Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe

If you love the cozy flavors of the holidays wrapped up in a fudgy dessert, then these Peppermint Bark Brownies are exactly what you need to make your season shine. Imagine rich, dense chocolate brownies topped with a silky, peppermint-infused white chocolate frosting and finished off with a crunchy sprinkle of crushed candy canes. Every bite is a delightful celebration of chocolate and mint that feels both festive and indulgent. Peppermint Bark Brownies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, bringing that joyful holiday spirit straight to your taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are beautifully simple yet essential, each bringing their own magic to the Peppermint Bark Brownies. From the deep richness of dark chocolate to the refreshing hint of peppermint, every element works harmoniously to create texture, flavor, and that signature holiday charm.

• Unsalted butter (112 grams): Provides creamy richness and helps create the fudgy brownie texture.
• Dark chocolate (170 grams, 50-70% or semi-sweet): The heart of the brownies, offering deep, intense chocolate flavor.
• Granulated sugar (200 grams): Sweetens the brownies and helps with tender crumb formation.
• Large eggs (2): Acts as a binder while giving structure and moisture.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the chocolate’s flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• All-purpose flour (83 grams): Gives the brownies their classic density without being cakey.
• Cocoa powder (17 grams): Intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds lovely color.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
• White chocolate (85 grams): Melts down into the luscious frosting for that signature peppermint bark look.
• Unsalted butter (112 grams): Used again for frosting, adding smooth texture and richness.
• Powdered sugar (110-220 grams): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to that perfect spreadable consistency.
• Peppermint extract (1/2 – 1 teaspoon): The star flavor that brings bright, refreshing mint to the frosting.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Lifts the frosting flavors and balances sweetness.
• Heavy cream or milk (1-2 tablespoons): Adds smoothness to the frosting and helps achieve the perfect texture.
• Crushed candy canes (2): Gives a festive crunch and a burst of peppermint on top.

How to Make Peppermint Bark Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal later or grease it lightly. Chop your butter and dark chocolate into small pieces and melt them together carefully—using a microwave in 45-second intervals on medium power or a double boiler. The key here is gentle heat to get a glossy, smooth chocolate mixture that’s warm but not hot to the touch.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Once your chocolate and butter mixture has cooled slightly, whisk in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. This step is crucial for developing the batter’s richness and silky texture. Whisk until fully combined but don’t overbeat. You want your brownies dense and fudgy, not cakey.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Gently stir in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing just until you no longer see lumps of dry ingredients. If your cocoa powder is clumpy, a quick sift will make your brownies beautifully uniform. Pour this decadent batter into your prepared pan, spreading evenly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the brownies in the middle rack of your oven for 26 to 32 minutes. The baking time depends on your preference for fudginess—check by inserting a toothpick into the center, which should come out with a few moist crumbs. Remember, the brownies continue to set as they cool, so err on the side of moistness.

Step 5: Cool Completely Before Frosting

This part requires patience but trust me, it’s worth it. Let your brownies cool entirely in the pan—this can take a few hours. You want the brownies cool to the touch; otherwise, the frosting will melt and get messy.

Step 6: Prepare the Peppermint White Chocolate Frosting

Finely chop the white chocolate and melt it gently using the same method as before—medium power microwave intervals or double boiler. Beat the butter in a separate bowl until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and salt, beating from low to medium speed for a creamy base. Slowly mix in the cooled melted white chocolate. Alternate adding the remaining powdered sugar with a splash of heavy cream or milk, aiming for a fluffy yet spreadable frosting. Feel free to add a little extra peppermint extract if you desire a stronger mint punch.

Step 7: Decorate with Crushed Candy Canes

Lift the cooled brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang if lined. Frost evenly with the peppermint white chocolate frosting and generously sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the top. For the best candy cane crunch, gently crush them using a rolling pin atop a cutting board to avoid powdery bits.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Use a sharp knife for clean brownie slices, wiping the blade between cuts for neat presentation. Now, your stunning Peppermint Bark Brownies are ready to be devoured or gifted!

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Brownies

Garnishes

While the crushed candy canes add a perfect finishing touch, think about adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few whole mini candy canes on the side for an extra festive flair. A tiny drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate can also take the presentation to the next level and hint at what’s inside.

Side Dishes

Peppermint Bark Brownies are rich and flavorful, so serving them with something simple and fresh is ideal. A dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or some fresh raspberries provide balance and contrast. Hot beverages like peppermint tea, coffee, or classic hot chocolate pair beautifully, echoing that cozy winter vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress your guests? Serve these brownies on a beautiful holiday-themed platter or stack small squares in a decorative jar wrapped with a festive ribbon as a charming gift. You can also cut them into petite bites and place on mini cupcake liners for an elegant touch at parties—these Peppermint Bark Brownies always steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Because of the peppermint frosting, refrigeration isn’t necessary and can actually dry them out. For longer storage, wrap leftover brownies tightly to prevent any air from getting in.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. The texture remains incredibly fudgy, and the frosting stays delicious.

Reheating

If you prefer your Peppermint Bark Brownies warm, gently microwave a brownie square for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat so the frosting doesn’t melt completely. The warmth enhances the chocolate flavor and softens the peppermint bark just enough for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint essence instead of peppermint extract?

It’s best to use peppermint extract, not essence, for this recipe. The extract provides a natural and vibrant peppermint flavor that complements the white chocolate perfectly. Peppermint essence can taste artificial and overpower the other flavors.

What if I don’t have candy canes to crush on top?

No worries! You can substitute with crushed peppermint candies, crushed peppermint cookies, or even finely chopped peppermint gumdrops. Just make sure they provide that crisp peppermint crunch to keep the Peppermint Bark Brownies festive and fun.

How fudgy are these brownies?

These brownies are wonderfully fudgy with just the right density to hold the frosting without being cakey. Baking them slightly under the suggested time gives an even gooier texture, so feel free to adjust depending on how you like your brownies.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This substitution will keep your brownies tender and delicious without compromising texture or flavor.

Is it okay to use milk instead of heavy cream in the frosting?

Yes, milk can be used if you don’t have heavy cream on hand. It will still help thin the frosting to the right consistency, but heavy cream adds extra richness and smoothness that really elevate the frosting’s texture.

Final Thoughts

These Peppermint Bark Brownies are truly a festive treasure that combine indulgent chocolate richness with a refreshing minty twist. They are comforting, celebratory, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser any time of year, especially around the holidays. I cannot wait for you to try making them and share these delicious moments with those you love. Your kitchen is about to smell like peppermint heaven!