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Peppermint Brownies Recipe

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4.8 from 505 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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