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Ultimate Fudgy Peppermint Brownies with Creamy Frosting

A close-up of a fudgy peppermint brownie topped with light green mint frosting and crushed candy canes.
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Bake these decadent peppermint brownies for a rich, fudgy texture and a refreshing mint flavor. This recipe features a simple one-bowl base, creamy peppermint frosting, and a festive crushed candy cane topping, making them the best Christmas desserts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for frosting)
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting)
  • Green food coloring (optional, for frosting)
  • ½ cup crushed candy canes (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
  3. Whisk in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter. This ensures a fudgy texture.
  9. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  10. Prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Add a drop of green food coloring if desired.
  11. Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the peppermint frosting evenly over the top.
  12. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the frosting immediately.
  13. Cut the peppermint brownies into squares and serve.

Notes

  • For an extra fudgy texture, use melted chocolate instead of some of the butter, or add an extra egg yolk.
  • If you do not have peppermint extract, you can infuse the butter with a few candy canes before melting, but use caution with the extract amount.
  • These candy cane brownies are excellent for holiday gifting; cut them into squares and wrap individually.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/peppermint-brownies-fudgy-recipe/