Peppermint Brownies. Soft and chewy brownies layered with a chocolate ganache and topped with candy canes! These one-bowl brownies couldn’t be easier to make, and are perfect for the holiday season. Make them with the kids this Christmas!

Looking for more brownie recipes? Try my Chocolate Mint Andes Brownies or these fun & colorful Copycat Cosmic Brownies!

peppermint brownies topped with crushed candy canes on white plate with a bite out of it

These Peppermint Brownies are SO delicious and indulgent, and could not be easier to make. Everything is made in one bowl. No mixer needed! 

The chocolate peppermint brownies are topped with an amazing chocolate ganache then sprinkled with crushed up candy canes. They have the perfect amount of peppermint and crunch! I also added less flour to make these brownies extra fudgy and rich, and to bring out the chocolate flavor even more I add in instant coffee. 

These are seriously The Best Brownies, and will be absolutely perfect for the dessert table this Christmas, or anytime over the holiday season! This peppermint brownie recipe is also great to make with kids. They’ll love mixing the ingredients in the mixing bowl, and sprinkling the candy canes on top before digging in with a glass of cold milk!

brownies sprinkled with crushed candy canes

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    Ingredients

    The full ingredient list and measurements are listed in the printable recipe below.

    Brownies

    • Chocolate: I used both cocoa powder and chocolate chips. These brownies are SUPER chocolatey!
    • Sugar: This brownie recipe calls for both brown and white sugars. The white sugar adds sweetness, and the brown sugar adds a hint of caramel, as well as sweetness.
    • Butter: This adds to the richness! I browned the butter in a saucepan before adding it to the other ingredients. Brown butter tastes amazing in brownies!
    • Coffee: Adding coffee to chocolate desserts is such a great trick because it really helps to bring out the chocolate flavor!
    • Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes add the peppermint flavor and an incredible crunch which really takes these peppermint brownies up a notch!

    Chocolate Ganache

    • Semi-sweet chocolate chips: They’re easy to melt and not too sweet. Most of the sweetness comes from the brownies themselves in this recipe, and I didn’t want to add too much more sweetness. Bittersweet chocolate would also work well.
    • Cream: I used heavy cream which is the best type of cream to use when making a ganache, as it gives the sauce that shine we all love to see!

    How to make the best Peppermint Brownies

    • Brown the butter: Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it is a light brown, caramel color. Add the browned butter to a mixing bowl while it’s still warm and stir in the sugars, baking powder, cocoa, and salt. 

    brown butter in small saucepan

    • Cool: Allow the batter to sit for 5 minutes to cool.
    • Mix in the other ingredients: fold in the coffee, eggs, vanilla, flour, and chocolate chips. Kids can help with this step!

    folding dry ingredients into brownie batter

    • Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

    removing brownies from the oven

    • Make the ganache: In a small saucepan add the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth and melted, and then pour it over the brownies.

    chocolate ganache in large clear bowl

    • Sprinkle and serve: Crush the candy canes, sprinkle them over the top, and enjoy!

    sprinkling crushed peppermint on chocolate brownies

    How do I crush the candy canes?

    Either with your hands, or place them in a ziplock bag and seal it. Use a rolling pin and roll the candy canes inside the bag until they are crushed. This works well for other hard candies too!

    What types of candy can I use other than candy canes?

    You can find these options throughout the year at the supermarket or even online:

    taking a bite out of peppermint brownie

    Storage & Freezing Peppermint Brownies

    • Store: In an airtight container in the refrigerator or on the counter for up to 4 days.
    • Freezing: Freeze these chocolate peppermint brownies for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Perfect to make ahead for Christmas day!

    Peppermint Brownies on a white tray

    Here are more desserts to try this Christmas:

    Peppermint Brownies

    5 from 1 vote
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    Peppermint Brownies. Soft and chewy brownies layered with a chocolate ganache and topped with candy canes!
    Servings: 9 brownies
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes

    Ingredients 

    Chocolate Ganache

    Instructions 

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 x 9 or 8 x 8 pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking spray or grease with butter. Set aside.
      Add butter to a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until light brown / caramel in color. 5-10 minutes. Make sure to keep and eye on it so butter does not burn. It also helps to use a light colored saucepan for this.
    • Pour browned butter into a large bowl along with both sugars, cocoa powder, salt, instant coffee granules and baking powder. Stir until combined and allow to rest for 5 minutes or until the mixture has cooled down.
    • Stir in the eggs and vanilla and mix until batter has a nice sheen to it.
    • Fold in the flour and stir until combined. (Do not over mix)
    • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
    • Allow the brownies to cool completely.
      Once cool top with the chocolate ganache.
      Sprinkle with the crushed candy canes.
    • Cut into 9 brownies and serve.

    Chocolate Ganache

    • In a small saucepan add the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth and melted, set aside.

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 609kcalCarbohydrates: 76gProtein: 6gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 165mgPotassium: 371mgFiber: 5gSugar: 55gVitamin A: 673IUCalcium: 78mgIron: 4mg

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