Peppermint Brownies

Frosted Peppermint Brownies are a festive and indulgent treat that combines the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with a refreshing peppermint twist. These brownies are perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or any time you crave a minty chocolate dessert. The vibrant green or pink frosting adds a fun touch, while the crushed peppermint candies on top provide a satisfying crunch.

This recipe is simple and easy to prepare, making it ideal for home bakers of all skill levels. The preparation involves two main parts: baking the brownies and preparing the frosting. Let’s break down the steps in detail and explore the tools you’ll need to make this treat a success.

Preparation Phase:

1. Preparing the Brownie Base:
The first step in making these brownies is to bake the base. Using a boxed brownie mix (such as Betty Crocker™ Delights Supreme Original Brownie Mix) ensures a quick and easy start. You’ll be adding water, oil, and an egg as instructed on the box. The important thing here is to follow the baking instructions precisely, as the consistency of the brownies is crucial for a perfect end result.

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (cooling time)
Task: Prepare and bake the brownies, then cool completely before frosting.

2. Preparing the Frosting:
Once the brownies have cooled, it’s time to prepare the peppermint frosting. By mixing vanilla frosting with peppermint extract and food coloring, you create a creamy, minty topping that pairs beautifully with the chocolatey brownies. You can also add a festive touch by using green or pink gel food coloring.

Time: 15 minutes (to make the frosting and chill the brownies)
Task: Mix frosting with extract and food coloring, then frost the brownies.

3. Final Touch:
For an extra burst of minty goodness, sprinkle crushed peppermint or spearmint candies on top of the frosting. These candies not only enhance the flavor but also give the brownies a fun, crunchy texture.

Time: 10 minutes (to sprinkle candies and chill)
Task: Sprinkle the crushed candies on top, then refrigerate briefly for easier cutting.

Tools to Use:

1. Baking Tools:

9-inch Square Pan: The brownie mix requires a standard 9-inch square pan. If you’re using a dark or nonstick pan, remember to reduce the baking temperature by 25°F.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for measuring the ingredients accurately, especially when adding the mint extract and food coloring.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a bowl to mix the frosting and peppermint extract, as well as a separate one for preparing the brownie batter.
Whisk or Spoon: A whisk or spoon will be needed to mix the brownie batter and the frosting mixture smoothly.

2. Cooling Tools:

Cooling Rack: Allow the baked brownies to cool completely on a cooling rack. This helps the brownies set properly and avoids the frosting melting when applied.

3. Decorating Tools:

Spatula: A flat spatula works best for spreading the frosting evenly across the cooled brownies.
Ziploc Bag or Parchment Paper (optional): If you want to make the process of cutting the brownies easier, refrigerate them briefly after frosting. You can wrap them in parchment paper or place them in a Ziploc bag to avoid direct contact with the fridge shelves.
Rolling Pin (optional): If you choose to crush the peppermint candies by hand, a rolling pin can help crush them finely.

4. Cutting Tools:

Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: After refrigerating for about 15 minutes, the brownies will be easier to cut into neat squares. A sharp knife or pizza cutter ensures clean cuts and helps avoid messing up the frosting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare and Bake the Brownies
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (or 325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Grease the bottom of a 9-inch square pan with shortening or cooking spray to ensure the brownies don’t stick.
- Make the Brownie Batter: Follow the instructions on the brownie mix box, adding the required water, oil, and egg. Stir until the batter is well combined and smooth.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the greased pan, spreading it evenly. Bake the brownies as instructed on the box—usually around 20-30 minutes, but this can vary depending on your oven. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Brownies: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely on a cooling rack. This may take around 1 1/2 hours, depending on the room temperature.
Prepare the Frosting
- Mix the Frosting: While the brownies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a small bowl, mix 1 1/4 cups of Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy Vanilla Frosting with 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint or mint extract. Stir the frosting until smooth.
- Add Color: Add a few drops of green or pink gel food coloring to give the frosting a festive hue. Stir until the color is even throughout. If you’d like a more vibrant color, you can add a bit more food coloring, but go slowly—gel food color is highly concentrated.
- Taste Test: Before frosting the brownies, taste the frosting to make sure it has the desired mint flavor. If you prefer it more minty, you can add a tiny bit more extract.
Frost the Brownies
- Spread the Frosting: Once the brownies are completely cooled, use a spatula to evenly spread the frosting over the entire surface of the brownies. Try to get it as smooth as possible, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect—it will still look great once decorated!
- Decorate with Crushed Candies: Sprinkle the crushed peppermint or spearmint candies on top of the frosting. You can crush them using a rolling pin or place them in a Ziploc bag and crush them with your hands. You want small pieces for a nice crunch.
- Chill for Easy Cutting: To help the frosting set and make cutting easier, place the brownies in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This will firm up the frosting and help avoid a messy cut when you slice them.
Cut and Serve
- Cut into Squares: After the brownies have chilled and the frosting has set, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the brownies into 16 squares.
- Serve or Store: These brownies can be served immediately, or stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer shelf life if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Frosted Peppermint Brownies are a festive and delicious treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

Holiday Dessert Table:
- These brownies make an excellent addition to any holiday dessert table. Pair them with other festive treats like sugar cookies, gingerbread, or peppermint bark for a sweet spread that guests will love.
- Serve them on a large platter with decorative sprinkles, mini candy canes, or even edible glitter to give them an extra special touch.
Individual Servings:
- For easy serving at parties or events, cut the brownies into small bite-sized pieces and place them in individual paper cupcake liners. This not only makes them easy to pick up but also adds a cute presentation.
- Serve them alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or peppermint coffee for the perfect cozy pairing.
With Ice Cream or Whipped Cream:
- Brownies and ice cream are a classic combination. Consider topping each square of Frosted Peppermint Brownie with a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or mint chip ice cream.
- Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or homemade whipped topping adds a creamy contrast to the dense, fudgy brownies.
As a Gift:
- These brownies make for a great homemade gift! Package them in a decorative box or jar, and tie it with a festive ribbon. It’s a sweet and thoughtful gift for teachers, coworkers, or neighbors during the holiday season.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Allowing the Brownies to Cool Completely:
- One of the biggest mistakes is frosting the brownies before they have cooled down completely. Warm brownies can cause the frosting to melt, making it difficult to achieve that nice smooth layer. Allow at least 1 1/2 hours for the brownies to cool.
Overmixing the Brownie Batter:
- It can be tempting to mix the batter until it’s completely smooth, but overmixing the brownie batter can result in dense, tough brownies. Stir until just combined, and leave some small lumps in the batter for a fudgier texture.
Baking at the Wrong Temperature:
- Be sure to follow the instructions on the brownie mix for your specific type of pan (e.g., dark or nonstick pans often require a lower temperature). Baking at a higher temperature can cause the edges to burn, while the center remains undercooked.
Not Using the Right Size Pan:
- The recipe is designed for a 9-inch square pan. Using a larger pan will spread the batter too thin and may result in dry brownies. Stick to the recommended pan size for the best texture.
Using Too Much Peppermint Extract:
- Peppermint extract is strong, so a little goes a long way. Too much can overpower the brownies, leaving a bitter aftertaste. Stick to 1/8 teaspoon, or adjust slightly if you want a more intense mint flavor.

How to Perfect the Recipe

Use High-Quality Ingredients:
- Opt for high-quality vanilla frosting and peppermint extract. The frosting is the key flavor component in this recipe, so using a premium product will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even make your own frosting from scratch with butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and peppermint extract for a more customized taste.
Customize the Frosting Flavor:
- You can adjust the frosting to suit your taste by adding a bit of vanilla extract or using chocolate frosting instead of vanilla for a more chocolate-forward flavor. Adding a small pinch of sea salt to the frosting can also enhance the flavor, balancing the sweetness and minty kick.
Perfect the Texture:
- For fudgy brownies, be careful not to overbake them. Check the brownies about 5 minutes before the recommended baking time to ensure they remain moist. If you prefer cake-like brownies, bake them the full recommended time.
- To make sure your brownies are perfectly soft, test them with a toothpick inserted in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re done.
Let the Brownies Rest After Cutting:
- After cutting the brownies, let them sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the frosting to firm up and hold its shape. This will help keep the pieces neat and avoid the frosting from sliding off.

Side Dish Recommendations

While these Frosted Peppermint Brownies are a sweet, indulgent dessert on their own, pairing them with the right side dishes can elevate the overall meal experience. Here are some suggestions:

As mentioned before, brownies go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla, mint, or chocolate ice cream. For a lighter option, you could serve a refreshing lemon or berry sorbet on the side. Tips and Variations

Hot Beverages:

Hot Chocolate: Serve the brownies with a warm cup of hot chocolate, either plain or flavored with a bit of peppermint extract. You could even garnish the hot cocoa with whipped cream or chocolate shavings.

Peppermint Tea or Coffee: A refreshing cup of peppermint tea or a strong coffee (such as a mocha or peppermint-flavored coffee) pairs beautifully with the minty flavor of the brownies.

Fruit Salads or Fresh Fruit:

A fresh fruit salad with berries, oranges, and pomegranate seeds provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, fudgy brownies.

Alternatively, serve sliced strawberries or raspberries alongside the brownies for a fresh, tart element that balances the sweetness.

Light Salad:

If you’re serving the brownies as part of a larger meal, consider pairing them with a light green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. A salad with arugula, spinach, and a citrus dressing can offer a refreshing balance to the richness of the dessert.

Cheese and Charcuterie:

For an unconventional pairing, try a small cheese and charcuterie board with a few slices of creamy brie or goat cheese, paired with savory meats like prosciutto. The richness of the cheese complements the minty sweetness of the brownies.

Ice Cream or Sorbet:

Add More Mint Flavor: If you love mint, feel free to add more peppermint extract to the frosting. Just be careful not to add too much, as peppermint extract can be quite strong.
Crushed Candy Alternatives: If you don’t have peppermint candies, you can use any mint-flavored candy, like peppermint bark or even Andes mints, chopped up. For a non-mint option, crushed chocolate candies or sprinkles also work great.
Make It Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free brownie mix and check the ingredients on the frosting to ensure it’s gluten-free.
Customize the Frosting Color: You can experiment with different colors depending on the season. For Christmas, red and green would be perfect, but you could also try pink for Valentine’s Day or pastel colors for spring.
Serve in Holiday Liners: For a cute presentation, cut the brownies into bite-sized pieces and serve them in festive paper liners. It’s an easy way to add a special touch to your dessert table, and it makes them easy to serve at parties.

Storage and Shelf Life

Room Temperature: Store the brownies covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will remain soft and fudgy, and the frosting will stay fresh.
Refrigeration: If you want them to last a little longer, or if you live in a warm climate, you can refrigerate the brownies. They will keep well for up to a week in the fridge. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Freezing: If you want to prepare these brownies in advance, they freeze well. Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe Tips

Perfect Brownie Texture:
- If you prefer your brownies on the fudgy side, avoid overbaking them. The brownies should still feel slightly soft in the middle when you remove them from the oven. If you prefer cakier brownies, bake them a few minutes longer, but keep a close eye on them to prevent them from drying out.
Adjusting the Frosting Consistency:
- If you find the frosting a little too thick to spread easily, you can soften it slightly by microwaving it for a few seconds (around 5-10 seconds at a time) to make it more spreadable. If it’s too thin, add a little powdered sugar to thicken it up.
Mint Extract Substitution:
- If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can substitute it with other mint extracts (like spearmint) or even a splash of mint liqueur for an adult version. Just be cautious with the quantity—start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Decorative Toppings:
- Add a variety of toppings for extra flavor and texture. Shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, or crushed graham crackers make great alternatives to peppermint candies.
Make Ahead:
- If you’re planning to make these brownies ahead of time for a special occasion, you can bake the brownies and store them unfrosted for a day or two before adding the frosting and toppings. This helps keep the brownies fresh for longer.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature:
- These brownies can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap to maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out.
Refrigeration:
- If you live in a warmer climate or just want to preserve them for a little longer, refrigerating the brownies is an option. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing:
- If you want to prepare the brownies ahead of time or have leftovers, you can freeze them. First, allow the brownies to cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating Instructions

While these brownies are delicious at room temperature, if you prefer them warm, here’s how to reheat them:

Microwave:
- Place one or two brownies on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 10-15 seconds or until warmed through. Be cautious not to overheat them, as this could make them dry out.
Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the frosting from melting. Heat for about 5-10 minutes, until they’re warmed through. Allow the brownies to cool for a minute before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these brownies without the frosting?
Yes! If you prefer a more traditional brownie without the frosting, you can bake and enjoy the brownies on their own. The mint flavor can be omitted or simply served as a classic chocolate brownie.

2. Can I use a different brownie mix?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Betty Crocker™ Delights Supreme Original Brownie Mix, you can use any boxed brownie mix you prefer. Just follow the instructions on the package for the best results.

3. What can I use if I don’t have peppermint candies?
If you don’t have peppermint or spearmint candies, you can use mini chocolate chips, crushed Oreos, or even crushed up candy canes. Any mint-flavored candy will work if you want to keep the peppermint flavor.

4. Can I add other flavors to the frosting?
Yes, you can experiment with other extracts like vanilla, almond, or chocolate. Just be sure to adjust the amount to taste, as some extracts are stronger than others.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe! Simply use a 13×9-inch baking pan instead of the 9-inch square pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so be sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the brownies.