Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies

These peppermint hot chocolate brownies are going to be your go-to holiday brownie! Delicious chocolate brownies topped with a homemade marshmallow buttercream flavored with peppermint and vanilla beans. To top it all off I sprinkled the whole thing with crushed candy canes. You’re going to LOVE these brownies!

This post is sponsored by Annie’s. As always all opinions are 100% my own.

BROWNIES!!!!!!! <– could I add more exclamation points?

Seriously, though. Brownies are a big time weakness. If I make a batch it takes all. the. willpower. to not eat them all in a day. I like to sneak into the kitchen and steal little bite-size pieces. Then hours later I realized I snuck as many bites as the equivalent of eating 3 brownies. Whoooooooops!

I’m pretty sure you all feel my pain, right?

Please say yes.

Ok, now I know you’re totally drooling over these brownies and I 100% don’t blame you! They literally taste like all things Christmas and the frosting has the perfect peppermint vanilla flavor. Which are hands down one of my favorite flavor combinations. Now, the frosting is not “holy batman these are peppermint!” it’s more light peppermint to give that essence without overpowering the whole dessert.

PLUS you wouldn’t want to overpower the awesome taste of the new Annie’s double chocolate brownie mix – SO GOOD! They came out with a bunch certified organic refrigerated doughs and baking mixes that are are not only delicious but made with unbleached flour, no hydrogenated oils and no high fructose corn syrup. Please send all the mixes my way.

Sometimes I need a little help in the kitchen (no shame in my game!) and this makes it all the easier and better. Raise your hand if you’re jumping for joy over these awesome brownies – ME! Ok wait, that super conceited. I just meant they are awesome because they are packed full of delicious chocolate flavor and were super simple to make. Thank you Annie’s! <— Back in the day I was thanking them for their awesome mac and cheese and now their brownies. My life is right on track.

Ohhhhh I know you want to hear all about this frosting. It’s a delicious marshmallow fluff buttercream that you may want to just spoon into your mouth directly. Or pipe into your mouth if you’re super fancy.

No judging.

Ohhhh and the fun doesn’t just stop with these peppermint hot chocolate brownies, NOPE! Annie’s is putting on a fun Instagram contest where you could win a year supply of Annie’s organic baking supplies. Check out my Instagram post for more details! (Rules for the contest can be found here.)

{Looking for even more delicious brownie recipes? Try my Dark Chocolate Yogurt Brownies, Salted Caramel Guinness Brownies, Brownie Donuts with Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting, Peppermint Pattie Brownie Bites, Funfetti Rocky Road Brownies, Peanut Butter Marshmallow Krispie Topped Brownies, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Smores Brownies or my Peanut Butter Frosted Nutella Brownies.}

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies

These peppermint hot chocolate brownies are going to be your go-to holiday brownie! Delicious chocolate brownies topped with a homemade marshmallow buttercream flavored with peppermint and vanilla beans. To top it all off I sprinkled the whole thing with crushed candy canes. You're going to LOVE these brownies!

Yield: 8x8 pan

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 box Annie's double chocolate brownie mix
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1-1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 7 ounces marshmallow creme
• Crushed candy canes

Directions:

Prepare brownie mix according to box directions for an 8x8 or 9x9 pan. Let cool.

In the bowl of an electric mixer add butter and whip for at least one minute or until light and fluffy. Slowly add in powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time until well combined. Mix in vanilla bean paste and peppermint extract.

Add marshmallow creme to the frosting mixture and mix on high just until combined and fluffy.

Taste the frosting and if you want more peppermint flavor add another 1/4 teaspoon.

Cover the brownies in frosting and sprinkle the top with crush candy canes.