Chocolate Peppermint Brownies

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of chocolate and peppermint during the holiday season. As the days grow shorter and the air begins to crisp with that winter chill, my kitchen becomes a haven for all things warm and cozy. This Chocolate Peppermint Brownie recipe is no exception. Rich, fudgy brownies, a decadent ganache topping, and a festive sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies come together to create a dessert that’s perfect for Christmas gatherings—or any time you need a little holiday cheer.

A Personal Holiday Tradition

Growing up, the holidays were always a time for baking in my family. My grandmother’s kitchen would fill with the warm, sweet aromas of freshly baked cookies, pies, and of course, brownies. I remember the anticipation as we waited for those decadent desserts to cool—especially the brownies. They were always my favorite, but it wasn’t until I was older that I started experimenting with ways to elevate those simple squares of chocolate goodness into something truly special.

The idea to add peppermint to my brownie recipe came from a particularly snowy December afternoon. My friends and I had spent the day ice skating at a nearby lake, and we were frozen to the core. Back at home, with rosy cheeks and frostbitten fingers, I wanted to make something that felt like winter in dessert form. I decided to infuse my favorite brownie recipe with the cooling, crisp flavor of peppermint, and from the first bite, it became a holiday staple.

These Chocolate Peppermint Brownies have evolved a bit since then, but the heart of the recipe remains the same: rich, indulgent chocolate paired with the refreshing pop of peppermint. I love making them for holiday parties or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Trust me, they never fail to impress.

What You Need to Make Chocolate Peppermint Brownies

The Base: Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

To start, you’ll need to make a simple brownie batter. What makes these brownies stand out is their fudgy texture and the balance between sweetness and the rich depth of chocolate. The secret is the combination of melted butter, both granulated and brown sugar, and of course, plenty of cocoa powder. These ingredients create a dense, moist brownie that holds up beautifully under the layers of ganache and peppermint topping.

You’ll also fold in some semisweet chocolate chips to add little pockets of melted chocolate throughout the brownies. When you bite into one of these, it’s like hitting a little jackpot of gooey deliciousness.

The Ganache: A Silky Chocolate Layer

Once your brownies are baked and cooled, it’s time to elevate them with a smooth layer of ganache. Ganache might sound fancy, but it’s really just chocolate and cream melted together to create a silky, rich topping. For this recipe, you’ll heat some heavy cream until it’s just starting to simmer (but not boil!) and pour it over semisweet chocolate chips. After letting the chocolate soften in the warm cream for a minute or two, a few gentle stirs will transform the mixture into a glossy, spreadable ganache. The result is a perfectly smooth topping that adds a luxurious finish to the brownies.

The Peppermint Finish: Festive Crunch

What makes these brownies truly holiday-ready is the peppermint topping. Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies are sprinkled generously over the still-wet ganache. Not only does this add a delightful crunch to every bite, but it also brings in that signature minty flavor we all associate with the season. And for an extra festive touch, a drizzle of melted white chocolate adds a beautiful contrast both in color and flavor.

The peppermint and white chocolate make these brownies look as good as they taste—perfect for bringing to holiday gatherings or sharing as gifts.

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Brownies

While the recipe may seem decadent, the process is simple and straightforward, making it a great choice even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Here’s a quick overview of the steps:

1. Make the Brownie Base: Start by whisking melted butter with sugars, then add in eggs and vanilla. Sift the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, and salt) and gently fold them into the wet mixture. Add your chocolate chips, spread the batter into a prepared pan, and bake until the center is just set.
2. Prepare the Ganache: While your brownies cool, heat the heavy cream and pour it over the chocolate chips. Stir until smooth, then spread this silky mixture over the cooled brownies.
3. Add the Festive Touch: As soon as the ganache is spread, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top. For a final flourish, drizzle melted white chocolate over the whole thing.
4. Let It Set: Give the brownies some time to set—either at room temperature or in the fridge if you’re in a hurry—before slicing them into squares.

The hardest part? Waiting for everything to cool and set before digging in!

Dessert Information

• Servings: 16 brownies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving

These brownies are rich and indulgent, so one batch is usually enough to serve a crowd. If you’re making them for a larger gathering or want to save some for later, you can easily double the recipe or freeze individual squares for up to a month.

Bonus Tips for Perfect Brownies

• Don’t overmix the batter: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients, gently fold everything together. Overmixing can result in tough brownies instead of the fudgy texture we’re going for.
• Let them cool completely: It’s tempting to dig in as soon as the brownies come out of the oven, but for the best texture and clean slices, let them cool completely before adding the ganache.
• Peppermint placement: If you want a less intense peppermint flavor, sprinkle the candy canes lightly or concentrate them just in the center for a fun presentation.

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Peppermint Brownies are perfect on their own, but for an extra-special treat, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re really feeling festive, pair them with a steaming mug of hot chocolate or peppermint mocha. The warm drink alongside the cool, minty crunch of the brownies is a match made in holiday heaven.

The Oven Is Calling!

I hope you enjoy making these Chocolate Peppermint Brownies as much as I do. They’re the perfect combination of rich chocolate, cool peppermint, and holiday cheer, sure to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went for you! Share your thoughts in the comments below, or tag me on social media with your holiday creations.

Love this recipe? Don’t forget to pin it to your favorite Christmas dessert board for later!