Peppermint Brownies

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.

Closeup of the layers in peppermint brownies

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.

Peppermint brownie recipe in a baking pan

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.

Two chocolate peppermint brownies stacked on a plate

For more peppermint recipes, check out:

More Collections: Christmas Desserts

Peppermint Brownies Recipe

5 from 19 votes
Layered Peppermint Brownies are a delicious treat with a brownie base, cream center, and chocolate topping sprinkled with crushed peppermint candy!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Refrigerate 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 15
Calories 434 kcal
Author Lil’ Luna

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!

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About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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Comments:

  1. 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 🙂

  2. 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!

  3. 5 stars
    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!

  4. 5 stars
    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!

  5. 5 stars
    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.

  6. 5 stars
    These will be the dessert I bring for my friends Christmas party this year. Brownies and peppermint are a great combo.