Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Glaze Recipe

If you’re a fan of festive flavors and rich chocolate treats, you’re going to absolutely adore this Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Glaze Recipe. I first tried making these during the holidays, and my whole family went crazy for how perfectly the peppermint and chocolate come together – it’s like a little celebration in every bite. Whether you want to wow guests or just treat yourself to something special, these brownies deliver every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here come together to create a moist, flavorful brownie with just the right balance of minty coolness and rich chocolate. Shopping tip: using quality chocolate chips and pure peppermint extract really elevates the end result.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness better for the perfect balance.
• Chocolate Chips: Divided into melting with butter and folding in for added bursts of chocolate delight.
• Espresso Powder: This little secret boosts the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the batter for even texture.
• Granulated and Light Brown Sugar: Both types work together to give a moist texture and subtle caramel notes.
• Peppermint and Vanilla Extract: Peppermint delivers the seasonal kick, while vanilla rounds it out.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder: Adds deep chocolate richness and darker color.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the brownie structure.
• Powdered Sugar: For the smooth, creamy peppermint frosting.
• Dark Chocolate Chips and Butter (for glaze): Creates a shiny, decadent topping.
• Crushed Peppermint Candy: Adds texture and festive sparkle on top.

Variations

I love that this Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Glaze Recipe is so versatile—you can make it your own depending on your taste or what you have on hand. I’ve played around with a few ways to mix it up, and you might find a twist that becomes your favorite.

• Using a Box Mix: When time is tight, using a family-sized box of your favorite brownie mix plus a teaspoon of peppermint extract gives a close-to-homemade flavor with way less fuss.
• Cream Cheese Peppermint Frosting: I once swapped half the butter for cream cheese in the frosting – it added a tangy depth that’s seriously addictive.
• Chocolate Variations: Try bittersweet or milk chocolate chips depending on your sweetness preference.
• Adding Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add great crunch if you want more texture.

How to Make Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Melt Your Chocolate-Butter Base

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your 9×9 pan with parchment paper on the bottom and two sides—this makes lifting out the brownies easier later on. Next, pop the butter and one cup of chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each, until smooth and glossy. Whisk in the espresso powder, which really amps up the chocolate flavor—but don’t worry, it’s subtle and won’t taste like coffee.

Step 2: Whisk Together Eggs and Sugars

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, peppermint extract, vanilla, and salt until smooth. This part feels like mixing magic — the sugar blends in beautifully, prepping the batter for that shiny, fudgy texture we all crave.

Step 3: Combine Chocolate Mixture with Egg Mixture

Wait until the melted chocolate and butter mixture is just warm to the touch, not hot, then whisk it into the egg-sugar mixture. Next, sift in the cocoa powder and flour, folding gently but completely until your batter shines. Folding in the remaining chocolate chips at this point gives your brownies those little pockets of molten chocolate — trust me, it’s worth it.

Step 4: Bake and Chill Brownies

Pour your batter evenly into the lined pan and bake for 25-35 minutes. The edges will look set but the center should still feel a little soft when you press lightly — that’s perfect for fudgy brownies. Once done, let the brownies cool in the pan for an hour, then pop them in the fridge for another hour to fully set. This chilling step makes frosting much easier and prevents melting.

Step 5: Make and Spread the Peppermint Frosting

While the brownies chill, whip up the peppermint frosting. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or hand mixer), cream together your softened butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until it’s creamy and smooth. Once the brownies are nice and chilled, spread the frosting evenly over the top, creating a smooth layer of minty goodness.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Glaze and Peppermint Candy

Time for the grand finale! In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips with butter in 30-second increments until silky smooth. Pour the glaze over the peppermint frosting and spread it carefully. Then sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy generously on top for crunch and that holiday sparkle. Return to the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let everything set beautifully.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

When it’s time to serve, use a long knife that reaches almost the entire length of the brownie slab. Press firmly down for a clean cut, then pull the knife up gently—wipe the blade between cuts for the neatest slices. I discovered this trick when my first cuts were a messy disaster, and it really makes a difference!

How to Serve Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding just a little extra on top—usually some whole peppermint candy canes or a light dusting of powdered sugar for presentation. Sometimes, a few mini chocolate chips artfully placed add a nice touch too. It just makes the brownies look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair perfectly with a simple glass of cold milk, a warm mug of peppermint tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert parties. I especially enjoy serving them alongside fresh berries to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

When serving for holiday gatherings, I sometimes cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and serve them on a festive platter with small forks — it’s crowd-pleasing and super Instagrammable. You can also package individual squares in cellophane bags tied with red ribbon for charming gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover peppermint brownies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep that frosting and glaze firm—they stay fresh and tasty for up to 5 days. If you want soft edges, bring to room temperature a bit before serving.

Freezing

Freezing these brownies works well in a pinch! I slice them first, then wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They freeze nicely for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw them overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I recommend a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the brownie without melting the glaze too much. This revives that fudgy texture beautifully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Brownies with Chocolate Glaze Recipe is one of those treats that feels like a little holiday hug. I love how the layers of mint and chocolate create a festive, indulgent experience that still feels approachable enough to make any time you need a sweet pick-me-up. I highly recommend trying these yourself—you might find yourself making them not only for holidays but whenever you want to impress friends or just brighten your day. Happy baking!

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