Print

Festive Peppermint Brownies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 117 reviews

These Festive Peppermint Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate with refreshing peppermint flavor, making them a perfect holiday treat. Featuring a moist brownie base studded with chocolate chunks and topped with a creamy cocoa frosting sprinkled with crushed peppermint candy, they bring a delightful blend of textures and seasonal flavors everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Base

  • ½ cup salted butter (melted)
  • ¾ cup + 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
  • ¾ tsp peppermint extract
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • ¾ tsp espresso powder (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks

Frosting

  • ¼ cup salted butter (melted)
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • 2 ⅓ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 2–3 tablespoons whole milk
  • Crushed peppermint candy (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly butter the sides of the pan to ensure the brownies lift out cleanly and maintain perfect edges.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: Melt the salted butter until smooth. Stir in the light brown sugar until the mixture turns glossy and soft. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Add the peppermint extract to infuse that festive aroma.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder if using, cornstarch, and baking powder. This ensures even distribution of leavening and cocoa.
  4. Blend wet and dry mixtures: Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until no flour streaks remain, being careful not to overmix to maintain fudgy texture.
  5. Add chocolate chips: Fold in the dark chocolate chips or chunks, reserving a few to scatter on top before baking for extra melty pockets.
  6. Fill pan and bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface. Bake for about 30 minutes, testing doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
  7. Cool before frosting: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to ensure the frosting spreads smoothly without melting.
  8. Prepare and spread frosting: For the frosting, mix together the melted butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency by adding milk a little at a time if needed. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
  9. Add festive topping: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy over the frosting to add a crunchy texture, vibrant holiday colors, and accentuated peppermint aroma. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Room temperature eggs improve the texture and help with even mixing.
  • Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted if desired.
  • Use whole milk in frosting for richer texture; substitute with non-dairy milk to make it dairy-free but texture may vary.
  • Ensure brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: peppermint brownies, holiday dessert, chocolate brownies, festive treats, peppermint frosting, chocolate peppermint dessert

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/festive-peppermint-brownies-recipe/