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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 these decadent peppermint brownies for a rich, fudgy texture and a cool mint flavor. This recipe features a simple one-bowl base topped with creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes for the perfect holiday crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting)
  • 1/4 teaspoon green food coloring (optional)
  • 1 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint bark pieces

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fully combined.
  3. Whisk in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
  6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips over the top.
  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter, for fudgy results.
  8. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is crucial before frosting.
  9. Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the powdered sugar, milk, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, and green food coloring (if using) until smooth and creamy. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if the frosting is too stiff.
  10. Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the peppermint frosting evenly over the top.
  11. Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes or peppermint bark pieces over the frosting before it sets.
  12. Once the frosting is set, use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies from the pan. Cut into squares.

Notes

  • For the fudgiest texture, do not overbake these brownies. Check them early.
  • If you prefer a thicker brownie layer, use an 8×8 inch pan and increase the baking time by about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • You can make homemade peppermint bark to crush for the topping for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/fudgy-peppermint-brownies-recipe/