Peppermint Frosted Brownies are the perfect holiday treat. A fudgy brownie with a peppermint cream cheese frosting topped with crushed candy canes.
One of our favorite holiday flavors is chocolate and peppermint. It just screams Christmas and we can’t get enough once December rolls around.
These Peppermint Frosted Brownies were one of the treats we made to take along to a friend’s house and they are now our new favorite brownies ever.
They’re so easy to make and perfect for taking along to a holiday party or family gathering.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup Andes Peppermint Crunch Thins or use Peppermint Bark
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 - 1/3 cup peppermint Hershey Kisses
- 1 teaspoon pink food gel coloring optional
- crushed peppermint candy canes for topping
- festive sprinkles for topping
Preheat oven to 325° F.
- Line a square 8x8 pan with parchment paper leaving a 2" overhang for easy removal. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking powder. Set aside.
- Place butter into a large mixing bowl and microwave until melted. Whisk in sugar and oil and mix until well combined. Whisk in eggs slowly, one at a time and vanilla stirring until combined.
- Slowly fold in the flour mixture with a spatula until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and chopped peppermint crunch thins.
- Transfer batter to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until baked through. Remove and let cool completely, about an hour. Lift parchment and brownies out of the pan and cut into squares to serve.
Finely chop peppermint Hershey Kisses. Place in a heat safe bowl and microwave in 20 second increments until melted. Set aside and let cool slightly
- Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy.
Gradually add sugar and melted Hershey Kisses, beating at low speed until smooth.
- To make the frosting pink, add a drop or two of pink food gel coloring.
- Spread frosting over brownies evenly with an offset spatula.
- Sprinkle with chopped candy canes and festive sprinkles if desired.
Frosted brownies can be stored in airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days.
Looking for more ideas for holiday desserts?
Peppermint Stuffed Snowball Cookies
Double Chocolate Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Chastity @ My Rays of Sunshine -
The first thing my oldest daughter said when saw the picture of these brownies is, “Mama, can we make the pretty pink brownies!” I didn’t know Hershey’s made peppermint kisses. I will now have to make the pretty pink brownies for my girls! Thank you for always creating something yummy, Kelly!
Kelly -
Aaw, your daughter sounds so sweet, I’m glad she likes them 🙂 Those Hershey’s peppermint kisses are dangerously addictive, I usually get mine at Target. Aaw and thank you for always having such sweet and nice comments and hope you have a great week 🙂
Katy -
Chocolate and mint are like my two favourite flavour combinations, ever. And can you believe I’ve never had peppermint brownies? These look so cute and totally festive, and I love all the candies in the frosting! Now who’s bite marks are those… 🙂
Kelly -
Haha that was my hubby’s bite, he was waiting anxiously for me to finish taking the pictures and devoured 3 of these right away 🙂 Thanks Katy, I can’t seem to get enough of chocolate and mint lately either. Hope you have a great week!
Dina -
they look festive and delish!
Kelly -
Thanks Dina 🙂
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen -
I absolutely love how festive these are! This looks amazing! Have a wonderful week Kelly – you’ve inspired me!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen -
What a creative use of Christmas candies! The frosting looks amazing and I never pass up a brownie. I impulsively bought some Andes Peppermint Crunch baking chips a few weeks ago that I’ve been trying to decide what to do with. You’ve definitely given me some ideas!