These Frosted Peppermint Brownies are thick, fudgy, and full of flavor. Classic brownies get a holiday twist by topping them with a sweet peppermint crunch frosting. Easy to make and even better to eat, this treat will be the hit of the holiday season!
Please excuse the explosion of peppermint treats that you’ll see on Pumpkin ‘N Spice over the next few weeks.
First, it was these Vanilla Cupcakes with Peppermint Frosting, and now it’s these Frosted Peppermint Brownies. You could say that I have a thing for peppermint frosting, and that’s not a bad thing!
Unless you don’t like peppermint, and in that case, tune in next week or a different holiday flavor!
But, before I get to the recipe, let’s talk about our furry friends. If you’ve been hanging around here for a while (or you follow me on Instagram Stories or Snapchat) then you know that my dog, Callie, and I do a lot together. She’s my fur baby and I’m not ashamed to admit that I spoil her.
From taking her to the dog park once (sometimes twice) a day, to getting her puppachinos at Starbucks and trying out the latest all-natural bone or treat, I do it all. Within reason, of course. I’m also firm with her and she’s currently in the second level of obedience school. But, she’s a wonderfully sweet, loyal, and friendly pup, so she deserves the best that the hubster and I can give her.
Anyways, you may also remember that it’s a tradition for the hubster and I to take a picture with Santa every year. It’s something that we’ve done every year since we’ve started dating (this will be our 7th picture this year!). And now that we’ve got Callie, we decided to add her to the mix. After all, she’s part of our little family!
The place where I take Callie for obedience lessons had Santa on-site for holiday pictures a few weeks ago, so the hubster and I reserved our spot and got our family portrait taken. Pretty cute, huh? This is our Christmas card for the year!
#ProudDogMamaMoment
Ok, if you’re still reading along, then thank you! I promise I have a wonderfully sweet recipe to share with you.
These Frosted Peppermint Brownies are thick, fudgy, and full of flavor. Classic brownies get a holiday twist by topping them with a sweet peppermint crunch frosting. Easy to make and even better to eat, this treat will be the hit of the holiday season!
I don’t know about you, but thick, fudgy, and chewy brownies always hit the spot for me. And I’m definitely more of a fudgy brownie person than the cakey kind. And that’s what you’ll find in these brownies.
So rich, so decadent, made with three kinds of chocolate, and oh-so deliciously sweet. Could these brownies get any better?
And because it’s the holiday season, and I’m all about peppermint these days, I couldn’t resist topping the brownies with an easy peppermint frosting. In fact, the frosting is the same recipes that I used with these Vanilla Cupcakes. And truth be told, I will be making it year round. It’s just that good!
Some tips to remember:
- I find it helpful to first grease the baking pan with non-stick cooking spray, and then lining it with parchment paper before adding the batter. This helps ensure that you have easy removal of the brownies (and not a sticky mess when cutting them).
- Be sure to use an 8×8 baking pan (if you have one). This results in that denser, chewier brownie, whereas a 9×13 inch baking pan will result in a flatter brownie.
- If you like gooey brownies, be sure to bake them at at least 375F. The higher, the better for the gooey middle and crisp edges. Any lower in temperature, and it will result in a more even finish.
So grab those ingredients and whip up these easy and oh-so festive Frosted Peppermint Brownies today. I guarantee you’ll love them!
Looking for more holiday favorites? I’ve got you covered!
- Salted Dark Chocolate Pretzel Fudge
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies
- Caramel Eggnog French Toast Bake
Yields 16 brownies
These Frosted Peppermint Brownies are thick, fudgy, and full of flavor. Classic brownies get a holiday twist by topping them with a sweet peppermint crunch frosting. Easy to make and even better to eat, this treat will be the hit of the holiday season!
20 minPrep Time
30 minCook Time
50 minTotal Time

Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate wafers (or chips)
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream)
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 10 candy canes, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F. Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Then line with parchment paper so that it is easy to lift the brownies out of pan once baked. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
- In another medium bowl, combine butter, semi-sweet chocolate chips and dark chocolate wafer. Melt in the microwave over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla extract.
- Stir in melted chocolate.
- Slowly stir in flour mixture until just incorporated.
- Spoon batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into middle comes out with just a few crumbs, and edges are set.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- To make the peppermint frosting, beat butter in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer with fitted paddle attachment until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Add milk and peppermint extract. Beat for about 2-3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Gently fold crushed candy canes into frosting, if desired, or reserve to sprinkle on top of frosted brownies.
- Lift brownies out of pan by grabbing onto the parchment paper. Spoon frosting on top of brownies and spread evenly. Add crushed candy canes, if desired.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Adapted from my Brownie Bites with Nutella Frosting