This recipe for peppermint brownies is fudgy chocolate squares topped with cream cheese frosting and chopped candy canes. The perfect holiday treat!
No one will ever be able to guess that these rich and decadent brownies came from a boxed mix. When I need an easy treat that is sure to impress, I turn to chocolate covered pretzels, stained glass cookies and these brownies. They’re a festive addition to any cookie tray or holiday dessert table!
This is one of my favorite holiday dessert recipes. We’ve got chocolate brownie, peppermint cream cheese frosting, chocolate topping AND crushed candy canes. How can you go wrong with that?
I love the layers in these brownies. The crunch of the candy cane, the snap of the chocolate the cream of the frosting and the perfect brownie underneath. Your guests will love this layered treat. If you want more layered desserts you should check out my Oreo brownies, s’mores fudge, pecan pie bars and pumpkin cheesecake bars!
Table of Contents
Peppermint Brownies Ingredients
To make peppermint brownies you will need a box of brownie mix, eggs, oil and water. For the frosting you will need butter, cream cheese, milk, powdered sugar and peppermint extract. Finally, for the chocolate topping make sure to have semisweet chocolate chips, butter and crushed candy canes.
How Do You Make Peppermint Brownies?
To make this peppermint brownies recipe, first prepare a baking dish by spraying oil on the bottom and by lining the pan with parchment paper with an overhang on the sides. Next, make a boxed brownie mix according to the package directions. While the brownies cool, make an easy homemade peppermint frosting. Start the frosting by beating butter and cream cheese together with a stand mixer or an electric mixer. Mix in milk and powdered sugar. Finally, stir in peppermint extract to the frosting. Spread the frosting on the cool brownies. For the chocolate topping, place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and heat them in 30 second increments. After the chips melt, stir them until smooth and spread the chocolate over the chilled frosting. Top everything with crushed candy canes. Chill the brownies and remove them from the baking dish, slice them and enjoy!
Tips For The Perfect Brownies
- Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan for an even layer of brownie.
- To crush candy canes, place them in a sealed plastic bag and cover with a towel. Use a rolling pin or the flat end of a meat mallet to crush the candy.
- Add the crushed peppermints to the brownies right after you spread on the chocolate layer. This helps the peppermint candy pieces to stick to the chocolate.
- To cut these brownies into neat squares chill the brownies before you cut them. Also, make sure to clean your knife in between cuts to get the neatest possible result.
- Use a toothpick to make sure your brownies are finished baking. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs for brownies that are done.
Quick Tip
Chill the brownies before adding each layer. This helps prevent the layers from running together.
Recipe FAQs
For the peppermint frosting in these brownies, you need 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
Peppermint brownies will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you eat them you can leave them out for a few minutes to reduce the chill.
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Peppermint Brownies Flavor Variations
While this recipe makes amazing dressed up brownies, you can change the recipe to suit your taste.
- Brownie: You can use whatever brand and flavor of brownie mix that you like, fudge, milk chocolate, caramel, funfetti, etc.
- Chocolate: You can use candy melts instead of chocolate chips for a smoother chocolate topping or for different color options.
- Homemade: If you want to make homemade brownies for the base, try the brownie portion of my cosmic brownies recipe.
- Toppings: You could substitute or add other toppings like mini M&Ms, sprinkles, chocolate chips, chopped nuts or York minis.
I just love all the flavors and textures going on here – all that glorious chocolate, the cooling mint flavor, the crunchy cane canes and the creamy frosting. These brownies are so very pretty and impressive looking, yet so very simple to make. These are truly some of the best brownies I’ve ever had, I’m definitely not waiting until next winter to make them again!
More Holiday Recipes
Christmas Wreath Cookies
15 mins
Red Velvet Cookies
35 mins
Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies
30 mins
Molasses Cookies
45 mins
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Peppermint Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix
- eggs, oil and water as called for on the box of brownie mix
- cooking spray
For the peppermint frosting”
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- 2 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
For the chocolate topping:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3/4 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9×9 inch square pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on both sides.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions.
- Cool completely in the pan.
- To make the frosting: Beat the butter and cream cheese with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add the milk and beat until blended. Slowly add the powdered sugar and mix until thoroughly combined. Stir in the peppermint extract.
- Spread the peppermint frosting evenly over the brownies, then chill in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
- For the chocolate topping: Place the chocolate chips and butter in a bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments until melted. Stir until smooth. Spread evenly over the cream cheese layer and top with crushed candy canes.
- Chill the brownies for at least 30 minutes or until chocolate is set. Remove from the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into squares, then serve.
Notes
- Chill the brownies before adding each layer. This helps prevent the layers from running together.
- To crush candy canes, place them in a sealed plastic bag and cover with a towel. Use a rolling pin or the flat end of a meat mallet to crush the candy.
- To cut these brownies into neat squares chill the brownies before you cut them. Also, make sure to clean your knife in between cuts to get the neatest possible result.
Can I make this in an 8×8?
That should work, you might need to adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Do you use unsalted or salted butter?
Either is fine I’ve tested it both ways!
Thanks so much! Can’t wait to make these for Christmas Eve!
Can the peppermint brownies be made ahead and frozen?
Yes that should be fine!
Hi, it says milk or cream. Any specific kind? (Whole milk, non fat, skim, etc)? I’m assuming cream is heavy whipping cream. Which do you recommend is better for the recipe to use?
I prefer to use heavy cream but I know a lot of people don’t have it on hand. The heavy cream makes the frosting a little richer, but any other type of milk will also work. It’s more about using liquid to thin the frosting slightly versus the fat content of that liquid.
I plan to make these for a gathering tomorrow. If I made tonight, would I need to refrigerate due to the cream cheese? Thanks in advance!
I’d keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cut and serve, but they can sit out at room temperature for a few hours during the party without a problem!
This may sound silly but what size box of brownie mix? I currently have TWO different sizes in my cupboard. Would love to make this for the coming weekend.
You want to use a brownie mix designed for a 9″x9″ pan, there’s typically the regular sized brownie mix box and “family size”, and most often both work in a square pan, the family size just comes out thicker. Check the back of the box to see if it can be used in a square pan!
Those peppermint brownies are awesome! I love chocolate and peppermint but to have them together in a brownie recipe is fantastic! I love how pretty it looks too. They’d make wonderful gifts to neighbors and friends this holiday season. Thank you for the recipe!
Mixes are always easier when you’re baking especially this season! I had no idea this came from a boxed mix but it looks OH SO GOOD! It’s definitely something that I’ll try!
Can you make homemade brownies instead of boxed?
Yes that will work!
These look perfect. The crushed candy canes on top are the perfect added touch