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. These little details elevate the presentation and add a seasonal charm that makes serving these peppermint brownies extra special.

Side Dishes

Peppermint brownies pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast between cold and minty with warm and fudgy. A cup of hot cocoa or coffee also complements the mint-chocolate combination perfectly and turns your treat into a complete cozy dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, serve the brownies on a festive platter garnished with fresh mint leaves or edible silver glitter for a sparkly touch. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and arrange them alternating with fresh strawberries for a pop of bright color and fresh flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your peppermint brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator if your kitchen is warm. This keeps the brownies tender and the frosting fresh without drying out the chocolate base.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting to avoid moisture buildup that can make the brownies soggy. Freeze frosted brownies only if well wrapped to preserve texture, but fresh is always best!

Reheating

If you like your brownies slightly warm, gently heat a single serving in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid reheating the whole batch to keep the frosting from melting. Warming enhances the fudgy texture and intensifies the chocolate and peppermint aromas delightfully.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch cocoa?

Yes, you can swap in regular cocoa powder, but Dutch cocoa has a smoother, less acidic taste that complements the peppermint better. The texture might be a tad different, but your brownies will still taste fantastic.

How strong is the peppermint flavor in these brownies?

The peppermint extract is balanced to provide a noticeable but not overpowering minty flavor in both the brownies and frosting. If you prefer a bolder mint taste, you can adjust the extract slightly, but be careful as it can quickly become overwhelming.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup works well. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture results.

Is the frosting very sweet?

The cream cheese frosting is sweet but also has a pleasant tang from the cream cheese, which balances the sugar. It adds a creamy contrast to the rich, chocolatey peppermint brownies, making each bite perfectly indulgent.

What’s the best way to crush the peppermint candy canes?

Place the candy canes in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass. Aim for small, even pieces that add crunch without being too hard or large to bite through comfortably.

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t recommend making this Peppermint Brownies Recipe enough. It feels like a cozy hug in dessert form, combining chocolate and mint to create something joyful and satisfying. Whip up a batch, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the smiles that follow with every delicious bite.