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Ultimate Fudgy Peppermint Brownies with Creamy Frosting

Close-up of a fudgy peppermint brownie square topped with thick white frosting and crushed candy canes.

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Make rich, fudgy peppermint brownies using a simple one-bowl method. These decadent chocolate mint desserts feature a cool peppermint frosting and a crunchy candy cane topping, making them perfect for holiday baking or winter treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (for batter)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for frosting)
  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint bark (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
  4. Whisk in the cocoa powder and salt until just combined.
  5. Gently fold in the flour until no streaks remain. Do not overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  6. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, indicating a fudgy texture.
  8. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  9. Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract until smooth and creamy. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if the frosting is too stiff.
  10. Spread the creamy peppermint frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
  11. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes or peppermint bark evenly over the frosting.
  12. Cut the peppermint brownies into squares and serve.

Notes

  • For an extra rich chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
  • If you want a stronger mint flavor in the brownie base, add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract directly to the batter.
  • These candy cane brownies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.

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