Fudgy Peppermint Brownies Recipe

This Fudgy Peppermint Brownies Recipe is actually my favorite Foolproof Crinkly Fudgy Brownies (the best brownies!) but jazzed up with a heap of peppermint flavor and a luscious layer of dark chocolate ganache.

To really maximize the candy cane flavor, crushed peppermint candies are sifted so you have chunks of peppermint candies as well as peppermint ‘dust’ (see step-by-step photos below).

The peppermint dust is then sprinkled over the brownies mid-bake and then the peppermint chunks are added to the tops of the brownies as garnish for more delicious texture and flavor.

The final brownie dessert has a perfectly fudgy brownie layer with just the right amount of pure peppermint extract, a dusting of, well, peppermint dust. Then a decadent layer of dark chocolate ganache covers the top and the remaining chopped peppermint is sprinkled over the tops.

This is a pretty easy peppermint brownies recipe, but I’m hesitant to label it ‘easy’ across the board because you do need to whip up the ganache.

It’s a painless extra step that happens while the brownies are chilling (and you’re reusing one of the bowls you used to make the brownies), but it’s an extra step regardless, so I won’t totally brag about these being easy peasy brownies.

These are DREAMY (and beautiful) and the perfect holiday treat!

Why You Should Make These Fabulous Fudgy Peppermint Brownies

• They are the perfect balance between rich, fudgy brownie and cool, crunchy peppermint
• This peppermint brownie recipe is great anytime of year but they are so fun and festive around the holiday season! 
• The ingredients are mostly simple ingredients and pantry staples (minus the peppermint candy canes!)
• This recipe can be made in a 9 x 13–inch (23 x 33–cm) baking dish or a 9×9 (23×23-cm) square baking pan. The former will make thinner brownies (that’s what I used in the photos) and the latter will yield a thicker, fudgy brownie with a thicker ganache layer. See the Notes section below the recipe for more details.
• This recipe is foolproof and will turn out perfect every time!
• These are delicious as is and would also be delicious as a more elegant dessert served with vanilla bean ice cream and more crushed candy canes!

This recipe was originally posted in 2016 but has been completely revamped, updated and made new and fabulous. I’ve learned so much about baking brownies since then (and from writing the brownie recipes in The Cookie Book), that these Peppermint Brownies (aka Candy Cane Brownies) deserved a much needed facelift. So enjoy!

The Best Peppermint Extract for Baking (IMHO)

I have tried many different brands of peppermint extract and my favorite is Nielsen-Massey Pure Peppermint Extract. This is not sponsored ;), just my genuine favorite peppermint extract.

It has just the right amount of cool peppermint flavor without tasting and smelling like mouthwash.

For this recipe you’ll use 3/4 to 1 teaspoon of pure peppermint extract. I give a range depending on how peppermint-y you want it to be. I like the 3/4 teaspoon, but if you like to go big on peppermint flavor then use the full 1 teaspoon.

My Favorite Peppermint Brownie Tips
+ Step-by-Step Instructions

Below are step-by-step photos (with captions) to make The Best Peppermint Brownies perfect every single time! My biggest tips are:

• Use Quality Peppermint Extract. Peppermint extract taste varies with many tasting and smelling like mouthwash or overly fake. I love Nielsen-Massey Pure Peppermint Extract.
• Sift (or Separate) Your Crushed Peppermint Candy. In this recipe the peppermint ‘dust’ is sprinkled over the brownies mid-bake and then the larger peppermint chunks are used to garnish the top of the brownies. I love the two layers of peppermint flavor and I think the larger chunks look cleaner and prettier sprinkled over the top. If you don’t have a sifter/seive, then just use your hands; it doesn’t have to be perfect!
• Allow Time for the Brownies & Ganache to Cool. You’ll want to let the brownies cool completely before adding the ganache (the fridge speeds this up) and then you’ll want to chill them once again to set the ganache before cutting them. Factor both of these steps into your baker’s timeline.

Let’s make some super festive Candy Cane Brownies!

To Start

For The Brownies

For the Ganache

Favorite Brownie Equipment

9×9-inch (23×23-cm) pan for thicker, fudgier brownies

9×13-inch (23×33-cm) pan for chewier brownies around the edges of the pan and more fudge-like ones in the center

Electric Stand Mixer (I prefer the Artisan to the Professional)

Breville Handheld Mixer, this one has a bunch of speeds, dough hooks, whisks. I was never a fan of handhelds until I got this one! This is the one in the photos and video.

These bowls are awesome for mixing, setting atop simmering water when melting chocolate and for weighing out ingredients before starting (if you’re so inclined!)

Confetti spatula from this set — it’s too cute!

Love this chef’s knife with the white handle…you can also see it in the brownie video

This fine-mesh sieve is awesome for sifting the peppermint candies

More Chocolate Peppermint Desserts

If you’d like to see some more peppermint recipes, check out: Peppermint Bark Cookie Bars, Dark Chocolate Peppermint Cups, Chocolate Peppermint Skillet Cookie, Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Breakfast Buns, Vegan Peppermint Brownies and Peppermint Sandwich Cookies.

Click here to see all of the brownie + bar cookies recipes on DisplacedHousewife!