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These peppermint brownies are going to be your go-to holiday brownies! Delicious chocolate brownies topped with homemade marshmallow buttercream flavored with peppermint and vanilla beans.
Okay, now I know you’re drooling over these brownies, and I 100% don’t blame you! They taste like Christmas, and the frosting has the perfect peppermint vanilla flavor.
Which happens to be one of my favorite flavor combinations.
The frosting is not “holy Batman; these are peppermint!” It’s more light peppermint to give that essence without overpowering the whole dessert. Plus, I added some crushed candy canes to the top for extra flavor and crunch.
I used my favorite brownie mix for this recipe to keep things manageable. My favorite is the Ghirardelli brand, which is easily found in most grocery stores.
However, you can use your favorite boxed brand or homemade version. You’ll want to add some peppermint extract and instant espresso powder to the mix.
The espresso powder helps deepen the chocolate flavor and give the box mix a richer flavor, providing a less “boxed” taste.
Love all things peppermint? You need to try this peppermint cake three layer cake!
Ingredients needed
- Brownie mix
- Instant espresso powder
- Peppermint extract
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla bean paste
- Marshmallow creme
- Crushed peppermint candy
How to make peppermint brownies
I love jazzing up boxed brownies to make them taste rich and homemade. In this case, I added peppermint extract to give them the perfect Christmastime spin.
- Make your brownie batter according to box directions, and then stir in the added instant espresso powder and peppermint extract.
- Bake according to the box directions, and let the brownies cool while you prepare the frosting.
- Add butter and whip until light and fluffy in a stand mixer for about 1 minute.
- Slowly mix in powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time.
- Once combined, add vanilla bean paste and peppermint extract.
- Add in marshmallow creme and mix until whipped and fluffy.
- Spread frosting over brownies and top with crushed peppermint candies.
My Pro Tips
Easy Peppermint Brownies Tips
- Use your favorite boxed brownie mix. Don’t forget you’ll need water, oil, and eggs to make your boxed brownies!
- Crush up peppermint discs or candy canes for the topping.
- Vanilla extract can be used in place of vanilla bean paste.
- Marshmallow fluff can be used instead of marshmallow creme for this frosting recipe.
- Stir in walnuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor.
- Use this frosting on cookies, cakes, or even cupcakes!
More peppermint desserts
Easy Peppermint Brownies
Ingredients
For brownies:
- 1 box chocolate brownie mix, I like the Ghirardelli brand
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
For frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1-1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 7 ounces marshmallow creme
- ¼ cup crushed peppermint hard candy
Instructions
For brownies:
- Preheat the oven according to the box directions, and spray a 9×9 pan with non-stick cooking spray or line the pan with parchment paper.
- Make brownie according to the box directions, stir in the espresso powder and vanilla extract, and pour into the prepared pan.
- Bake according to box directions. The brownies are fully cooked when the edges are set, and when tested in the middle with a toothpick, a few crumbs stick to the toothpick.
- Let the brownies cool while you prepare the frosting.
For frosting:
- 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 until combined and fluffy.
- Taste the frosting, and if you want more peppermint flavor, add another 1/4 teaspoon.
- After your brownies have cooled, top with frosting and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
Notes
- PLEASE NOTE: you’ll need oil, water, and eggs to accompany your brownie mix. Whatever the box calls for.
- Let the brownies cool before frosting.
- While marshmallow creme is not the same as marshmallow fluff, they are similar and can be used interchangeably in this recipe.
- You can buy crushed peppermint candy in a bag or crush your peppermint discs or candy canes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’ve never seen prettier brownies in my life. These are freaking amazing!!!!!!!!!
That frosting sounds insanely good. I wish I lived next door to you.
What a fabulous holiday brownie idea. I had no idea that Annies had brownie mixes. Will have to get a couple for the pantry!
Peppermint is everything!
These are beyond gorgeous!!
These are going to be a favorite around here. I’m all about hot chocolate and peppermint in the winter and around Christmas time!
What’s the best way to store these if you’re making them the day before you’re going to serve them?
Hi Lisa! I would just cover the brownies with foil or plastic wrap. Just keep it air tight so the brownies don’t dry out. Hope you enjoy!
Does it taste marshmallow-y, or rather, strongly of marshmallows?