Perfectly fudgy peppermint brownies topped with a peppermint buttercream frosting and a silky chocolate ganache with candy canes. Everyone loves this Christmas treat!

Peppermint brownies with crushed candy canes.

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Frosted Peppermint Brownies

If there’s one thing that screams Christmas time, it’s anything with peppermint. I love the combo in my chocolate peppermint cookies, Andes mint cookies and peppermint oreo balls.

These frosted peppermint brownies are rich, gooey, fudgy, sweet and loaded with fresh peppermint flavor. They’re topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and then finished off with a layer of silky smooth chocolate ganache with candy canes.

Ingredient Notes

Peppermint brownie ingredients on the counter.
  • Brownies: The layer of brownies starts with an enhanced boxed brownie mix. To make these rich and fudgy, instead of using what is called for on the back of the box, we use butter, milk, eggs and peppermint extract.
  • Peppermint frosting. For the creamy peppermint buttercream frosting, you will need butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream and peppermint extract.
  • Ganache. Chocolate ganache is the perfect finishing touch and makes these brownies next level delicious. You’ll need quality semi-sweet chocolate bars, heavy cream and crushed candy canes.

How to Make Peppermint Brownies

Showing how to make peppermint brownies in a 6 step collage.
  • Mix. In a large bowl mix together the brownie batter, just until smooth. You can use your favorite box mix, or make homemade brownies or fudge brownies from scratch.
  • Bake. Place in the oven and bake just until a toothpick comes clean. Feel free to line your baking pan with parchment paper to make it easier to slice afterwards.
  • Whip. In a large bowl whip up the peppermint frosting with an electric mixer. It tastes similar to a classic buttercream, but with a hint of peppermint flavor to give it that festive holiday flare.
  • Top. Once the brownies have cooled, top with an even layer of frosting.
  • Spread. Next comes the chocolate ganache. This is going to be spread over the frosting layer.
  • Sprinkle. After adding the chocolate ganache, I love to sprinkle some crushed peppermint candies on the tops. It adds a nice crunch and makes them look extra festive.
peppermint brownies in white baking dish

Baking Tips and Variations

  • For thinner brownies, you can use a 9×13″ baking dish. You will likely need to shorten the baking time to around 20 to 25 minutes. You may also need a bit more frosting.
  • For even more chocolate flavor, mix 1/2 cup chocolate chips into the batter.
  • A peppermint cream cheese frosting or marshmallow frosting would also taste delicious on top.
  • After adding the ganache, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing so that the tops don’t crack.
  • You could skip the ganache layer if preferred. Or try drizzling it over the frosting instead of spreading completely on top.

Storage

Slice and store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You may also freeze the brownies for up to 3 months.

Simply cut into squares, then wrap in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer container. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours when ready to enjoy.

Peppermint brownies with candy canes on top.

Can’t get enough of the peppermint and chocolate combination? Make this Andes mint cookie or try a peppermint milkshake, next!

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Peppermint brownies with candy canes on top.

Peppermint Brownies

5 from 18 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 24
Rich and fudgy peppermint brownies topped with a peppermint buttercream frosting and a silky chocolate ganache. This indulgent dessert is perfect to enjoy this Christmas!
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Ingredients 

For the Brownies:

  • 18.3 ounce Fudge Brownie Mix (1 box)
  • ⅔ cup butter , melted
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract

Peppermint Frosting:

  • ½ cup butter , at room temp
  • 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • Pinch salt

Ganache:

  • 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup crushed peppermint candy canes , for topping

Instructions

For the Brownies

  • Preheat oven to 325°F. In a mixing bowl combine brownie mix, melted butter, milk, eggs and peppermint extract and using a wooden spoon, stir until combined.
  • Pour mixture into a buttered 9×9-inch glass baking dish and bake in preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

For the Frosting

  • In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip butter on medium-high speed until very pale and fluffy about 5 minutes, occasionally scrapping down sides of the bowl.
  • Add in powdered sugar, heavy cream, peppermint extract and a pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until combined. Increase the mixer to medium-high speed and beat until light and fluffy. Then frost the brownies and place in the fridge for 15 minutes.

For the Ganache

  • Place the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until simmering. Add the chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes. Alternatively you can cook the cream and chocolate on a double broiler. Whisk until smooth. Add a Tablespoon more of warm cream if needed to thin out.
  • Pour ganache over frosted brownies and then top with crushed candy canes. Allow to cool before slicing. Then slice with a plastic knife.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Brownies: Feel free to make homemade brownies for the batter. Sometimes I love to add in 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks to make them extra fudgy.
Storage: Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 236kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 38mg, Sodium: 150mg, Potassium: 9mg, Sugar: 21g, Vitamin A: 315IU, Calcium: 13mg, Iron: 0.7mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Peppermint brownies sliced with candy canes.