Perfectly fudgy peppermint brownies topped with a peppermint buttercream frosting and a silky chocolate ganache with candy canes. Everyone loves this Christmas treat!
Frosted Peppermint Brownies
If there’s one thing that screams Christmas time, it’s anything with peppermint. I love the combo in my chocolate peppermint cookies, Andes mint cookies and peppermint oreo balls.
These frosted peppermint brownies are rich, gooey, fudgy, sweet and loaded with fresh peppermint flavor. They’re topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and then finished off with a layer of silky smooth chocolate ganache with candy canes.
Ingredient Notes
- Brownies: The layer of brownies starts with an enhanced boxed brownie mix. To make these rich and fudgy, instead of using what is called for on the back of the box, we use butter, milk, eggs and peppermint extract.
- Peppermint frosting. For the creamy peppermint buttercream frosting, you will need butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream and peppermint extract.
- Ganache. Chocolate ganache is the perfect finishing touch and makes these brownies next level delicious. You’ll need quality semi-sweet chocolate bars, heavy cream and crushed candy canes.
How to Make Peppermint Brownies
- Mix. In a large bowl mix together the brownie batter, just until smooth. You can use your favorite box mix, or make homemade brownies or fudge brownies from scratch.
- Bake. Place in the oven and bake just until a toothpick comes clean. Feel free to line your baking pan with parchment paper to make it easier to slice afterwards.
- Whip. In a large bowl whip up the peppermint frosting with an electric mixer. It tastes similar to a classic buttercream, but with a hint of peppermint flavor to give it that festive holiday flare.
- Top. Once the brownies have cooled, top with an even layer of frosting.
- Spread. Next comes the chocolate ganache. This is going to be spread over the frosting layer.
- Sprinkle. After adding the chocolate ganache, I love to sprinkle some crushed peppermint candies on the tops. It adds a nice crunch and makes them look extra festive.
Baking Tips and Variations
- For thinner brownies, you can use a 9×13″ baking dish. You will likely need to shorten the baking time to around 20 to 25 minutes. You may also need a bit more frosting.
- For even more chocolate flavor, mix 1/2 cup chocolate chips into the batter.
- A peppermint cream cheese frosting or marshmallow frosting would also taste delicious on top.
- After adding the ganache, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing so that the tops don’t crack.
- You could skip the ganache layer if preferred. Or try drizzling it over the frosting instead of spreading completely on top.
Storage
Slice and store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You may also freeze the brownies for up to 3 months.
Simply cut into squares, then wrap in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer container. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours when ready to enjoy.
Can’t get enough of the peppermint and chocolate combination? Make this Andes mint cookie or try a peppermint milkshake, next!
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Peppermint Brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 18.3 ounce Fudge Brownie Mix (1 box)
- ⅔ cup butter , melted
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Peppermint Frosting:
- ½ cup butter , at room temp
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ Tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Pinch salt
Ganache:
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup crushed peppermint candy canes , for topping
Instructions
For the Brownies
- Preheat oven to 325°F. In a mixing bowl combine brownie mix, melted butter, milk, eggs and peppermint extract and using a wooden spoon, stir until combined.
- Pour mixture into a buttered 9×9-inch glass baking dish and bake in preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
For the Frosting
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip butter on medium-high speed until very pale and fluffy about 5 minutes, occasionally scrapping down sides of the bowl.
- Add in powdered sugar, heavy cream, peppermint extract and a pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until combined. Increase the mixer to medium-high speed and beat until light and fluffy. Then frost the brownies and place in the fridge for 15 minutes.
For the Ganache
- Place the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until simmering. Add the chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes. Alternatively you can cook the cream and chocolate on a double broiler. Whisk until smooth. Add a Tablespoon more of warm cream if needed to thin out.
- Pour ganache over frosted brownies and then top with crushed candy canes. Allow to cool before slicing. Then slice with a plastic knife.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Bars, Brownies, Chocolate, Christmas, Desserts, Freezer-Friendly, Nut-Free, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
We make these every year! My daughter asks for them year round. Love them
So glad your daughter loves the peppermint brownies! One of our favorites!
These are so good! Rich, fudgy… the toppings are AMAZING! Love the peppermint frosting & the ganache! My whole family LOVES these! YUM!!
This is such a fun treat to make! My kids loved it!!
I’ve made these a few times for parties and everyone loves them! Great recipe!
Now here is a woman after my own heart! Chocolate and peppermint – what better combination of flavors exists?? These were yummy!
I made the peppermint icing to top a chocolate cake and the icing is dreamy! Fantastic — thanks for the tip about using the paddle attachment rather than the beater — it is heavenly and airy. Taste and texture are amazing! Much appreciated. This recipe is going in my classic go-to section.
I’ve been wanting to do a peppermint brownie, this was DELICIOUS!
So yummy! What a wonderful idea for Christmas pressies and I say cheers to more milk and butter.
I didn’t have any peppermint extract so I added crushed up candy cane to the frosting. Super yummy!!
Lovely Peppermint Brownies !
So yummy!! I really need to make these again!!
YUM!
I like to swap out the ingredients on a boxed mix too, and I always use chocolate milk. It’s amazing what a difference it makes! Perfectly Christmasy!
Oh my goodness… these look entirely too delicious! Thank you so much for sharing! I will surely be putting these on my “To Bake” list!
yuuummmmmmy!!! These are so good.