Easy Peppermint Brownies Recipe

These fudgy peppermint brownies combine rich chocolate with cool mint for the perfect holiday treat! With a moist, dense interior, crinkly top, and festive candy cane pieces, these easy homemade brownies will become your new Christmas favorite. Ready in just 40 minutes, they’re perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or cozying up by the fire!

The aroma of chocolate brownies baking in the oven has always been one of my favorite kitchen scents, but add a hint of peppermint and suddenly it’s an experience that transports me straight to the holiday season. As a child, my aunt would make a version of these peppermint brownies every December, and the moment that minty chocolate smell filled the house, we knew Christmas was truly on its way.

What makes these peppermint brownies so special is their perfect texture – that ideal balance between fudgy and cakey that gives you a moist, dense center with that signature crackly top. The hint of peppermint extract in the batter provides a subtle mint foundation, while the crushed candy canes add both a festive appearance and delightful bursts of refreshing peppermint flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Peppermint Brownies

• Perfect chocolate-mint balance – Just enough peppermint to complement, not overpower, the rich chocolate
• Incredibly fudgy texture – Dense, moist centers with that coveted crackly brownie top
• Simple preparation – No mixer required, just two bowls and a whisk
• Holiday-ready appearance – Festive red and white candy cane pieces make these visually stunning
• Make-ahead friendly – Actually taste better the day after baking
• Crowd-pleaser – Both kids and adults love this nostalgic flavor combination

These peppermint brownies have become my signature holiday dessert because they’re so simple to make yet always impressive. They’re perfect for gift-giving, cookie exchanges, or serving at holiday gatherings. They also freeze beautifully, making them ideal for preparing ahead during the busy holiday season.

Ingredients for Homemade Peppermint Brownies

• 1 cup unsalted butter – Creates a rich, tender texture
• 2 cups granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and helps create that crackly top
• 4 large eggs, room temperature – Binds everything together and adds structure
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Enhances the chocolate flavor
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract – Provides the perfect mint foundation
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Just enough for structure without making them cakey
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – For deep chocolate flavor
• 1 teaspoon salt – Balances and enhances the sweetness
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Adds pockets of melted chocolate
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies – For festive appearance and bursts of mint
• Optional: 1/4 cup white chocolate chips for drizzling – Adds a decorative finish

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

For the butter: European-style butter with higher fat content makes these extra rich, but any unsalted butter works well.

For the cocoa powder: Dutch-processed cocoa powder creates a deeper chocolate flavor, but natural cocoa powder works too for a slightly different flavor profile.

For the peppermint extract: Pure peppermint extract provides the best flavor, but mint extract can substitute in a pinch.

For the candy canes: Store-bought crushed peppermint candies save time, or crush your own in a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin.

For a shortcut version: Use a high-quality brownie mix as the base, add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract to the mix, and top with crushed candy canes.

How to Make The Best Peppermint Brownies

These brownies come together quickly and easily with just a whisk and a couple of bowls. The key is not overbaking them – they should be slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven for that perfect fudgy texture.

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.

Pro tip: The parchment paper sling makes removing and cutting the brownies much easier and cleaner.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Sugar

In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add the sugar and whisk until well combined. The mixture should look shiny but grainy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Allow the butter-sugar mixture to cool slightly (so it doesn’t cook the eggs), then add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Your batter should now be smooth and shiny.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly.

Step 7: Add Peppermint Topping

Sprinkle about half of the crushed candy canes evenly over the top of the batter, gently pressing them in slightly.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The center should be set but still slightly soft.

Step 9: Cool and Finish

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting.

Step 10: Add the Final Touches

Once cooled, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper sling and cut into squares. If desired, melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle over the brownies, then sprinkle with the remaining crushed candy canes.

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Brownies Every Time

• Don’t overmix the batter – Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated for the fudgiest texture
• Use room temperature eggs – They incorporate more easily and help create that shiny top
• Slightly underbake – Brownies continue cooking as they cool, so remove them when still slightly underdone
• Chill before cutting – For cleaner edges, refrigerate the brownies for at least an hour before slicing
• Use a plastic knife – It glides through the brownies more cleanly than a metal knife
• Add candy canes after baking – For a fresher mint flavor and to prevent melting, reserve some crushed candy canes to sprinkle on after baking

Serving Suggestions for Peppermint Brownies

These festive brownies are delicious on their own, but here are some special ways to serve them:

• With vanilla ice cream – The contrast between warm brownie and cold ice cream is magical
• Alongside hot chocolate – A minty brownie paired with rich hot chocolate is holiday perfection
• As part of a dessert board – Include alongside Christmas cookies and chocolate-dipped pretzels
• Drizzled with chocolate sauce – For an extra-indulgent presentation
• In a gift box – Stack in a decorative tin with parchment paper between layers for a homemade gift
• Holiday trifle – Cut into small pieces and layer with whipped cream and crushed candy canes

For an extra special presentation, dust with a little powdered sugar “snow” right before serving.

How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Brownies

Room temperature storage: Store cooled brownies in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigerator storage: For a fudgier texture and longer freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Freezer storage: These brownies freeze exceptionally well! Wrap individual pieces or the entire uncut slab tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thawing: Thaw frozen brownies overnight in the refrigerator or for about 2 hours at room temperature. For a fresh-baked taste, warm individual brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Variations on Peppermint Brownies

Want to customize these holiday brownies? Try these delicious variations:

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Brownies: Substitute dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet and use dark cocoa powder for an extra-rich flavor.

Peppermint Patty Brownies: Instead of candy canes, press mini peppermint patties into the batter halfway through baking.

Peppermint Mocha Brownies: Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a coffee flavor dimension.

Peppermint Cream Cheese Brownies: Swirl a mixture of 8 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract through the batter before baking.

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Why This Easy Peppermint Brownie Recipe Works

After testing numerous peppermint brownie recipes, I’ve found this version consistently delivers exceptional results because:

1. The high ratio of butter and chocolate creates that dense, fudgy texture
2. The combination of vanilla and peppermint extracts provides depth of flavor
3. The minimal flour amount ensures a rich, dense texture rather than a cakey one
4. Room temperature eggs help create that sought-after crackly top
5. Adding candy canes both before and after baking gives you the best of both worlds – infused flavor and festive appearance

These peppermint brownies strike the perfect balance between chocolatey richness and refreshing mint, making them ideal for the holiday season without being overwhelming. They’re substantial enough to be satisfying but light enough that you can enjoy more than one (and trust me, you’ll want to!).

I hope these easy peppermint brownies become part of your holiday tradition just as they have in my family. There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and mint that perfectly captures the festive spirit of the season.