Rich, fudgy, and kissed with peppermint—these peppermint candy cane brownies are the kind of dessert that feels like winter magic in every bite. Whether you’re cozying up by the fireplace or hosting a holiday bash, these brownies bring the festive vibes and sweet cheer in the most delicious way possible.
Why These Brownies Are a Holiday Must-Have
Think classic chocolate brownies, but upgraded with a refreshing peppermint kick and a pretty candy cane crunch on top. They’re ridiculously easy to make (thanks to a little help from a boxed mix) and look like something straight off a holiday dessert table Pinterest board.
Whether you’re gifting them, serving them, or just sneaking a late-night square, they hit that perfect balance of indulgent and refreshing.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 20–22 minutes
- Pan Size: 8×8″
- Skill Level: Super beginner-friendly
- Vibe: Chocolatey, pepperminty, and festive AF
Fast-Track Steps:
- Whip up brownie batter with peppermint extract and chocolate chips.
- Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
- Let them cool, then frost with peppermint buttercream.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes for that holiday sparkle.
- Chill, slice, and serve!
What You’ll Love About These Brownies
- Time-Saving, Stress-Free: Start with a boxed brownie mix and add a few festive twists—no need to spend hours baking from scratch.
- Next-Level Flavor: Fudgy chocolate meets cool peppermint for that dreamy holiday combo.
- Picture-Perfect: Crushed candy canes on top make these brownies as beautiful as they are tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownies:
- 1 box brownie mix (8×8″ size works best)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs (room temp)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup peppermint chips or crushed candy canes
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 lb confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp light cream (or milk)
- Crushed candy canes for topping
Tools of the Trade
- 8×8″ baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or a strong arm)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Spatula
- Parchment paper (for easy cleanup and smooth brownie removal)
Let’s Bake: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Make the Brownie Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the pan with parchment or a light grease.
- In a bowl, mix together your brownie mix, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips and peppermint chips or crushed candy canes.
Step 2: Bake
- Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not raw batter.
- Let the brownies cool completely before frosting.
Step 3: Whip Up the Frosting
- Beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar.
- Add peppermint extract and light cream, then beat until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Frost, Decorate & Chill
- Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies.
- Sprinkle generously with crushed candy canes.
- Chill for 15 minutes before slicing to get those clean, photo-worthy cuts.
Tips for Brownie Bliss
- Room Temp Eggs: Help everything blend better for a smoother batter.
- Quality Peppermint Extract: Makes a big flavor difference—go for pure extract, not artificial.
- Don’t Overbake: Fudgy is the goal! Start checking at the 20-minute mark.
- Want a Surprise Inside? Add a layer of peppermint patties between the batter for an extra minty middle.
Make It Your Way
- Gluten-Free? Use your favorite gluten-free brownie mix and double-check your chocolate and candy cane labels.
- Dairy-Free? Swap butter for plant-based margarine and use dairy-free chocolate and cream.
- Extra Indulgent: Drizzle melted chocolate on top after frosting.
- Mint Overload (in a good way): Sub in mint chocolate chips for a double-mint experience.
How to Serve
Serve chilled for a firmer bite or at room temp for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Pair with a glass of milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or a peppermint mocha for full holiday bliss.
They’re great for:
- Dessert trays
- Edible gifts
- School or office parties
- A sneaky midnight snack under the twinkly lights
Storage Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Keep chilled up to a week—just let them come to room temp before serving.
- Freezer-Friendly: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temp and they’re good as new.
Final Peppermint Thoughts
These peppermint candy cane brownies are pure holiday joy—easy to make, beautiful to serve, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick to the basics or add your own festive flair, they’re sure to become a seasonal staple.
Now go grab that mixing bowl—your holiday dessert table is about to get a whole lot cooler.