Easy Peppermint Brownies
If you love chocolate and peppermint, these Easy Peppermint Brownies are just for you! They’re perfectly fudgy, bursting with refreshing peppermint flavor, and they come together in just one pot!
**This recipe was originally published in December 2015. I’ve updated the photos and text to include more information and step by step photos, and I’ve simplified the recipe.
I’ve never been a big fan of candy canes, but when they’re paired with chocolate it’s a completely different story.
I crave chocolate and peppermint almost constantly during Christmastime, so I indulge in my share of peppermint bark, peppermint hot chocolate and especially these Peppermint Brownies!
I love that one of these brownies completely satisfies my chocolate peppermint cravings.
At least until the next day. 🙂
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- These brownies are perfectly fudgy with crackly tops and refreshing peppermint flavor.
- This is the easiest brownie recipe ever. There’s no melted chocolate to deal with, and it comes together in just one pot!
- This recipe is festive enough for the holiday cookie tray and perfect for gift giving.
- Brownies may be customized with white chocolate chips or drizzled with chocolate ganache for extra flair.
Recipe ingredients
I feel that you can never have enough brownie recipes because they’re all different. Some are made with chopped chocolate for a rich, gooey texture like my German chocolate brownies, and some include a combination of chopped chocolate and cocoa powder for a fudgy middle and big chocolate flavor like my peanut butter brownies.
Then there are simple cocoa brownies with crackly tops like my deliciously chewy coconut oil brownies and these peppermint brownies.
Cocoa brownies will always be my favorite because there’s no chocolate to chop, and cocoa powder is always in the pantry right?
I love that there are just a few simple ingredients in this peppermint brownie recipe, and several ingredients are easily customized with what you have on hand.
Ingredient notes
- Butter. I used unsalted butter so that I could control the sodium. If you use salted butter, omit the 1/2 teaspoon salt in the recipe.
- Chocolate chips. I used dark chocolate chips for big chocolate flavor, but they may be substituted with whatever you have on hand or omitted altogether.
- Peppermint crunch. I love using peppermint crunch, which is finely crushed peppermint that can be used just like sprinkles. It’s a huge time saver, but you can certainly crush candy canes or peppermint candies yourself if you prefer.
- Peppermint oil/extract. Peppermint oil or extract adds big, refreshing flavor to these brownies. A little goes a long way, so I’ve only used 1/2 teaspoon in this recipe. If you don’t have either on hand, omit altogether and add a bit more crushed peppermint if desired.
How to make this recipe
This recipe is nice and easy, because we all need extra time during the holiday season! It comes together in just a few minutes in one pot, and bakes up in less than 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9×9″ baking dish with foil or parchment paper and set aside. Melt the butter in a medium sauce pan over medium low heat. Add the sugar, cocoa powder and salt, and stir well to combine. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally until the mixture is very warm to the touch. Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint extract, then allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating vigorously after each addition. Stir in the flour just until incorporated, then stir in the chocolate chips and peppermint crunch, reserving some for the top of the brownies.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly, then top with the reserved chocolate chips and peppermint crunch.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the center is puffed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cool completely on a wire rack.
FAQs
Fudgy brownies have a higher fat to flour ratio. This recipe has one stick of butter to 1/2 cup flour, resulting in a nice fudgy texture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder is the best cocoa powder to use in brownies in order to control the amount of sugar.
When brownies are done, the top will be shiny and crackly, the center will be puffed, and the edges will pull away from the sides of the pan.
For best results, cool brownies for a minimum of one hour on a wire rack before cutting.
There is no need to store brownies in the refrigerator. They will keep stored in an air tight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Recipe notes
- Store leftover brownies in an air tight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Peppermint extract/oil adds big flavor, so a little goes a long way. If you don’t have any on hand, omit altogether and add more crushed peppermint if desired.
- Change up these peppermint brownies by using white chocolate chips or topping with chocolate ganache!
More chocolate peppermint recipes you’ll love:
- Double chocolate peppermint cookies by A Classic Twist
- Homemade marshmallows
- Peppermint mocha cake roll
If you try this recipe I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and rating below, or tag me at @flavorthemoments on Instagram!
Easy Peppermint Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract or oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips divided
- 3 tablespoons peppermint crunch or crushed candy canes divided
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9×9" baking dish with foil or parchment paper and set aside. Melt the butter in a medium sauce pan over medium low heat. Add the sugar, cocoa powder and salt, and stir well to combine. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally until the mixture is very warm to the touch. Remove from heat and stir in the peppermint extract, then allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating vigorously after each addition. Stir in the flour just until incorporated, then stir in the chocolate chips and peppermint crunch, reserving some for the top of the brownies.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly, then top with the reserved chocolate chips and peppermint crunch.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the center is puffed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cool completely on a wire rack
Notes
- Store leftover brownies in an air tight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Peppermint extract/oil adds big flavor, so a little goes a long way. If you don’t have any on hand, omit altogether and add more crushed peppermint if desired.
- Change up these peppermint brownies by using white chocolate chips or topping with chocolate ganache!
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
31 Comments on “Easy Peppermint Brownies”
GAH! That’s pretty much all that comes to mind as I’m staring at these brownies pathetically wishing that they would appear in front of my face right now. These are seriously GORGEOUS, Marcie! Peppermint and mocha is totally a winning holiday combo!
You’re so sweet — thank you, Sarah! I’d love to share these with ya!
I am all about peppermint, especially during the holidays! This brownies look SO good, Marcie! I love the peppermint and mocha combo. It definitely kicks brownies up a notch. What a show stopper this would be during the holidays!
Thank you, Gayle! Peppermint and chocolate is on top of my list of favorite flavors during Christmas for sure, and these brownies definitely satisfied! 🙂
These brownies look so fudgy and chocolatey and I love that pop of peppermint flavor 🙂
Thank you, Medha — they’ve definitely got big flavor. 🙂
These brownies sound AMAZING. I’m at Starbucks right now sipping a peppermint mocha and I’m drooling imagining it in brownie form 🙂 need to try these!!
Sounds like you got your peppermint-mocha fix today, too! Thanks, Rachel! 🙂
These brownies are gorgeous, Marcie! Even though I’ve started my holiday baking already, I feel like it snuck up way too early this year. Peppermint and mocha always get me in holiday mode though 🙂 Love the cream cheese frosting!
It just doesn’t feel like Christmas time for me, Kelly, and I’m really trying to fix that. These brownies definitely helped, but I think it’s because my kids are older. It’s totally not the same. Time to decorate some gingerbread men! 🙂
Brownies trump cookies in my book too! These look so fudgy and rich! Yum!
I’m glad you agree, Laura, and thank you! 🙂
Wow! These look absolutely scrumptious! I want some for breakfast!!! Pinned, too.
Since there is coffee in them, I think breakfast would be ok? 🙂 Thanks, Abigail!
My brothers birthday is 12/4 and he always asks for something peppermint too! haha! It must be a December baby thing!
These brownies look so incredible! I love that you paired them with a cream cheese frosting – it is my favorite!
‘Tis the season for peppermint, right? 🙂 I’m always happy to oblige because I just love peppermint, too. Thanks, Annie!
Girl, you totally raised the bar on the regular brownie with these! Perfect for the holidays. Adding to my must make list, thinking about taking these to a holiday party this weekend!
Oh, thank you, Pamela! Since these were for my son’s birthday, I had to raise the bar — no regular old brownies for that. 🙂 If you make them for your party, I hope you enjoy them!
These brownies are gorgeous Marcie! I love the frosting and peppermint crunch on top!
Thank you, Christin! 🙂
Happy happy birthday to your son!! These brownies look just perfect!
I totally feel the same way – and on top of it we just took a quick trip to Arizona for a long weekend and now I really don’t feel like any more sugar!! haha so not like me this time of the year!!
Thanks, Ashley, and I LOVE Arizona! We went twice last year with our kids — it’s so nice as long as it’s not in the middle of summer. haha I have a feeling my sweet tooth will kick in pretty soon, but I won’t be disappointed if it doesn’t. 🙂
Thanks for the tasty recipe! I entered the giveaway. FYI, your Pinterest link is not working on the widget.
Thank you, Raquel, and good luck in the giveaway! I appreciate the heads up on my Pinterest link not working as well. 🙂
These brownies look gorgeous and so festive! Perfect for the holidays! Happy birthday to your son! What a great treat!
Thank you, Mira!
Thank you, Dannii! I agree about brownies for birthdays, and I love that frosting enough to put it on everything too! 🙂
Thank you, Amy!
I am still craving chocolate and peppermint! It’s the best!
Marcie these brownies look soooo good. I love the cream cheese frosting to go with it! Chocolate and peppermint is a MUST for the holidays!!
I used to top them with cream cheese frosting then I stopped because they really just don’t need it! They’re perfect all on their own, and I agree — chocolate and peppermint is a must!