Easy Peppermint Brownies Recipe: Festive & Fun Dessert

Are you ready to sprinkle some serious holiday magic into your kitchen? Picture this: rich, decadent chocolate brownies, swirled with a cool, invigorating blast of peppermint, and topped with a fluffy, minty frosting and crunchy candy cane bits. If that doesn’t sound like a festive dream come true, we don’t know what does! Get ready to ditch the store-bought sweets because today, we’re diving headfirst into the irresistible world of homemade Peppermint Brownies. Perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or simply cozying up by the fire, these brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration in every bite. So grab your apron, crank up the holiday tunes, and let’s bake something truly unforgettable!

Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Brownies

These Peppermint Brownies aren’t just another pretty face on the dessert table; they’re genuinely delightful for so many reasons. Here are four you absolutely need to know:

1. Festive Flavor Explosion: They perfectly capture the spirit of the holidays with the classic combination of deep chocolate and refreshing peppermint. It’s a taste profile that instantly transports you to a winter wonderland!
2. Irresistibly Fudgy Texture: Forget dry, crumbly brownies. This recipe delivers a truly fudgy, moist brownie base that melts in your mouth, perfectly balancing the creamy frosting and crunchy candy canes.
3. Easier Than You Think: Don’t let their impressive looks fool you! These Peppermint Brownies are surprisingly simple to whip up, even for novice bakers. The steps are straightforward, and the results are consistently amazing.
4. Showstopper Appeal: From their vibrant colors to their delightful aroma, these brownies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a conversation starter. They’re beautiful enough for any holiday spread and make fantastic edible gifts!

Ingredients with Measurements

Gather your magic ingredients to create the ultimate batch of Peppermint Brownies:

For the Brownies:

• 🥣 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 🍫 2/3 cup Dutch cocoa powder
• 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 🧈 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 🍚 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 🥚 3 large eggs
• 🌿 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (for brownies)
• 🍦 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 🧀 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 🧈 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 🍬 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 🌿 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting)
• 🍭 3 tablespoons finely crushed peppermint candy canes

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions to Make These Peppermint Brownies

Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps to bring your delicious Peppermint Brownies to life:

1. Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly butter a 9×9-inch baking dish. For easy lifting later, you can line it with parchment paper and butter the paper too!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set this aside for now.
3. Combine Wet Goodness: In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted butter with the granulated sugar until well combined. Crack in the eggs, then add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and the vanilla extract. Whisk this mixture for about one minute until it’s smooth and slightly airy.
4. Bring it Together: Gently add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, making sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl. Don’t overmix!
5. Bake Away: Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the center looks set. For that perfect fudgy texture, it’s okay if it’s slightly under-baked.
6. Cool Down: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial before frosting!
7. Whip Up the Frosting: While the brownies cool, grab a large bowl and an electric hand mixer. Cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until they are wonderfully blended. Gradually add the powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Whip the frosting for several minutes until it’s light and fluffy.
8. Decorate & Serve: Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the fluffy peppermint frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the crushed peppermint candy canes for a festive crunch. Cut into squares and enjoy your delightful homemade treat!

Delicious Ways to Present and Serve Your Peppermint Brownies

Your beautiful Peppermint Brownies deserve to be showcased! Here are some fun and festive ways to present and serve them:

• Classic Squares: The simplest and often best way! Cut them into neat squares and arrange them on a festive platter. Garnish with a few extra candy cane bits or a sprig of fresh mint for extra flair.
• Brownie Sundae: Take a warm brownie square, top it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate fudge sauce, and a sprinkle of those crunchy candy canes. Pure indulgence!
• Holiday Dessert Board: Include your Peppermint Brownies as part of a larger dessert charcuterie board alongside cookies, truffles, fruit, and other holiday treats for a stunning display.
• Individual Gift Packages: Wrap individual brownies or small stacks in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons. They make perfect homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers.
• With Hot Chocolate: Serve a brownie square alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate or a peppermint mocha for the ultimate cozy winter treat. Dip a corner of the brownie right into your drink!

How to Store Your Peppermint Brownies and How Long They Last

To keep your delicious Peppermint Brownies fresh and tasty for as long as possible, proper storage is key:

• Countertop: If you plan to devour them within 1-2 days, you can store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources. The cream cheese frosting means they’re best refrigerated for longer storage.
• Refrigerator: For optimal freshness and to prolong their life, store the frosted Peppermint Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days this way. Bring them to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
• Freezer: These brownies freeze wonderfully! Once cooled and frosted, cut them into squares. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer the frozen squares to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They will last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.

FAQs About Peppermint Brownies

1. Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch cocoa? While Dutch cocoa gives a darker color and milder chocolate flavor, you can use natural cocoa. However, you might want to add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to balance the acidity if you do.
2. My brownies aren’t fudgy; they’re cakey. What went wrong? Overmixing the batter or overbaking the brownies are common culprits. Stir just until combined and remove from the oven when the center is just set, even if slightly gooey.
3. Can I make these Peppermint Brownies ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the brownies a day or two in advance and store them unfrosted at room temperature. Frost them on the day you plan to serve.
4. What if I don’t have peppermint extract? You can omit it, but you’ll lose the signature peppermint flavor. You could try adding a very small amount of finely crushed candy canes to the brownie batter, but be careful not to overdo it as it can change the texture.
5. Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
6. My frosting is too thin/thick. How can I fix it? If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon or two more powdered sugar. If too thick, add a teaspoon of milk (or cream) at a time until desired consistency.
7. Do I have to use parchment paper? While not strictly necessary, it makes lifting the brownies out of the pan much easier and ensures clean edges.
8. Can I add chocolate chips to the brownie batter? Absolutely! White chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips would be a fantastic addition for extra texture and flavor. Stir in about 1/2 cup with the dry ingredients.
9. Is the peppermint extract for the frosting essential? Yes, it’s what gives the frosting its delightful minty kick. Without it, you’d just have cream cheese frosting.
10. What kind of candy canes should I use for crushing? Any standard red and white peppermint candy canes work perfectly! Avoid the soft, chewy varieties.