If you’re craving a dessert that’s both rich and refreshingly cool, these Peppermint Brownies are a game changer! Imagine the intense chocolatey goodness of a classic brownie, but with a lively burst of peppermint in every bite. These fudgy, festive treats are just as perfect for holiday gatherings as they are for an indulgent weeknight treat. Whether you’re already a chocolate-mint fan or new to the combo, this recipe will have everyone reaching for a second square before you know it!

Peppermint Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long or fancy list to create showstopping Peppermint Brownies—the magic lies in using a handful of everyday baking staples, each one playing a crucial role. Let’s take a look at what makes these brownies irresistibly good!

Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture—make sure it’s fully melted before mixing.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens every bite and helps create those signature crackly tops.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and a background note that enhances both chocolate and peppermint flavors.
Large Eggs: Bind the batter and contribute to a dense, chewy crumb.
Peppermint Extract: The star of the show—just a little brings that unmistakable cool, minty pop.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives the brownies enough structure without making them cakey.
Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor for a deeply fudgy result.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Baking Powder: Provides a hint of lift, keeping the brownies from being overly dense.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melt into delicious pockets throughout the brownies for extra decadence.
Crushed Peppermint Candies: Add a festive crunch and make every bite sparkle with cool peppermint flavor.
White Chocolate Chips (optional): For a luxe finishing touch—sprinkle them on top for extra sweetness and contrast!

How to Make Peppermint Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Before you start mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the perfect bake. Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy lifting—trust me, you’ll want to get those Peppermint Brownies out cleanly!

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Stir until the mixture looks smooth and glossy. This step lays the foundation for that signature brownie chew and subtle caramel layer.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Crack in the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to make sure they’re fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and the peppermint extract—the kitchen will already start to smell amazing!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This simple step ensures even distribution, so every bite of these Peppermint Brownies is perfectly balanced and chocolaty.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and fold until just combined; don’t over-mix, or your brownies can turn out tough. Once the batter is ready, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies for bursts of flavor and color.

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Spread that glorious batter evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it straight into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs—don’t wait until it’s totally clean, or you’ll miss out on that fudgy center!

Step 7: Top and Cool

Right after baking, shower the brownies with white chocolate chips if you like a touch of melting sweetness. Let them cool in the pan for ten minutes, then gently remove them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This extra step ensures clean slicing and the ultimate texture.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Once completely cool, cut your Peppermint Brownies into neat squares. The contrast of dark brownie with flecks of peppermint and white chocolate is downright irresistible!

How to Serve Peppermint Brownies

Garnishes

Amp up the festive flair by sprinkling your brownies with extra crushed peppermint candies, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. These simple garnishes make Peppermint Brownies look as magical as they taste!

Side Dishes

Pair your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—both mellow out the richness and add a cool, creamy companion. A hot mug of coffee or peppermint tea also contrasts beautifully with the dense, fudgy squares.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Peppermint Brownies on a holiday dessert platter, wrap them in parchment and twine for sweet gifts, or cut them into tiny squares for brownie bites at parties. For a playful twist, stack them with layers of whipped cream for a mini, deconstructed trifle!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Peppermint Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The peppermint flavor deepens over time, making each bite even more enticing the next day!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual brownie squares snugly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll last beautifully for up to 2 months—perfect for prepping ahead or sneaking a sweet treat straight from the freezer.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw brownies at room temperature or in the fridge overnight. For that just-baked warmth, microwave a square for about 10 seconds; the chocolate chips get gooey and it tastes like fresh-baked Peppermint Brownies all over again.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?

Yes, but peppermint oil is much more concentrated, so use it sparingly—just a couple drops can replace 1/2 teaspoon of extract. Always taste as you go to avoid overpowering the brownies.

How do I make the brownies extra fudgy?

For super fudgy Peppermint Brownies, bake for the shorter end of the suggested time (around 25 minutes) and check for a few moist crumbs on your tester. Overbaking is the enemy of gooey brownies!

Can I skip the crushed peppermint candies?

Absolutely! The peppermint extract gives plenty of flavor. The candies add a festive crunch and color, but you can omit them for a smoother brownie if that’s your preference.

What’s the best way to cut brownies neatly?

Let your brownies cool completely before cutting, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices. For perfectly tidy squares, you can even chill the brownies before slicing.

Are Peppermint Brownies gluten free?

As written, this recipe uses regular all-purpose flour. To make gluten-free Peppermint Brownies, simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and double-check your candies and chips for gluten-free status.

Final Thoughts

If you’re even a little bit curious about the magic of chocolate and mint together, I can’t encourage you enough to bake a batch of these Peppermint Brownies. They come together effortlessly and bring a delightful chill to every bite, making them a sure-fire favorite for the holidays or any day. Go ahead—treat yourself and those you love!

Peppermint Brownies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint with these decadent Peppermint Brownies. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a special treat any time of year!

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies

Optional Topping:

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan.
Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until smooth.
Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and peppermint extracts.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add to wet mixture.
Stir in Mix-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies.
Bake: Spread batter in pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Add Topping: If desired, sprinkle white chocolate chips on top after baking.
Cool and Serve: Cool brownies in pan before cutting into squares and serving.