Peppermint Candy Cane Brownies

The ultimate treat for the holidays, these peppermint candy cane brownies are made with layers of fudgy brownie, creamy mint frosting, chocolate ganache, and crushed peppermint. One bite and you’ll be filled with Christmas cheer! ‘Tis the season for peppermint! Need more dessert inspiration? Try these peppermint meltaways, peppermint cheesecake, or peppermint meringue lollipops next!

Chocolate Peppermint Brownies

Don’t you just love the Christmas season? Even though it is so busy I love this time of year! Holiday treats are the best. Out of all of the holiday flavors, peppermint is one of my favorites! It just screams Christmastime and is so delicious! If you’ve been looking for a knockout dessert to add to the holiday lineup, these peppermint candy cane brownies are the answer. If you know me, then you know I love a good brownie. (You’ll have to try out these 3-ingredient brownies, too!) These peppermint candy cane brownies are fudgy and indulgent with some holiday magic added. It starts with an amazing fudgy brownie base. Next up is a creamy mint center and then it is topped with chocolate ganache and candy canes! Each bite is filled with the perfect Christmas flavor. You’re going to love these brownies and want to make them all winter long!

Ingredients Needed

Don’t let this list of ingredients scare you! I’m sure you have most of them in your pantry. The homemade mint frosting and chocolate ganache is what makes these peppermint candy cane brownies so good! Check out the recipe card for exact measurements.

Brownie Ingredients:

Flour: All-purpose flour works great!Baking Powder: Baking powder is a must-add because it keeps your brownies from turning out too dense.Salt: A pinch is all you need to enhance the flavor of your brownies.Unsweetened Chocolate: You can use a chocolate baking bar, candy melts, or chocolate chips.Unsalted Butter: Butter will give your brownies a nice, rich flavor and also keep them moist.Eggs: To bind all of the ingredients together.Sugar: Just regular white sugar will give these peppermint candy cane brownies the perfect sweetness!Vanilla: You can use either imitation or pure vanilla extract.

Mint Frosting:

Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and a silky-smooth texture as well.Butter: You can never go wrong with butter in frosting!Peppermint Extract: Go easy with the peppermint extract at first and then slowly add to taste. It can become overpowering pretty easily!Milk: To adjust the thickness.Red Food Coloring: (Optional) You’ll only need a drop or two to make the frosting pink.

Peppermint Topping:

Crushed Peppermint Candy: Both candy canes and peppermints work!

How to Make Peppermint Candy Cane Brownies

Making these tasty peppermint brownies is actually pretty simple! Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes. It’s the perfect dessert to make when the holidays get busy!

Don’t Overmix: Only mix your brownie batter until it’s smooth. If you overmix it, gluten may develop and your brownies will turn out rubbery and dense.Use High-Quality Chocolate: The higher quality chocolate you use, the better your brownies will taste. I usually go for Ghirardelli 60% cacao chocolate chips.Let Your Brownies Chill: Be sure to give your peppermint candy cane brownies time to chill and set. This way, you’ll be able to cut them into uniform squares without making a mess.

At Room Temperature: Store your leftover peppermint brownies in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for up to 5 days.

Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

Copycat Chick-Fil-A Peppermint Milkshake

Peppermint Meringue Kisses

Peppermint Swirl Fudge

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.