These decadent Peppermint Brownies are easy to make from scratch and have a secret ingredient that makes them extra fudgy! Each bite has crunchy candy cane bits for the ultimate Christmas dessert! Bonus: these brownies are gluten-free too!
Want more Peppermint-inspired recipes? You’re going to love my Vegan Chocolate Cake with Peppermint Buttercream Frosting, my Gluten Peppermint Chocolate Cookies or my Vegan Peppermint Chocolate Mouse.
The Fudgiest Peppermint Brownies Ever
These quick and easy brownies are so incredibly moist and chocolatey, you’ll want to make them at least once a month! With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip them up on a whim whenever you’re hit with a chocolate peppermint craving. You can even omit the candy canes and use this recipe as a base for all of your favorite brownie flavors!
I know you’re dying to discover the special ingredient that makes these brownies so darn fudgy. Well, the secret is officially out – it’s melted chocolate! I find that using just cocoa powder results in a more cake-like brownie as opposed to the fudgy texture that I’m going for. Add in some melted chocolate and—voilá!—fudgy brownie perfection is achieved.
What You’ll Need
With their short and simple ingredient lineup, these brownies are pretty much as easy as your average box mix recipe. Only they’re way more indulgent!
- Butter: Unsalted.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: You could also use dark or milk chocolate chips if you’d like.
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract
- Cocoa Powder: Natural and unsweetened.
- Gluten-Free Baking Flour: Or equal parts all-purpose flour.
- Sugar
- Ground Cinnamon: Don’t omit this! It enhances the chocolate flavor even more.
- Sea Salt
- Crushed Peppermint Candies: Or candy canes.
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How to Make Fudgy Gluten Free Brownies
The instructions below will help you make homemade brownies like never before. Let’s get started!
Prep for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper extending up the sides of the pan for easy removal after baking.
Melt Chocolate: Add the chocolate chips and butter to a small bowl. Melt the mixture in the microwave, heating it in 30-second shifts and stirring it until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted. Reduce the microwave time accordingly to avoid burning the chocolate.
Let Rest: Pour the melted chocolate into a large bowl and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Add Eggs & Sugar: Whisk the eggs into the bowl one at a time. Then whisk in the sugar.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the vanilla extract, cocoa powder, gluten-free flour, ground cinnamon and sea salt. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is incorporated. Finally, add half of the candy cane bits. Whisk everything together until completely combined.
Bake: Add the brownie mix to the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let Cool: Let the brownies cool for 10-15 minutes, then top them with the remaining crushed candy canes.
Cut & Serve: Cut and serve the peppermint brownies once they’re at room temperature or slightly warmer.
Tips for Success
If you’re on a mission to make the world’s fudgiest brownies, remember these tips and tricks. They’ll lead you right there!
- Prep Your Pan Properly: I recommend greasing your baking dish with cooking spray and also lining it with parchment paper. Make sure some of the paper goes above the sides of the pan so you can easily lift out the brownies later.
- Use a Double Boiler or Melting Pot: It’s easiest to melt the chocolate in a candy melting pot or a double boiler. If you have to use the microwave, don’t forget to stir the chocolate after each increment and reduce the cook time as needed – if you burn the chocolate, you’ll have to start all over again!
- Don’t Over-Bake: Over-baking your brownies will make them come out tough and chewy rather than soft and fudgy. Do a toothpick test as soon as they reach the 30 minute mark to determine whether or not they’re done.
- Cool Before Cutting: I know these brownies smell and look amazing as soon as they come out of the oven, but it’s really best to let them cool before you cut and serve them. Otherwise, you may have to eat them with a spoon.
Variation Ideas
You can use this easy recipe to make any kind of brownies you want! Let’s discuss a few variations that still include the peppermint.
- Double Chocolate Peppermint Brownies: If you’d like to add even more chocolate to these fudgy bars of bliss, feel free to top them with your go-to chocolate ganache. Wait until the brownies have cooled completely first, then add the crushed peppermint topping after spreading on the ganache.
- Peppermint Marshmallow Brownies: I love topping my brownies with mini marshmallows either right before they’re done baking or just after they leave the oven. They get all melty and look like Christmas snow! You can add the peppermint bits on top of the marshmallows or only use the amount that goes into the brownie batter.
- Frosted Peppermint Brownies: For those of you who love frosted brownies, you have to try topping these with my peppermint buttercream from this recipe! You’ll also find a super simple recipe for chocolate ganache in there if you’re leaning toward the double chocolate brownies described above.
How to Store Extra Brownies
Once cooled completely, these brownies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can transfer them to the fridge and store them for 3-4 additional days if needed, but I doubt you’ll have any left by then! If you want to warm them up before enjoying them, microwave individual brownies for a few seconds before serving.
Can I Freeze These?
Yes, cooled brownies can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Wrap each brownie (or the whole, uncut batch) in plastic wrap and freeze them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Thaw out frozen brownies in the fridge before enjoying.
Print
Fudgy Peppermint Brownies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
These decadent Peppermint Brownies are easy to make from scratch and have a secret ingredient that makes them extra fudgy! Each bite has crunchy candy cane bits for the ultimate Christmas dessert!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup 1:1 gluten-free baking flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease an 8″x8″ glass baking dish with cooking spray. Then line the bottom with parchment paper and up the sides for easy removal after baking.
- In a small bowl, add chocolate chips and butter. Melt chocolate in the microwave, heating in 30 second shifts and stirring until chocolate is smooth and completely melted.
- Pour chocolate into a large bowl and let rest for 5 minutes.
- To the chocolate bowl whisk in eggs, one at a time. Whisk in the sugar.
- Next add vanilla extra, cocoa powder, 1:1 gluten free baking flour, ground cinnamon, sea salt. and half the candy cane mixture. Whisk everything together until completely combined.
- To the prepared baking dish, add the brownie mix.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes, top with remaining crushed candy canes.
- Serve.
Notes
- To Store: Cooled brownies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can transfer them to the fridge for 3-4 additional days if needed. Microwave individual brownies for a few seconds before serving if desired.
- To Freeze: Wrap each cooled brownie (or the whole, uncut batch) in plastic wrap and freeze in an airtight container/storage bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 166
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 53 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
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More Peppermint Treats to Try
Want more holiday-worthy peppermint desserts? You can’t go wrong with any of the recipes below.
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24 comments on “Fudgy Peppermint Brownies”
hello. I am a little confused. Am i suppose to prepare a box brownie and add to this? please advise
🙂 Nope, the ingredients and direction lead you through making brownies from scratch!
Is the recipe posted above missing an ingredient? Sugar perhaps? I made this recipe but it doesn’t look or taste right, like there’s a major ingredient missing.
honestly I cannot believe I forgot to add that big of an ingredient… kinda embarrassed. I’m soo sorry jessica, please forgive me. I just added in the sugar part! Hope they turn out this time.. they really are super amazing!
I hope you’re feeling better, nothing worse than working in a fog. Although, I found your post entertaining and these brownies just scream Christmas! Love!
Thanks Kellie, I finally feel like I’m coming out of the fog that is bronchitis! So glad! Now I can really enjoy these brownies! 🙂
Oh wow, these brownies look delicious! I love chocolate and peppermint together 🙂
Thanks so much Mel! It’s one of my favorite combos too!
These look and sound AMAZING. I bought too many candy canes the other day and this is a great way to put them to use.
Hurray! Candy cane problem solved and in one delicious way! 🙂
Oh man… I could eat the whole pan of those brownies!!
haha.. thanks Amanda!
GIRL! These are amazing. Be still my heart!!
Thanks girl!
Aw Krista, you poor thing. I hope you feel better soon!! Those steroids usually work their magic pretty fast. 😉
These peppermint brownies are now what I am craving for breakfast! They look delicious!
They sure did, I definitely feel better but not fully healthy yet. hopefully the continued rest and hallmark movies will help hehe!
Brownies for breakfast sounds perfect, my kinda girl. 🙂
I love it when I can actually SEE how fudgy brownies are. You totally nailed it with this one Krista!
Hurray thanks so much Trish!
Oh no! 🙁 Bronchi sucks. I hope you get better very, very soon. Like, now. Sending healing thoughts!!
I wonder if a certain gorgeous, extra fudgy peppermint brownie would make everything go away?!? 😉 These are so, so beautiful!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Yes it does! I feel like it got worse the last two days but I think it’s because stuff is coming out of my lungs, which is a good thing. I’m just so over coughing!
It must have been the brownies that cleared me out. hehe Thanks sweet friend!
Hope you are feeling better! That Benedryl can work wonders! And be still my peppermint and chocolate loving heart!
haha.. sure can! I am feeling on the mend but not up to full health yet! Hopefully soon! 🙂
I ended up with both strains of the flu just 3 days before Thanksgiving last year! Hope you’re feeling better quickly! These brownies will certainly help!!
Thanks so much Cheryl, you’re too sweet! 🙂