If you’re looking for a festive treat that perfectly blends rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint, you’re going to adore this Peppermint Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. I absolutely love how these brownies turn out—dense and fudgy with a luscious, creamy frosting that’s just bursting with peppermint flavor. Whether it’s for a holiday party, a cozy night in, or just because, these brownies hit all the right notes and are easier to whip up than you might think. Stick with me, and I’ll share all the tips and tricks to make your batch a guaranteed success!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Fudgy: These brownies stay soft and gooey inside every time.
- Refreshing Peppermint Twist: The cream cheese frosting with peppermint makes it taste like a cool holiday dream.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry.
- Family Favorite: My whole family goes crazy for these, especially around Christmas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work in harmony to create that fudgy chocolate base and the smooth, minty frosting that just takes the brownies to the next level. When shopping, look for good quality bittersweet chocolate—it really makes a difference!
- Bitter sweet chocolate: Choose bars over chips for richer flavor.
- Butter: Using real, unsalted butter makes your brownies taste homemade.
- Granulated sugar: Balances out the bitterness of the chocolate.
- Eggs: They help with the fudgy texture—room temp eggs work best.
- Peppermint extract: This is the star flavor—don’t skip it!
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the chocolate and complements peppermint.
- All-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level for accuracy.
- Dark chocolate cocoa powder: Enhances that deep chocolate taste.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the sweet flavors.
- Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing and a dreamy frosting texture.
- Powdered sugar: For sweet, smooth frosting.
- Heavy whipping cream: Helps achieve a light, creamy frosting consistency.
- Bittersweet chocolate chips: Stirred into the frosting for texture and extra chocolate flavor.
- Candy cane (crushed): Adds festive crunch and extra peppermint pop.
Variations
I love making this Peppermint Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe my own depending on the occasion. Feel free to personalize it to satisfy your cravings or fit a dietary need—you can get creative with this one!
- Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend; I’ve done this, and the fudgy texture stays intact!
- Extra Peppermint Kick: Add an extra ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the frosting if you’re a peppermint fan like me.
- Nutty Twist: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast that my family surprisingly loves.
- Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before frosting for an ultra-decadent treat.
How to Make Peppermint Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Melt Chocolate and Butter Together
Start by melting the bittersweet chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or gently in the microwave in short bursts. Stir often to avoid burning. I find that melting slowly ensures a silky smooth base that your brownies will thank you for.
Step 2: Whisk in Sugar and Eggs
Once cooled slightly, whisk in the granulated sugar until combined. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. This part is important because it keeps the brownies tender yet fudgy—don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Peppermint and Vanilla Extracts
Now for the magic: add the peppermint and vanilla extracts. The peppermint adds that refreshing burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with rich chocolate, and the vanilla helps to mellow everything out.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold this into the wet mixture—be gentle here; overmixing can make brownies tough.
Step 5: Bake Until Just Set
Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. I learned the hard way that overbaking kills the fudginess passion!
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the brownies bake, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, then fold in heavy whipping cream and bittersweet chocolate chips. The chips add a delightful texture contrast I always appreciate.
Step 7: Frost and Garnish
Once brownies have cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly on top and sprinkle with crushed candy cane. That final touch of candy cane adds a festive crunch that really makes the recipe sing!
Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Don’t Skip Cooling: I’ve learned the frosting spreads best when brownies are fully cooled—warm brownies will melt it into a mess.
- Measure Flour Carefully: Spooning and leveling the flour prevents dry, cakey brownies, which I used to struggle with a lot.
- Crush Candy Canes Fresh: Crushing and adding them right before serving keeps that satisfying crunch intact.
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: Bittersweet chocolate bars melt better than chips and make for a richer flavor.
How to Serve Peppermint Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick with crushed candy cane for garnish because it adds fabulous festive flair and crunch. Sometimes I dust a little cocoa powder on top or add a few chocolate shavings if I’m feeling fancy. Either way, it always impresses guests.
Side Dishes
I love pairing these peppermint brownies with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa to balance out the rich chocolate and cool mint flavors. For holiday parties, I serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, which everyone enjoys.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I cut the brownies into small bite-sized squares and place them on decorative trays with fresh mint leaves and mini candy canes. Wrapping them individually in clear cellophane tied with ribbon also makes for perfect edible gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator since the cream cheese frosting needs to stay cool. They keep well for about 4 to 5 days, and the flavors actually deepen after a day or two.
Freezing
If you want to freeze these brownies, I recommend freezing them unfrosted in single layers wrapped well in plastic wrap, then wrapping again in foil. Once ready to eat, thaw completely, then frost fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
I usually enjoy these brownies chilled, but if you prefer them warmed, remove the frosting first, gently warm the brownie portion for about 15 seconds in the microwave, then add the frosting back on. This keeps the frosting from melting all over.
FAQs
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Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Yes, but peppermint oil is much stronger than extract, so you’ll want to use far less—start with a very small amount and adjust carefully to avoid overpowering the brownies.
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How do I make my brownies fudgier?
Make sure not to overbake—pull them out when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Also, less flour and more butter help keep the fudgy texture.
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Can I make these brownies ahead for a party?
Absolutely! I like to bake the brownies a day in advance, frost them right before serving, and garnish with crushed candy canes just before guests arrive for the freshest taste and crunch.
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What’s the best way to soften cream cheese for the frosting?
Leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing, or microwave it in short 10-second bursts until just soft—not melted.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Peppermint Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, I was hooked immediately—everything about it feels special but approachable, and it’s the kind of dessert that makes people smile. It’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or keeping all to yourself (no judgment here!). I encourage you to give this recipe a go and tweak it with your own twists. Trust me, you’ll find yourself coming back to this one year after year. Enjoy every fudgy, minty bite!
Print
Peppermint Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these fudgy peppermint brownies, a perfect blend of rich bittersweet chocolate and festive peppermint flavor. Topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candy cane for a refreshing crunch, these brownies are a holiday favorite that’s both decadent and refreshing.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 5 ounces bittersweet chocolate
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Peppermint Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup butter (½ stick, softened)
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 ½ ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 candy cane (crushed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the 5 ounces of bittersweet chocolate with ½ cup butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted chocolate mixture with 1 cup granulated sugar. Beat in 2 eggs one at a time until smooth. Stir in ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together ½ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons dark chocolate cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 8-inch square baking pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare Peppermint Frosting: In a large bowl, beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese and ¼ cup softened butter together until creamy. Gradually add 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar and continue beating. Stir in 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Brownies: Spread the peppermint frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Melt the 1 ½ ounces bittersweet chocolate chips and drizzle over the frosting for an extra chocolate touch.
- Add Crushed Candy Cane: Sprinkle the crushed candy cane pieces on top of the frosting and chocolate drizzle to add a festive peppermint crunch. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing into 16 squares and serving.
Notes
- For an extra fudgy texture, avoid overbaking the brownies.
- Make sure the brownies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water to cut clean brownie squares.
- Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These brownies are perfect for holiday parties and gift-giving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx. 2×2 inch piece)
- Calories: 303 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 148 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
