Peppermint Brownies

Soft and chewy Peppermint 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.

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

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

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!

Kelley’s Tips

Tips To Make The BEST Peppermint Brownies

• You can use either crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for the topping!
• To easily crush the candy canes you can use a rolling pin to crush the candy canes in a ziplock bag.
• Cool completely before slicing. I know it’s tempting to dig in right after the brownies get out of the oven, but they’ll cut more cleanly if you wait for them to cool first!

Ingredients for Peppermint Brownies

• Chocolate: I used both cocoa powder and chocolate chips for tons of chocolate flavor!
• Sugar: For the best brownie recipe ever I recommend using both brown sugar and granulated sugar. Brown sugar adds extra moisture and a hint of molasses.
• Butter: This adds to the richness! I browned the butter in a saucepan before adding it to the other ingredients. The brown butter makes such a difference!
• 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!
• Heavy Cream: Along with chocolate chips is used to make the chocolate ganache.

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. 

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

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

5. 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.

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

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!

Storage & Freezing Peppermint Brownies

• Store: These easy peppermint brownies 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!

Recipe

Peppermint Brownies

5 from 1 vote

Peppermint Brownies. Soft and chewy brownies layered with a chocolate ganache and topped with candy canes!

Author: Kelley Simmons

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 45 minutes mins

Serves 9 brownies

Rate SaveSaved Print

Ingredients 

• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 large eggs, cold
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup all purpose flour
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup candy canes, crushed

Chocolate Ganache

• 1½ cups semi sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream

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

Did You Make This?

I’d love to hear your feedback! Leave a review and make sure to share your pictures on social media! Don’t forget to follow @thechefsavvy.

Leave a Review Follow Chef Savvy