Homemade chewy chocolate brownies with peppermint icing make the ideal Christmastime treat!
Jump to:
Everyone will love these brownies and the flavor can't be beaten! There's just something about the combination of chocolate with peppermint that is just divine.
When it comes to desserts, there's nothing that I love more than chocolate! There's just someting about it that mades desserts totally magical. Of course, I have a sweet tooth that rivials no other.
My mom is a huge fan of chocolate and peppermint and this recipe is one that I know she will love. I can't wait to make these for her when we go to Maine again for Christmas.
🧂 Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter - melt the butter before starting.
- Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar - the combination will make these brownies both sweet and chewy.
- Vanilla Extract
- Eggs
- All-Purpose Flour
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder - I like using this brand.
- Baking Powder
- Salt - adding salt to the brownie batter will help enhance the chocolate flavor.
This is meant to be a brief overview of the recipe for peppermint brownies. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below or Jump to Recipe.
🔪Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 350-degrees F.
- Grease a Brownie Bar Pan with cooking spray. Alternatively, line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper - this will make it easy to remove the brownies from the pan.
- Combine butter, sugars and vanilla extract in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and beat until creamy.
- With the mixer on low, add the eggs one at a time.
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder to remove any lumps.
- Set the stand mixer to low again and add the dry ingredients to the bowl a little at a time.
- Remove the bowl from the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. I like to use a cookie scoop for this. If if you are using an 8x8 pan, you can use a spoonula to transfer the batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until set.
- Remove them from oven and set the pan on top of a cooling rack - allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes.
Peppermint Icing
This icing is creamy but thin and wonderful for all kinds of treats. Try it on this Chocolate Bundt Cake instead of the ganache topping!
Peppermint Icing Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter - using unsalted butter allows you to control how much salt is in the icing.
- Powdered Sugar - sift the powdered sugar first to remove any lumps.
- Whole Milk or Heavy Cream
- Vanilla Extract
- Pure Peppermint Extract
- Salt
- Crushed Candy Canes or Peppermint Candies, for topping
How to Make Peppermint Icing
- Add the butter to a stand mixer and beat until creamy.
- Add half the powdered sugar beat slowly.
- After that, add in the milk or cream along with the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Next, add the rest of the powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
- The icing should be a little thin, so add a little more milk or cream, if needed.
- Frost the cooled brownies and then top with crushed peppermint candies or candy cane pieces.
Equipment
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Here is what you will need to make this peppermint brownie recipe:
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Spoonula
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Dry Measuring Cups and Liquid Measuring Cup
- Brownie Bar Pan (optional)
Be sure to check out my Juggling Act Mama Storefront on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of great products to make your life easier! Thanks so much for being a part of Juggling Act Mama ❤
📖 Variations
Here are a couple of ideas to make these chocolate peppermint brownies all your own:
- Replace the vanilla extract with pure peppermint extract in the brownie mixture.
- Sprinkle the top of the iced brownies with mini chocolate chips for even more chocolatey goodness!
- Instead of peppermint icing, add a drizzle of melted white chocolate with the candy cane pieces.
Short Cut Method
If you are short on time, you can absolutely use a boxed brownie mix. I love semi-homemade recipes and with this luscious homemade icing on top of the brownies, no one will be able to tell the brownies aren't scratch-made, too!
⭐ Tips
✔️Start with room temperature butter.
✔️Use a large cookie scoop to perfectly portion the brownie batter into the baking pan.
✔️Allow the brownies to cool completely before icing them.
✔️Place your peppermint candies in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to break them up. (This is super fun for kids!)
Storage
To Store: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container for 3-4 days. I like to keep mine in the fridge, but they can be kept at room temperature as well. (These are my favorite airtight containers.)
😋 Similar Recipes
If you love chocolate and peppermint, you're going to want to check out these recipes, too.
- Easy Peppermint Fudge is an easy 5-Ingredient Peppermint Fudge that features two layers of decadent fudge and is full of peppermint flavor.
- Try our Brownie Truffles and add a smidge of peppermint extract (remember a little bit goes a long way!)
- This Chocolate Peppermint Cake rich, delicious chocolate cake is filled with peppermint buttercream, with a crushed candy cane for a festive touch!
🎄 More Holiday Ideas
Here are a few more Christmastime ideas that I know you will love:
📋 Frosted Peppermint Brownies
Chocolate brownie bites covered with peppermint icing and candy cane sprinkles make a wonderful treat for any holiday get-together!
Not ready to make your own brownies yet? Don’t forget to pin the recipe for later!
When you do make it, please be sure to tag me on Instagram @jugglingactmama or #jugglingactmama – I’d love to see your pictures! And finally, if you get a chance, please comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!
Fudge Brownies with Peppermint Icing
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Equipment
- Brownie Pan (optional)
Ingredients
Brownies
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter ½ cup = 1 stick
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- 1½ Vanilla Extract
- 2 Eggs
- ¾ cup All-Purpose Flour
- ½ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- ⅛ teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
Peppermint Icing
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter ½ cup = 1 stick
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 3 tablespoons Whole Milk or Heavy Cream
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ teaspoon Peppermint Extract
- 1 pinch Salt
- ¼ cup Crushed Candy Canes or Peppermint Candies, for topping
Instructions
Brownies
- Start by preheating the oven to 350-degrees F.
- Grease a Brownie Bar Pan with cooking spray. Alternatively, line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper - this will make it easy to remove the brownies from the pan.
- Beat the butter, sugars and vanilla extract in the bowl of a stand mixer.
- With the mixer on low, add the eggs one at a time.
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder to remove any lumps.
- Set the stand mixer to low again and add the dry ingredients to the bowl a little at a time.
- Remove the bowl from the mixer and scrape down the sides.
- Portion the batter into the brownie bar pan. I like to use a cookie scoop for this. If if you are using an 8x8 pan, you can use a spoonula to transfer the batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until set.
- Remove them from oven and set the pan on top of a cooling rack - allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes.
Peppermint Icing
- Add the butter to a stand mixer and beat until creamy.
- Add half the powdered sugar beat slowly.
- After that, add in the milk or cream along with the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Next, add the rest of the powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
- The icing should be a little thin, so add a little more milk or cream, if needed.
Notes
Short Cut Method
If you are short on time, you can absolutely use a boxed brownie mix! I love semi-homemade recipes and with this luscious homemade icing, no one will be able to tell the brownies aren't scratch-made, too! Top with your favorite peppermint candy and you've got the perfect holiday treat the whole family will love!For best results, be sure to check our Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help your delicious recipe come out perfectly.
We'll never share your email or send you spam.
Natalie J Vandenberghe says
I love brownies and that peppermint frosting sounds delicious!
Marie C says
I absolutely love recipes that have this kind of icing! And mint chocolate is one of my favorites. I never would have thought of adding candy canes to the top - what a great idea!
Kat R says
Thanks for reminding me to sift my powdered sugar.
Dana Rodriguez says
I love all the detail you put into this post. It sounds like the perfect treat for the holidays!
athena j graeme says
My icings are always thin, so I wouldn't be surprised this is too, it makes it easy to dip the cookie or brownie and get a nice sheen on it! I do love peppermint extract!
Holly Thomas says
I love the peppermint frosting.
Adrienne Carter says
What a great detail original creative fun recipe , great one that could become a family tradition.
Mya Murphy says
I love that the recipe is easy to make, I love chocolate and peppermint together, and I can't wait to make this.
Glenda Blair says
I'm in love,love these! O.m.g best ever ! Happy Holidays ! God Bless!
Michelle T. says
These look delicious! I look forward to trying them!
I love that you’re going to make them for your mom when you go to Maine for Christmas! I’m sure she’ll love that!
Eva Dankers says
So excited to make these with my Pampered Chef Brownie pan. I just love little, elegant desserts.
Candace Galan says
I'm a big peppermint fan! The icing recipe looks really easy to make.
Christina Litchfield says
I like that you included the peppermint sticks in the background of your picture. Nice touch! And I love peppermint and chocolate too. 🙂
Jean D. says
Your mom loves the peppermint/chocolate combo, so I identify with her! Though I swear I read the post, my favorite part is the photo. The frosting reminds me of 7-Minute Frosting we enjoyed as kids. So the photo makes me want to try these treats.
Sherry Wooten says
I love everything about the peppermint brownies, down to the peppermint icing and crushed peppermint on top. I tend to go big or go home so I would experiment with adding crushed up peppermint candies in the brownies, or maybe at least peppermint chips/Andes mint candies in the batter. If you are going to do it peppermint, might as well go all out, right?
kelsey Vinson says
Sounds delicious. Also i really need to get me a brownie bar pan lol
Polly Hall says
I did not know that Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar combined would make brownies chewy.
Linda Kish says
I'd probably forgo the peppermint extract and just use the crushed candies. Peppermint makes me sneeze (as does chocolate). I'd need it a bit more subtle.
Laurie Nykaza says
I love PEPPERMINT and BROWNIEs this is so cute the shape with all the frosting and peppermint pieces it is such a cute presentation for the holidays cant wait to make it too.
Billie R says
My husband loves peppermint bark, he's a fan of chocolate and peppermint just like your Mom! These brownies would be a huge hit.
Elaine G says
This sounds really good and easy to make. I like how you state what equipment is needed.
Teresa A Vance says
Your recipes are so easy to understand, and look wonderful! I know the FrostedPeppermint brownies will be a hit. Thank you and keep the wonderful recipes coming.
Lissa Crane says
I love that these give a fancy twist to a regular brownie and the way the Peppermint Icing drips off the sides, makes it look like a high-end dessert. I will definitely be trying to make mine look just as good as your picture!
Tracie Cooper says
I would love the peppermint icing with bits of peppermint pieces!
Stephanie Lord says
Chocolate and Peppermint is my favorite holiday combo. Love this!
Kay K says
Ang, These Frosted Peppermint Brownies looked so good that I immediately checked my pantry and frig to see if I had all the dry ingredients to make them, and I did!! What a great combo of chocolate and peppermint. OH MY! I'm going to make a batch now and then plan to make more BIG batches for gifts for our neighbors. I am looking to buy that special Wilton Brownie Bar Pan you suggest. Thank you for all your posts. I especially look forward to every email from you. You are appreciated.
Kris O says
My favorite flavors; looks so delicious and festive for the holidays.
I will make a gluten free version this month.
Jackie Wisherd says
I like the fact that there is crushed peppermint sticks on top of the brownie. Makes for an interesting flavor.
Ina Fowler says
Thank you ever so much for this wonderful recipe and contest for a very happy holiday!
Stephanie D'Aquila says
I can't wait to make and try the peppermint icing. It sounds delicious!
Janice Mac Neal says
Oooh, peppermint and chocolate! Love it! I''m going to try these with some chopped-up Red Bird mints (soft, melt-a-way-type, puffy red and white mints), as I'm not a crushed candy cane fan (the pieces are too sharp for me). Another option is chopping up some mini bars of peppermint chocolate Kit Kats to sprinkle on top of the frosted brownies. I've only been able to find the peppermint Kit Kats around Christmas time, though, so I'm hoping I can find a store stocking them. Thanks for the inspiration!
Debi says
Peppermint is probably my favorite flavor. And, brownies are my favorite dessert! These little cakes are perfection!
Ang Paris says
It's such a great pan and you can make all kinds of recipes with it, not just brownies!
Jaye Smith says
I loved it and sent it to my sister who is always looking for easy to make yet knock the socks off your guests recipes. Just perfect for any celebration!
Rebecca B says
I love that you added a note that a boxed mix is perfectly acceptable. Not everything always has to be completely from scratch!
Angelica says
Yum! Chocolate and Peppermint are my fave dessert combo! I will totally admit, I use the Ghirardelli brownie mix from Costco more often than I make from scratch. Sometimes you just need a shortcut!
Ang Paris says
No shame here! I use brownie mix all the time! 🙂
Ruth Ann McGhee-Bey says
All these recipes reminds me of my Mom letting me "try" and bake things from old recipe cards. She allowed me to try on my own and the brownies was one of my first minus the pepermint iciing. We didn't have a fancy stand-up mixer but ours worked. The best memories.
Ang Paris says
What a sweet memory! Thanks so much for stopping by Ruth Ann 🙂
Lisa Reid says
This looks amazing. Just like peppermint bark.
Steve Weber says
yum.com! those brownies are super gooeyy... I almost licked my screen.
latoya says
I love brownies but I dont think I've ever had or even seen them with peppermint before.
Christina Lamper says
Chocolate and Peppermint is one of my favorite combos!
Martha says
I love that you talk about Maine, that's where I live :).
sandra says
i like that you mention boxed brownie mixes because that is how i roll
tiffany c says
Great recipe! Saved it to try later this month because we love brownies! I haven't tried making them from scratch yet, this icing looks amazing too, I think it would pair well. I'm a fan of using cocoa in my recipes too, I usually get the Penzey's one, have you tried that one? Thanks for sharing!
Maureen Brittain says
This Peppermint icing is THE BOMB! So, so good! I'm gonna try your chocolate cake recipe and use it on that too!
Johannah says
I love that there is a recipe for brownies without using a box mix!
Klydra Pugh says
I enjoy the flavor combo as does my family. I also like the amount of steps. Not too many.
Thanks for the chance.
Jan Johnson says
This recipe looks SO good! I make most things from scratch, but sometimes a boxed mix is in order, and yet in just a few minutes you can have this yummy icing ready to put on top! Brownies are the one boxed thing that is often better than my scratch recipes. My oven caught on fire, so I need recipes I can cook in my little convection toaster oven, and this fits the bill!
Peggy Gibbs says
Those brownies look delicious. I know my hubby would love them. Me too!
Brenda S. says
I can not wait to try this! Great recipe!
Kristin says
Oohhhh I can definitely make these for Christmas this year if I use brownie mix, bc I have celiac and don’t want to contaminate my kitchen with flour. These will be so great and so festive! And now easier, and no contamination! Nice!
Linda Peterson says
Can't wait to make these! Love your recipes!
Sonya Allstun says
I like that you included other variations, like using boxed mix or pouring the icing on a different treat.
CHARLENE ROBERSON says
Those look SO Holiday!!! And easy, too?? DEFINITELY on my "to do" list!!
Bryan Vice says
I need to try this recipe I love Fudge Brownies but have never tried with a peppermint icing it sounds delicious and would be a hit at our Christmas dinner
Melissa Storms says
The peppermint icing sounds like a huge winner to me. I love brownies made from scratch and this sounds like it would result in the kind I like. I did not know that using white and brown sugar would make any difference in texture. Definitely going to give these a try.
Danielle says
Everyone loves homemade, but sometimes we are short on time.
Thank You for writing that "short-cuts" are acceptable too.
These brownies sound delicious whichever method is used!
Will be giving these a try, so easy!!
Linda K says
I didn't know the combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar make brownies sweet and chewy. Thank you for the recipe.
Mary Gardner says
These look so delicious and festive! I really like that you used brown sugar to add some chew and I imagine it adds a little depth of flavor as well. I love homemade brownies but I also like that you can optionally use a boxed mix when in a hurry. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Shayna Brookman says
I love that you included a short cut method using box brownie mix for those of us that don't have time to bake from scratch 🎄
Missy says
I love the fact that you gave the option to use a brownie mix. I am a baker, but even I don't always have time to make stuff from scratch, like when my husband tells me he volunteered me to bake something for his office for TOMORROW. 🙂
Ang Paris says
I am all about taking shortcuts to keep me sane! My husband does the same thing, Missy. 🙂
Deb Clark says
Goodness these look so delicious! So pretty and festive too!
Meredith Brooks says
Brownie + peppermint = the best Christmas combo ever! I am so adding this to my Christmas baking list. Looks so yummy.
Eileen Kelly says
What gorgeous and festive brownies. I love the peppermint candies on top. I look forward to making these for the family. We are finally putting up our Holiday decorations
Heather D says
My husband saw a pic of the brownies over my shoulder and excitedly asked if I was going to make that. So guess what I’m making later today? Lol
sheila ressel says
This peppermint icing sounds amazing and would pair really well with the chocolate brownies. I also like your idea of using it to top a chocolate bundt cake too. Yum!
Breanne says
I like the other peppermint recipes as well! The fudge looks awesome.
LeAnn Harbert says
I like that you can use the box mix if you're shirt on time. This will make it easier to make them with my granddaughters.
Kayla Klontz says
I love the simplicity of it and the combination of ingredients, I loveeeee peppermint!
Colette S says
Thanks for the recipe. I would have not thought of adding crushed candy canes on top. My daughter will love this.
JanD says
I love brownies but I don't do icing. I would just probably add the peppermint extract into the batter.
wen budro says
I like that there is a shortcut method. I also like how festive the brownie's look.
Erin says
These sound great, unfortunately I'm the only peppermint fan in the house so I guess I'll have to eat them all.
Carol S says
This is a delicious combination! I love that this is a thin icing so it's not too overwhelming and it's simple to make. Definitely making this for Christmas dessert.
Trisha Musgrave says
For one I love love brownies, add peppermint to that and I am all in!!! Love it!