Dessert

Easy Peppermint Brownies Recipe

ByLily Cross January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

Introduction

These Easy Peppermint Brownies offer a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining rich chocolate with refreshing mint flavor. Perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a festive dessert, they’re simple to make and sure to impress.

The image shows a close-up of a dessert square placed on a small white plate on a white marbled surface. The dessert has three main layers: a thick, dark brown chocolate brownie base, topped with a creamy white layer that looks smooth and soft, and finished with a sprinkle of crushed red and white peppermint candy pieces along with small dark chocolate shavings scattered on top. The texture of the brownie looks rich and dense, while the creamy layer is even and shiny. In the background, more dessert squares are visible, slightly blurred, and a small white bowl filled with dark chocolate shavings is placed nearby. A red and white striped candy cane lies on the surface in front. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp pure mint extract
1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy canes

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
Step 3: Remove from heat. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then add the mint extract and mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Gently fold in the cocoa powder and flour until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Step 6: While the brownies are still warm, sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy canes evenly on top. Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake and check frequently after 25 minutes.
Substitute peppermint extract for mint extract if you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor.
Use dark chocolate chips stirred into the batter for added texture and chocolate richness.
Swap crushed candy canes for white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast.

Storage

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness.

How to Serve

A close-up shot of a square piece of chocolate dessert with three layers: the bottom layer is thick and dark chocolate cake with a soft texture, the middle layer is creamy white frosting, and the top layer is decorated with crushed red and white candy canes and small pieces of dark chocolate shavings spread evenly. The dessert sits on a white round plate placed on a wooden surface. In the background, more dessert pieces are visible slightly out of focus, alongside a small white bowl filled with chocolate shavings and a candy cane lying on the wooden surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of mint extract?

Yes, vanilla extract can be used, but it will change the flavor profile. The brownies will taste more traditional without the minty freshness.

How can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, ensuring it contains xanthan gum or another binder for best results.

Easy Peppermint Brownies Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 563 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 9 servings 1x

Description

These Easy Peppermint Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate with a refreshing hint of mint, topped with crushed peppermint candy canes for a festive touch. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat any time of the year, these brownies are simple to make and sure to delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp pure mint extract

Topping

1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy canes

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Melt Butter and Combine Sugar: Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
Add Eggs and Mint: Remove the saucepan from heat. Whisk in the eggs one at a time to ensure a smooth batter, then stir in the pure mint extract for flavor.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the unsweetened cocoa powder and all-purpose flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Add Candy Cane Topping and Cool: Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy canes over the warm brownies to let them gently adhere. Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a stronger peppermint flavor, you can add an additional 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract.
Make sure not to overbake the brownies to keep them fudgy and moist.
Use room temperature eggs to ensure even mixing and better texture.
To crush the peppermint candy canes easily, place them in a sealed plastic bag and gently tap with a rolling pin.
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: peppermint brownies, chocolate brownies, holiday dessert, mint chocolate dessert, easy brownies recipe

Lily Cross

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