Description
These Peppermint Brownies are the ultimate holiday treat! With a rich, fudgy chocolate base, smooth chocolate frosting, and a festive sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies, they’ll be the star of any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking for a party or just craving a cozy dessert, these brownies bring the perfect balance of minty freshness and chocolatey goodness.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
1 cup salted butter (melted)
1 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 cup all-purpose flour (sifted)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
For the Frosting:
1/4 cup salted butter (melted)
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
1/4 cup whole milk (add more if needed for consistency)
For the Topping:
1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy
Instructions
Preheat the Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly butter the sides.
Make the Brownie Batter: Melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar until it resembles soft caramel. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently. Stir in peppermint extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder (optional), cornstarch, and baking powder. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Add the Chocolate Chips: Fold in the dark chocolate chips, saving a few for the top.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28-30 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs.
Cool the Brownies: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
Make the Frosting: Mix the melted butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk to make a smooth frosting. Add more milk if necessary to reach a creamy consistency.
Frost & Top: Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy.
Slice & Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain the fudgy texture.
If you want extra peppermint flavor, feel free to add a few extra drops of peppermint extract into the frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 125 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
