Peppermint Brownies Recipe

Introduction

Peppermint Brownies are a festive twist on the classic treat, combining fudgy chocolate layers with a refreshing peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes. Perfect for the holiday season, these brownies offer a delightful mix of rich chocolate and cool mint flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 (18.3-ounce) box fudge brownie mix, plus required ingredients on the box (usually water, 1 large egg, vegetable oil)
• 2½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, divided
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1½ cups mini chocolate chips
• Crushed candy canes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions, including the required ingredients (water, egg, oil). Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
3. Step 3: While brownies are cooling, prepare the peppermint frosting. In a large bowl, beat 2½ cups powdered sugar, ½ cup softened butter, 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon peppermint extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Refrigerate the brownies for 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set.
5. Step 5: Melt 1½ cups mini chocolate chips and ½ cup butter in a small pot over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Alternatively, melt in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until melted.
6. Step 6: Spread the melted chocolate ganache over the chilled frosting layer. Sprinkle generously with crushed candy canes.
7. Step 7: Chill the brownies again for 30 to 60 minutes to let the ganache set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chopped Peppermint Andes or your favorite peppermint candies if candy canes aren’t available.
• Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier frosting mixing.
• For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake by a minute or two and allow to cool completely in the pan.
• To melt the chocolate ganache quicker, use a microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well in between.

Storage

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for 1-2 months. To reheat, bring to room temperature or warm gently in the microwave in short bursts.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make homemade brownies instead of using a boxed mix?

Yes, homemade brownies work well for this recipe. Prepare a 9×13 pan of your favorite fudgy brownie and proceed with the frosting and ganache layers as directed.

What can I substitute for peppermint extract?

If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can try using a few drops of spearmint extract or omit the mint flavor entirely for classic chocolate brownies with peppermint candy topping.

Peppermint Brownies Recipe

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These Peppermint Brownies are a festive holiday treat featuring a fudgy brownie base layered with a smooth peppermint frosting, a rich chocolate ganache, and topped with crushed candy canes for a refreshing minty crunch. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, they are easy to make and sure to impress at any seasonal gathering.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 15 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Layer

• 1 (18.3-ounce) box fudge brownie mix – including water, 1 large egg, and vegetable oil as per box instructions

Frosting Layer

• 2½ cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2–3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Ganache Layer

• 1½ cups mini chocolate chips
• ½ cup unsalted butter

Topping

• Crushed candy canes (or chopped Peppermint Andes)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the brownies.
2. Make and bake brownies: Prepare the brownie mix according to the instructions on the box, typically involving adding water, an egg, and oil. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, using a toothpick inserted in the center to check for doneness—it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
3. Prepare frosting: While the brownies cool, use an electric mixer to beat together 2½ cups powdered sugar, ½ cup softened butter, 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon peppermint extract in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Spread this frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
4. Chill frosting layer: Place the frosted brownies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the frosting to firm up.
5. Make ganache: In a small pot over low heat, melt 1½ cups mini chocolate chips with ½ cup butter, stirring constantly to create a smooth chocolate ganache. Alternatively, melt them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
6. Spread ganache: Pour and spread the warm ganache evenly over the chilled peppermint frosting layer on the brownies.
7. Add topping and chill: Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the ganache. Chill the brownies again for 30 to 60 minutes to allow the ganache and toppings to set firmly.

Notes

• The ingredients required for the brownie mix typically include water, a large egg, and vegetable oil as specified on the back of the box.
• To crush candy canes, use a food processor or place them in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Peppermint Andes can be chopped as an alternative.
• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for 1-2 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Melting chocolate ganache can be done on the stove or in the microwave using short bursts and frequent stirring to avoid burning.

Keywords: Peppermint Brownies, Holiday Brownies, Fudge Brownies, Chocolate Peppermint Dessert, Christmas Desserts, Mint Brownies, Layered Brownies