Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 88 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 brownies 1x

Description

These Peppermint Bark Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy white chocolate peppermint frosting and a festive crunch from crushed candy canes. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a delightful peppermint chocolate treat, these brownies balance deep chocolate flavor with refreshing peppermint and a smooth, sweet finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownies

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams)
  • 6 ounces dark chocolate (170 grams) (50-70%, or semi-sweet works too)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (83 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (17 grams)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting

  • 3 ounces white chocolate (85 grams)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams)
  • 1–2 cups powdered sugar (110–220 grams)
  • 1/2 – 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (NOT peppermint essence)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (15 ml) (or milk, if needed)

Decorating

  • 2 candy canes (crushed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal, or lightly grease the pan.
  2. Melt butter and chocolate: Chop the butter into pieces and finely chop the dark chocolate. Combine in a large heatproof bowl and melt together in the microwave using 45-second intervals on medium power, stirring between each until smooth. Alternatively, melt in a double boiler. Let cool until warm but not hot.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: Whisk in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture until fully combined.
  4. Add dry ingredients: Gently stir in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until the batter is smooth and no clumps remain. Sift cocoa if lumpy.
  5. Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the center of the oven for 26-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Baking time depends on your oven and desired gooeyness.
  6. Cool brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before frosting, about a few hours.
  7. Melt white chocolate: Finely chop white chocolate and melt it in a heatproof bowl over medium power in the microwave for 45 seconds intervals, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool.
  8. Make frosting: Beat butter in a large bowl until creamy. Add 1 cup powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and salt. Beat gradually from low to medium speed until incorporated.
  9. Combine frosting ingredients: When white chocolate is no longer hot, mix it into the butter mixture. Beat in the remaining powdered sugar 1/3 cup at a time, alternating with 1 tablespoon of cream or milk until desired sweetness and consistency are reached. Adjust peppermint extract for stronger flavor as desired.
  10. Decorate brownies: Ensure brownies are completely cooled. Lift brownies from the pan using parchment overhang if used. Spread frosting evenly with a flat knife over the brownies.
  11. Add peppermint topping: Sprinkle crushed candy canes evenly over the frosted brownies. To crush, lightly bash candy canes with a rolling pin on a cutting board.
  12. Slice and serve: Slice brownies with a sharp knife, wiping clean after each cut for neat pieces. Serve and enjoy your peppermint bark brownies!

Notes

  • Use peppermint extract, not essence, for authentic flavor.
  • Microwave melting should always be done on medium power to avoid burning the chocolate.
  • Cool the brownies completely before frosting to prevent frosting from melting.
  • For extra fudgy brownies, bake on the shorter end of the time range.
  • Adjust peppermint extract amount in frosting for desired intensity of peppermint flavor.
  • Crushing candy canes finely helps prevent large chunks that can overpower bites.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: peppermint bark brownies, peppermint brownies, chocolate brownies with peppermint frosting, holiday brownies, Christmas desserts

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/peppermint-bark-brownies-recipe-3/