Name: Peppermint Brownie
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 ½ cup sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ cup salted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 4 large eggs, room temperature; ½ cup flour; 1 cup cocoa, sifted; 6 candy canes, crushed, 12 mini candy canes

These Easy Peppermint Brownies are some of the yummiest treats we've whipped up in a while with their solid fudgy, ooey, gooey flavors and textures. We love making brownies at Christmas and these brownies are no exception. These minty brownies can be whipped up from scratch in under 25 minutes suited to Christmas parties and cookie swaps! If you're looking for a good and easy homemade brownie recipe full of festive cheer this festive season, you're in luck!

They are spiked with peppermint extract and feature good holiday dessert flavor, then topped with crunchy candy canes for a good festive kick that will become your favorite new recipe for brownies!

At Avdaye, we add lots of tips in all of our recipes – because we are a home cook without any formal training, and we find we are more confident making dishes when we understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. Our goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

How to Make 30 Minute Peppermint Brownies

We also make these in muffin tins – something we started doing back in 2010 – because it makes these brownies perfectly portioned and easy to serve – plus it gives them more perfectly crunchy crust to bite into!

Peppermint Brownie Ingredients

First assemble the following ingredients:

Sugar (1 ½ cup) – adds sweetness and helps create brownies' soft, fudgy texture.
Brown sugar (½ cup) – brings deeper caramel-like flavor and extra moisture for a richer bite.
Salted butter, (½ cup, melted) – provides richness and chewiness while helping the ingredients bind smoothly.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the chocolate flavor with warm and sweet aroma.
Peppermint extract (1 teaspoon) – delivers the signature cool, minty flavor that defines peppermint brownies.
Large eggs, (4, room temperature) – add structure and moisture, helping the brownies set properly.
Flour (½ cup) – lightens the texture and gives the brownies enough body to hold together.
Cocoa, (1 cup, sifted) – gives intense chocolate flavor and color, contributing to a dense, fudgy crumb.
Candy canes (6, crushed, 12 mini candy canes) – add crunchy peppermint pieces and festive sweetness in every bite.

Steps to Make solid Mint Brownies

Once you have assembled the ingredients, use this method.

Prep. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease silicone muffin pan with cooking spray or butter.

Combine Batter. In a large bowl, combine sugar, brown sugar, and butter and mix until soft. Add vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and eggs, mix thoroughly. Fold in flour and cocoa, mix well but do not overmix.

Add Mint. Pour in 1/2 the crushed candy canes. Mix well.

Add to Pan. Pour into muffin pan, about 3/4 full.

Bake. Bake until toothpick comes out completely clean, about 25 minutes. Sprinkle with other half crushed candy canes, let cool and enjoy!

Kitchen notes

Box Mix. If using a brownie mix, add eggs and liquid called for on box, and add in peppermint extract and crushed candy.

Prep Pan. Make sure you have a well prepared pan. Brownies stick to pans – use silicone pans and make sure it is well greased. Sprinkle a little of your flour mixture into the bottom of pans for best results.

Large Bowl. Use a large bowl for prep – this recipe makes a lot!

Make in a Pan. For fudgy brownies, make in a 9×9 pan instead of muffin cups. Add to baking pan and cook 25-30 minutes, until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.

Topping Ideas.

Drizzle Melted Chocolate over the top of the brownies.
Top with cool whip or buttercream icing and candy canes and sprinkles.
Drizzle royal icing over the top of the brownies and top with candy canes.
Drizzle chocolate glaze over the top of the brownies.
Make peppermint frosting by adding peppermint extract and crushed peppermint candies and spread over brownies.

Let Cool. Wait until brownies cool to cut into squares for best results.