Description

These festive Peppermint Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate with refreshing peppermint baking chips and a creamy peppermint frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these brownies offer a delightful balance of sweet chocolate and cool mint flavors, topped with crushed candy canes for a crunchy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

10 tablespoons unsalted butter
2/3 cup + 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup dutch-processed cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
2/3 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2/3 cup peppermint baking chips
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Peppermint Frosting

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened)
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
3–5 tablespoons hot boiling water

Topping

Extra peppermint baking chips
Candy canes (crushed)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies later.
Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Melt them together in short bursts, stirring between intervals until smooth. Whisk in the dutch-processed cocoa powder thoroughly and set aside to slightly cool.
Mix Sugars and Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, eggs, and egg yolk vigorously for about one minute until fully combined and slightly aerated.
Combine Wet Mixtures: Gradually stream the melted chocolate mixture into the sugar-egg mixture while whisking continuously to create a uniform batter.
Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the all-purpose flour, peppermint baking chips, and sea salt into the chocolate batter using a spatula, ensuring not to overmix.
Bake the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan, spreading it smoothly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare Peppermint Frosting: In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, and peppermint extract. Add 3 tablespoons of hot boiling water and stir with a rubber spatula until a thick but spreadable frosting forms. Add more water a little at a time if needed to reach desired consistency.
Frost the Brownies: Dollop the peppermint frosting over the cooled brownies and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle extra peppermint baking chips and crushed candy canes on top.
Set the Frosting: Allow the frosting to set at room temperature for 2-3 hours or place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
Serve: Once set, cut the brownies into 16 squares and enjoy your festive peppermint brownies.

Notes

Use parchment paper to line the baking pan for easier brownie removal and cleaner edges.
Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding flour to keep brownies tender.
Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Adjust the frosting consistency by adding water a tablespoon at a time to avoid it becoming too runny.
For stronger peppermint flavor, add a little more peppermint extract to the frosting or sprinkle peppermint chips inside the batter.
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Peppermint brownies, chocolate peppermint dessert, holiday brownies, festive dessert, mint chocolate brownies