Introduction

These Festive Peppermint Brownies are a perfect holiday treat, combining rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint flavor. Topped with a creamy chocolate frosting and crushed peppermint candy, they make any celebration feel extra special.

A close-up image of a square chocolate brownie held by a woman's hand, showing a bite taken out of the corner. The brownie has two main layers: a dense, dark brown, moist chocolate base, and a thick, smooth layer of chocolate frosting on top. The frosting is decorated with small, crushed red and white peppermint candy pieces scattered evenly across its surface, with swirling texture visible in the frosting. In the blurred background, two more brownies with similar frosting and toppings rest on a white plate set on a white marbled surface, with some peppermint pieces scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup salted butter (melted)
¾ + 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
2 large eggs (at room temperature)
¾ tsp peppermint extract
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup cocoa powder
¾ tsp espresso powder (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ tsp baking powder
½ cup chocolate chips or chunks
¼ cup salted butter (melted, for frosting)
½ cup cocoa powder (for frosting)
2 ⅓ cups powdered sugar (sifted, for frosting)
2-3 tablespoons whole milk (for frosting)
Crushed peppermint candy (for decoration)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly butter the sides to help the brownies lift out cleanly and keep the edges perfect.
Step 2: Melt the salted butter until smooth, then stir in the light brown sugar until glossy and soft. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing gently, then add the peppermint extract for that festive aroma.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder if using, cornstarch, and baking powder. Carefully fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no flour streaks remain.
Step 4: Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks, reserving a few to scatter on top before baking for extra melty pockets.
Step 5: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 30 minutes, checking with a toothpick at 28 minutes; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 6: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before adding the frosting.
Step 7: For the frosting, mix the melted butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy. Add milk gradually if the frosting is too thick. Spread gently over the cooled brownies.
Step 8: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy over the frosting for crunch, color, and a finishing festive touch. Enjoy your holiday treat!

Tips & Variations

Use high-quality peppermint extract for the best flavor without overpowering the chocolate.
Swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate chunks for a sweeter contrast.
For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of regular eggs.
If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, add a full teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients.

Storage

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To enjoy warm brownies, reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The frosting may firm up when refrigerated but will soften slightly at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows four square chocolate brownies placed on a white marbled surface, each topped with a smooth, glossy layer of dark chocolate frosting. The frosting has a slightly swirled texture and is sprinkled generously with small pieces of crushed red and white peppermint candy, adding bright color contrast with red stripes and white parts. The brownies have a rich, dense, and moist texture visible on the sides. Some peppermint crumbs are scattered around the brownies on the surface. A soft green cloth is partially visible under one brownie in the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of peppermint?

Yes, but peppermint extract is what gives these brownies their signature holiday flavor. Using vanilla will result in a classic chocolate brownie instead.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not completely clean or wet batter. This ensures fudgy brownies rather than cakey ones.