Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I lifted the lid off the festive box of baking supplies, a burst of peppermint nostalgia enveloped me, instantly transporting me back to joyful holiday gatherings. That’s when I decided it was time to whip up some delightful Frosted Peppermint Brownies. These rich, fudgy treats are lovingly topped with a cool, creamy peppermint frosting and adorned with crushed candy canes, making them an irresistible centerpiece for any festive occasion. Not only are they quick to prepare, but they also bring that deliciously comforting balance of chocolate and mint to life! Perfect for satisfying your holiday sweet tooth, these brownies are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Curious about how to bring this festive treat to your kitchen? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why Are These Brownies So Irresistible? Decadent, these Frosted Peppermint Brownies deliver a rich chocolate experience with each bite. Festive flair is added with a cool peppermint frosting and colorful crushed candy canes, making them a crowd-pleaser. Easy and quick to prepare, they require minimal effort for maximum impact, perfect for holiday gatherings. Experience the joy of baking and transform your dessert table into a winter wonderland with this delightful treat! To enhance your holiday dessert repertoire, check out our recommendations for holiday desserts to keep your celebrations sweet! Frosted Peppermint Brownie Ingredients For the Brownies Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture to the brownies. Substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option. Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and contributes to the structure. No direct substitution noted. Brown Sugar – Adds depth of flavor and moisture. Coconut sugar may be used as a substitute. Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor. Use almond extract for variation. Eggs – Binds ingredients and adds moisture. Flax eggs can be used for a vegan alternative. All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the brownies. Gluten-free flour blend can be substituted. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Imparts a deep chocolate flavor. You’ll want to avoid substitutions for best results. Baking Powder – Helps leaven the brownies. Ensure it is fresh for effectiveness. Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors. No substitutes necessary. Semisweet/Bitter Chocolate – Adds rich chocolate chunks for texture. Use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan version. For the Peppermint Frosting White Chocolate – Key ingredient for the frosting, delivering sweetness. Substitute with a vegan white chocolate alternative. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting. No substitutions suggested. Milk/Heavy Cream – Adjusts frosting consistency. Dairy-free milk can replace for a vegan option. Peppermint Extract – Gives the frosting its distinctive mint flavor. Could substitute with mint essence if available. Candy Canes – Adds crunch and festive decoration. Use crushed peppermint if candy canes are unavailable. These Frosted Peppermint Brownies bring festive cheer through their holiday-inspired layers, sure to captivate anyone who loves a good dessert! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Frosted Peppermint Brownies Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, line an 8×8 inch baking pan with foil, leaving a little overhang for easy removal later. Generously coat the foil with baking spray to ensure the brownies come out easily after baking. Set the pan aside while you mix the ingredients. Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients In a stand mixer, beat together melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed until well combined and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the mixture is smooth and glossy, indicating it’s ready for the dry ingredients. Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps to distribute the leavening and ensure a uniform texture. Once mixed, gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients in small batches. Be careful not to overmix; stop when just combined to maintain that fudgy texture characteristic of these Frosted Peppermint Brownies. Step 4: Bake the Brownies Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges, which should look set while the center remains a little soft; a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs when they are done. Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool for about 30 minutes. Step 5: Melt White Chocolate While the brownies cool, melt your white chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. Let it cool slightly until it’s just warm to the touch but still pourable. This will give your frosting that luscious, dreamy consistency without melting the butter. Step 6: Make the Frosting In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until it’s creamy and light. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt, creating a smooth mixture. Once combined, stir in the cooled melted white chocolate and a handful of crushed candy canes for that festive touch. The frosting should be creamy and spreadable, perfect for your Frosted Peppermint Brownies. Step 7: Frost and Decorate Once the brownies are fully cooled, take them out of the pan using the foil overhang. Place them on a cutting board, and generously spread the peppermint frosting over the top. To finish, sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes decoratively on top. For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the frosted brownies for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares and serving. Expert Tips for Frosted Peppermint Brownies Check Baking Time: Avoid over-baking your brownies; keep an eye on them as they bake. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, ensuring a fudgy texture. Cool Completely: For the best results, make sure your brownies are completely cool before you frost them. This prevents the frosting from melting and soaking into the brownies. Clean Tools: Ensure all bowls and utensils used for making the frosting are clean and dry. This helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency of your peppermint frosting. Experiment with Flavor: Don’t hesitate to add your own twist! Consider swapping vanilla extract with almond extract or adjusting the amount of peppermint extract to personalize your Frosted Peppermint Brownies. Storage Matters: Keep your frosted brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll retain their deliciousness for up to 5 days! Make Ahead Options These Frosted Peppermint Brownies are perfect for meal prep, making holiday baking a breeze! You can prepare the brownie base up to 24 hours in advance by baking and cooling it, then tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap and refrigerating. The peppermint frosting can also be made ahead of time; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply frost the cooled brownies, add the crushed candy canes, and let them chill for 30 minutes before cutting. This ensures they maintain their fudgy texture while giving you a delightful festive treat that’s ready to impress with minimal last-minute effort! Storage Tips for Frosted Peppermint Brownies Fridge: Store frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain their fresh flavor and texture. Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Frosted Peppermint Brownies, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating: If you prefer them warm, microwave individual brownies for about 10-15 seconds for a delightful treat that feels freshly baked. Frosted Peppermint Brownies Twists Feel free to sprinkle some creativity into these delectable brownies, transforming them to suit your taste! Chocolate Ganache: Replace the white chocolate frosting with a rich chocolate ganache for an indulgent treat. Chopped Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for a delightful crunch and added flavor. The nutty aromatics will elevate the fudgy goodness, delivering a satisfying bite with each brownie. Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate instead of semisweet for an intensified chocolate experience that pairs beautifully with the peppermint. Mint Chocolate Chips: Fold in mint chocolate chips into the brownie batter for an extra burst of minty goodness. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brownie batter for a surprising kick that contrasts delightfully with the sweet peppermint. Coconut Flakes: Stir in shredded coconut into the batter for a chewy texture that complements the fudginess. This tropical touch will transport your taste buds to a sunny place! Personalized Frosting: Experiment with different extracts, like orange or almond, in the frosting to craft a unique flavor combination. Each variation brings a delightful surprise to each bite. Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to ensure that everyone can enjoy these festive delights at any gathering. Considering adding some crunchy texture? You might also enjoy trying out these variations alongside your peppermint brownies for a full holiday flavor explosion! Make sure to check out our other delectable holiday desserts to keep the festive spirit alive! What to Serve with Frosted Peppermint Brownies These festive treats are perfect for creating a delightful holiday meal that is sure to impress family and friends. Velvety Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of rich hot cocoa enhances the brownie experience, adding a comforting chocolatey warmth that is perfect beside these minty delights. Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the fudgy brownies, providing a delightful temperature and texture contrast in each bite. Candy Cane Bark: This crunchy, sweet treat can echo the candy cane topping of the brownies, adding a delightful visual and flavor connection to your dessert table. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the brownies, offering a burst of freshness that will cleanse your palate between bites of chocolate indulgence. Sparkling Water with Lime: For a refreshing drink option, sparkling water infused with slices of lime adds a zesty brightness, elevating the overall dining experience with a festive flair. Peppermint Mocha: For coffee lovers, a rich peppermint mocha would perfectly complement the flavors in your brownies, creating a cozy and indulgent pairing. Chewy Gingerbread Cookies: Adding the warm, spicy flavor of gingerbread cookies creates a delightful holiday-themed spread that pairs well with the minty brownies. As you gather with loved ones, these pairings will not only complement the Frosted Peppermint Brownies but also elevate your festive spirit! Frosted Peppermint Brownies Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe ingredients for my Frosted Peppermint Brownies? Absolutely! When selecting ingredients like butter, make sure it’s unsalted and at room temperature for easy mixing. If you’re using eggs, look for ones that are fresh with clean shells. The key to a delightful brownie indoor is the quality of chocolate; I always opt for high-quality semisweet or bitter chocolate for the best flavor! What is the best way to store my Frosted Peppermint Brownies? For optimal freshness, store your frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for about 3-5 days. Just be sure to keep them fully covered to prevent any drying out! Can I freeze Frosted Peppermint Brownies, and how? Very! You can freeze your frosted brownies for up to 3 months. To do this, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap to protect them from freezer burn, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply remove how many you want and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. What should I do if my brownies turn out too dry? If you find your brownies are on the dry side, it could be due to over-baking. I recommend checking them a minute or two before the suggested baking time. You want a toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs attached. Don’t be afraid to keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to ensure they stay fudgy! Are these brownies safe for people with dietary restrictions? Great question! These Frosted Peppermint Brownies are vegetarian and can be easily adapted for a vegan version. You can substitute eggs with flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce. For dairy-free options, use margarine in place of butter, dairy-free chocolate, and a plant-based milk for the frosting. Just check your ingredient labels for any allergens specific to your needs. Can pets eat chocolate from these brownies? Absolutely not! Chocolate is toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats. It’s crucial to keep your Frosted Peppermint Brownies out of reach to ensure your furry friends stay safe and healthy. Frosted Peppermint Brownies for a Festive Sweet Treat Delightful Frosted Peppermint Brownies bring together rich chocolate and cool peppermint frosting, making them a festive centerpiece. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 22 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 7 minutes mins Servings: 16 squaresCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Brownies1 cup unsalted butter Substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option.1 cup granulated sugar1/2 cup brown sugar Coconut sugar may be used as a substitute.1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use almond extract for variation.2 large eggs Flax eggs can be used for a vegan alternative.1 cup all-purpose flour Gluten-free flour blend can be substituted.1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Avoid substitutions for best results.1 teaspoon baking powder Ensure it is fresh for effectiveness.1/4 teaspoon salt No substitutes necessary.1 cup semisweet/bitter chocolate Use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan version.For the Peppermint Frosting1 cup white chocolate Substitute with a vegan white chocolate alternative.2 cups powdered sugar No substitutions suggested.1/4 cup milk/heavy cream Dairy-free milk can replace for a vegan option.1 teaspoon peppermint extract Could substitute with mint essence if available.1 cup candy canes Use crushed peppermint if candy canes are unavailable. Equipment stand mixer8x8 inch baking panWhiskSpatulamicrowave Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Frosted Peppermint BrowniesPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with foil, coating with baking spray.In a stand mixer, beat together melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract for 2-3 minutes until creamy. Add eggs one at a time.Whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Fold dry mixture into wet ingredients until combined.Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18-22 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes after baking.Melt white chocolate in the microwave in intervals until smooth, then let it cool slightly.Beat softened butter until creamy, then mix in powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract, salt, and melted white chocolate with crushed candy canes.Once brownies are cool, frost them, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Nutrition Serving: 1squareCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 8mg NotesKeep frosted brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped brownies for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
