Layered Peppermint Brownies are a delicious treat with a brownie base, cream center, and chocolate topping sprinkled with crushed peppermint candy!
Brownies are awesome year round, but I love making the festive brownie recipes during the holidays! The kids love Brownie Christmas Trees, and I like to whip up a fancy Peppermint Brownie Trifle when I want to wow party guests.
Chocolate + Peppermint = YUM
Hellllllllo! It’s me, Lily – again! Guess what I’m doing in a little bit?? I have my first Piano Recital!! I’m playing “Silent Night.” I’m a little nervous since it’s my first one but my mom says not to worry about it because I’ll do just fine. 😉 I’m very excited about it, just like I’m excited for today’s recipe for Peppermint Brownies.
Everyone in my family LOVED these Peppermint Brownies! They are delicious! I love the chocolate and peppermint combo. If you like that combo too and your mouth is watering, then you should try them.
These treats have a brownie base, cream layer and delicious chocolate topping with peppermint pieces on top. It’s great for any holiday event and especially perfect for Christmas!
Tips for Perfect Peppermint Brownies
Brownie Base: I took a shortcut and used a box brownie mix to make this dessert.You can certainly use a homemade brownie recipe—just be sure that it is enough to bake in a 9×13 pan.
Another note about the brownie base is that you can add mix ins if you wish. We did not, but I think it could add a delicious element. Some ideas include:
- Adding white chocolate peppermint chips
- Crush 12-15 whole peppermint oreos and mix into the batter
- Mix in milk chocolate chips or chunks
Chill: When making the brownies be sure that you chill each layer otherwise the heat from the brownie base may melt the frosting layer. The same could happen when you add the chocolate ganache topping. If the peppermint frosting isn’t sufficiently chilled, the hot chocolate will melt right through.
Topping: If you don’t like crunchiness of candy canes, but still want the peppermint flavor, you can use Andes Crushed Peppermint Pieces – they’re softer. 😉
Cut and Serve: This is such an easy recipe for a delicious looking dessert. The only tricky part of the recipe is cutting them into nice neat squares. After going through the effort of making layers, I want them to be seen with every serving. Here are some tips:
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper or foil. This way you can lift the entire brownie block out of the pan to cut without the pan sides getting in the way.
- Cut the brownies when they are chilled and use a warm clean knife. After each cut, clean the knife in warm water and wipe it clean.
You can cut the brownies into any size you wish. They are quite decent, so I usually cut them a bit smaller than I would a normal brownie. They also make really beautiful bite size treats. Just cut them into smaller pieces and place each piece into a mini paper liner.
Storing and Freezing
Again I like these to be chilled, so I STORE them in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can keep them in a container at room temperature, but you may find the layers soften and melt together a bit.
As far as FREEZING them, I have not done this myself. However, since all the elements we used are freezable, I would not hesitate to try it. Whether you freeze it in a large block or smaller pieces, I would flash freeze it first. You do this by sticking it in the freezer until it is solid. Wrap with plastic wrap then again with foil, or place in a Freezer Ziploc. Freeze for 1-2 months. Unwrap before thawing so that the frosting layers don’t stick to the plastic.
For more peppermint recipes, check out:
- Peppermint Melt Aways
- Frozen Peppermint Delight
- Peppermint Oreo Truffles
- Peppermint Chocolate Delight
- Peppermint Oreo Fudge
More Collections: Christmas Desserts
Peppermint Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 package fudge brownie mix (family-size) + ingredients on the back
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks) softened
- 2-3 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips
- crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Prepare brownies as directed on box. Pour into greased 9×13 dish. Bake 20-25 minutes.
- While brownies are cooling, beat powdered sugar, ½ cup butter (softened), cream and peppermint in a large bowl. Spread evenly over cooled brownies.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- In a small pot melt mini chocolate chips and ½ cup butter on low heat, stirring constantly. Spread over chilled brownies.
- Sprinkle with candy cane pieces and ENJOY!
Lily, I know that you will be great at your recital. I remember my first recital many, many years ago. Thanks for the peppermint brownie recipe. I love peppermint and chocolate together. Have a great last week of school 🙂
Lily, I made these brownies for my work party tonight, and they were a HUGE hit! Of course I gave credit to you and this blog post. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing this yummy recipe! I hope the piano recital went well last week, too!
Lily, these brownies look so delicious! Chocolate and peppermint are amazing together! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much! I will pass this along to Lily! They are amazing together!
Lily, these Peppermint Brownies look delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe, Lily!
You are so sweet! I will tell Lily 🙂 Thank you so much!
How much cream cheese???? It is no where in your recipe.
Love the layers to this, not only looks good but tastes great!
these brownies look amazing. Could these be fozen?
Thank you!! I personally have not tried freezing them, so I am not sure how they’d turn out.
Probably my #1 fav holiday dessert! I like to color the icing layer red or green and crush the candy canes into dust so there isn’t too much of a crunch. So, so good!
Probably my #1 fav holiday dessert! I like to color the icing layer red or green and crush the candy canes into dust so there isn’t too much of a crunch. A yearly must!
Good thing we only make these once a year because I end up eating so many of them! Love these brownies!!
These brownies put us in the Christmas spirit every year. Simple, easy and yummy. I’d like a way to get more peppermint flavor without the peppermint chunks. Other than that I love it.
Peppermint brownies are so good…. these are a favorite!!
These will be the dessert I bring for my friends Christmas party this year. Brownies and peppermint are a great combo.