Peppermint Brownies (Christmas Brownies)

These brownies are so perfect for a Christmas cookie exchange because they make a lot, without having to roll out cookie dough and bake multiple batches! My mom always brought these amazing Mint Brownies to cookie exchanges and they were a huge hit, just like these Caramel and Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods are whenever I’ve served them.

On a Christmas side note, have you seen this amazing Homemade Gingerbread House Tutorial?

Why I LOVE these Christmas Brownies:

• Fancy but easy.  These are they type of Christmas treat that will impress, yet they are so simple; a chocolate brownie with peppermint frosting, melted chocolate and crushed candy canes on top.
• Customizable.  Feel free to mix it up.  Add mini marshmallows or crushed nuts on top, or substitute white chocolate drizzling.

Peppermint Brownies (a summary):

1. Make chocolate brownies.

2. Make peppermint frosting.

3. Frost Brownies once they cooled.

4. Make chocolate glaze. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle chocolate over brownies.

5. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.

CONSIDER TRYING THESE HOLIDAY TREATS:

• Homemade Caramels
• Caramel Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods
• Turtle Thumbprint Cookies
• Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake
• Caramel Hot Chocolate

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Recipe

5 from 5 votes

Peppermint Candy Cane Brownies

This easy Peppermint Brownies recipe takes my homemade brownie and tops it with fluffy peppermint buttercream frosting and chocolate glaze! They are delicious, festive, and everyone's favorite Christmas brownies!

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Author Lauren Allen

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 15

Calories 472

Prep 30 mins

Cook 30 mins

Total 1 hr

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Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

For the Brownies:

• ▢ 4 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate (4 squares)
• ▢ 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
• ▢ 4 large eggs
• ▢ 2 cups granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the Peppermint Frosting:

• ▢ 2 cups powdered sugar
• ▢ 3 Tablespoons butter , softened
• ▢ 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• ▢ 1 Tablespoon milk
• ▢ drop of red food coloring (to make it pink)

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• ▢ 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ▢ 4-5 candy canes , crushed

Instructions

 

For the Brownies:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Roughly chop the chocolate baking squares and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. 
• Cut the butter into tablespoon pieces and place in the bowl with the chopped baking chocolate.
•  Melt the chocolate and butter in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Set aside.
  
• In another bowl beat eggs for about 3 minutes until frothy. Add the sugar and vanilla and beat. 
• Add the melted chocolate and butter that you set aside.
• Combine flour and baking powder and gently stir into the brownie batter just until combined (don't over-stir!) Pour batter into a well-greased 9×13 pan.
• Bake for about 23-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

• Combine all frosting ingredients and beat until light and fluffy. 
• Add a little bit more milk to thin the frosting if needed. Gently spread the frosting over the cooled brownies.

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• Place the candy canes in a resealable bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces.
• Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and cook in 30 second intervals, stirring after each time, until smooth. 
• Drizzle the chocolate over the brownies and sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top!

Notes

Recipe adapted from Our Best Bites

To Make Ahead: The peppermint frosting can be made up to 2 days ahead of time and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Allow it to come to room temperature before spreading.

To Freeze: These peppermint brownies can be frozen frosted or unfrosted. Store in freezer safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Variations:

Mix-Ins: Feel free to throw in some mini marshmallows or crushed nuts! Crushed nuts can also be sprinkled on the top.

White Chocolate: Substitute white chocolate for the drizzling if you'd like!

Christmas Tree Brownies: Slice brownies into triangles to create a "tree" shape. Place part of a candy cane at the bottom to create the tree trunk.

Nutrition

Calories: 472kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 4gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 149mgPotassium: 178mgFiber: 2gSugar: 49gVitamin A: 520IUCalcium: 36mgIron: 2.8mg

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I originally shared this recipe November 2013. Updated December 2019 with process photos and improved instructions.