Peppermint Brownies steal the spotlight with a fudgy base, creamy mint layer, and chocolate shell that snaps just right.
Author’s Notes
Crowd-Pleaser Alert: These Are THE Brownies!
Every Fall and Winter, I make several batches of these Peppermint Brownies. They’re my go-to treat for holiday parties, and everyone always goes wild for them!
In my mind, they’re the reliable holiday dessert because they’re festive, they’re guaranteed to be the talk of the party, they make plenty to share (cut small squares, these are rich), and they come together fast thanks to one simple shortcut.
Instead of making brownies from scratch (which you totally can do), I use a good-quality brownie mix. With that creamy peppermint frosting and smooth chocolate topping, you won’t miss the from-scratch base.
My number one tip: Make the brownies the night before. Then assembling everything the next day, frosting, topping, and all, goes so much quicker!
Ingredients In Peppermint Brownies
| Ingredient | Helpful Tip |
|---|---|
| Brownie Mix + Oreos | Use a rich, fudgy brownie mix that you love! mix in finely chopped Oreos for extra flavor. |
| Cream Cheese + Butter | Let both soften at room temperature before mixing to create a smooth, creamy frosting. |
| Peppermint Extract + Food Coloring | Use peppermint extract, not mint. If you want these to look more festive, add a drop of pink or red food coloring to the frosting. |
| Chocolate Chips + Coconut Oil | Melt together until silky smooth for the reliable shiny topping that sets beautifully. |
| Crushed Peppermint Candy | Sprinkle on top right after pouring the chocolate so it sticks before the topping firms up. Totally skippable! |
How To Make Peppermint Brownies
- Prep the pan: Line an 8×8 pan with parchment and Heat to 350°F.
- Bake the brownies: Mix, mix in cookies, bake, then chill.
- Frost: Beat frosting ingredients until smooth and spread over cooled brownies.
- Top: Melt chocolate with coconut oil, pour over frosting, and add crushed peppermint.
- Chill and slice: Let set, lift out, and cut into small squares.
More Peppermint Treats:
Quick And straightforward
Peppermint Rice Krispie Treats
Desserts
No Bake Peppermint Cheesecake
Christmas
Peppermint Bark Pretzels
Desserts
Peppermint Fudge RecipeTips For Making Peppermint Brownies
- Use room temperature ingredients: Cold butter or cream cheese can make frosting lumpy.
- Cool completely before frosting: Warm brownies will melt the frosting and make it slide off.
- Use a good metal pan: It conducts heat evenly for better brownie texture. And, don’t forget to line it!
- Cut with a hot knife: For clean slices without tearing the topping, run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, make a cut, and repeat.
Storage
- Fridge: Store covered, in an airtight container, for up to 1 week. Let sit at room temp before serving for the best texture.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted brownies in a single layer until firm, then move to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving. Frosted brownies do not freeze and thaw well.
