The holidays are made for sweet family moments, and few things bring more joy than baking festive treats together. Easy Peppermint Bark Brownie Bars combine the rich comfort of brownie mix brownies with the sparkle of peppermint bark, creating the perfect Christmas dessert to make with kids. This recipe uses simple ingredients many families already have at home, so there’s no need for last-minute shopping. In this post, you’ll discover the heartwarming story behind the recipe, easy step-by-step directions, creative variations, tips for baking with children, and a handy FAQ—everything you need for unforgettable peppermint bark brownie bars this season.

Easy Peppermint Bark Brownie Bars – A Christmas Dessert To Make With Kids

How Peppermint Bark Brownie Bars Became a Family Favorite

The Memory Behind This Holiday Treat

The first time we made Easy Peppermint Bark Brownie Bars as a family, the kitchen filled with the cozy scent of chocolate and crushed candy canes. My kids stood on stools, giggling as they sprinkled tiny flakes of peppermint over warm brownies fresh from the oven. It wasn’t just another baking night—it became the beginning of a beloved Christmas tradition. We discovered that peppermint bark desserts were not only easy to make but perfect for capturing the spirit of the season. Every year since, these peppermint bark brownie bars have held a special place on our holiday table, reminding us that creating a Christmas dessert to make with kids is about connection as much as flavor. The simple combination of glossy chocolate and minty sweetness made the whole house smell like joy—and marked the recipe as one of our must-have holiday moments.

Parents know how hectic the holiday season can get. Between shopping, decorating, and wrapping gifts, there’s not always time to bake complicated desserts. That’s why this brownie mix recipe is such a time-saver. Using a boxed brownie mix means you can skip measuring flour and cocoa, yet still enjoy chewy, homemade-tasting brownies. It’s the perfect example of desserts with things you have at home—basic pantry staples like eggs, oil, and a handful of candy canes.

Kids can help with nearly every step, from stirring the batter to pressing crushed peppermint into the melted white chocolate layer. It’s simple, safe, and interactive, offering plenty of hands-on fun with supervision. For parents, these brownie mix brownies mean less prep, fewer dishes, and guaranteed smiles. They turn a busy evening into a family memory—proof that sometimes the best Christmas desserts to make with kids don’t have to be fancy or time-consuming, just made with love and a sprinkle of crushed candy joy.

Simple Ingredients and Easy Step-by-Step Directions

What You’ll Need – Ingredients and Tools

The beauty of Easy Peppermint Bark Brownie Bars is that they come together using everyday pantry staples and simple tools you already own. This makes them a go-to Christmas dessert to make with kids even when you don’t feel like running to the store. Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible brownie mix brownies:

Ingredients	Amount	Notes
Boxed brownie mix	1 standard box (for a 9×13 pan)	Choose your favorite fudge or chewy variety
Eggs	As directed on the box	Room temperature for best texture
Vegetable oil	As directed on the box	Can also use melted butter for richer flavor
Water	As directed on the box	Check your brand’s instructions
White chocolate chips	1 ½ cups	Use high-quality chips for a smooth melt
Peppermint extract	½ teaspoon	Adds a true minty aroma
Crushed candy canes	½ cup	Reserve a little extra for garnish
Semi-sweet chocolate chips or bar	½ cup	Optional – adds depth under the white layer
Parchment paper	–	Makes lifting brownies easier
Sprinkles (optional)	–	For festive decoration with kids

Tools You’ll Need:

Mixing bowls (one medium, one small)
Spatula or wooden spoon
9×13-inch baking pan
Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
Knife and cutting board (for crushing candy canes)
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack

These simple tools are all it takes to make festive peppermint bark brownie bars full of holiday flavor and family fun.

How to Make Peppermint Bark Brownie Bars

This recipe is designed to be easy enough for kids to help with, making it one of the most enjoyable Christmas desserts to make with kids. The steps are straightforward, and cleanup is minimal—ideal for busy holiday baking sessions.

Prepare and bake the brownie layer: Preheat the oven to 350°F (or follow your mix’s instructions). Line the baking pan with parchment paper. Combine the brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water in a bowl and stir until smooth. Spread into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely.
Make the peppermint bark topping: Melt the white chocolate chips in 20-second microwave bursts, stirring between intervals. Stir in peppermint extract. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over cooled brownies. For a richer variation, drizzle melted semi-sweet chocolate before adding the white layer. Sprinkle crushed candy canes while warm.
Chill and slice: Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the chocolate set, then lift out using the parchment paper and slice into bars or festive shapes with cookie cutters.

Baking tips for families:

Supervise oven or microwave use closely, but let kids handle decorating and stirring.
Keep a damp cloth nearby to tidy up sticky chocolate fingers.
Play holiday tunes or wear matching aprons to make the experience memorable.

These simple, repeatable steps make peppermint bark brownie bars a guaranteed hit for everyone—from toddlers who love sprinkling candy canes to adults who crave minty, chocolatey layers. They’re quick, foolproof, and perfect for cozy baking recipes desserts Christmas celebrations.

Fun Twists, Storage Tips & Baking With Kids Successfully

Creative Variations for Peppermint Bark Desserts

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, it’s easy to give your Easy Peppermint Bark Brownie Bars a festive twist. The best part of holiday baking is experimenting and giving little bakers the freedom to express themselves. Try these fun variations of peppermint bark desserts:

White Chocolate Swirl Brownies: Drizzle melted white chocolate into the brownie batter before baking and swirl with a toothpick for a marbled design.
Gluten-Free Version: Replace the mix with a gluten-free brand for an inclusive treat.
Mint Chocolate Chip Layer: Mix in mini chocolate chips or chopped mint candies.
Marshmallow Peppermint Bars: Scatter mini marshmallows over cooled brownies before topping with white chocolate for gooey texture.
Holiday Sprinkle Magic: Decorate with red, green, or silver sprinkles for a vibrant seasonal look.

You can also repurpose leftover peppermint bark desserts into hot cocoa stir-ins, cookie toppings, or festive cupcake garnishes. The possibilities are endless when you make baking a creative family activity.

Storage, Gifting, and Baking With Kids Tips

How to Store: Keep bars in an airtight container with parchment between layers. Store at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for a week. For long-term storage, freeze individually wrapped bars and thaw at room temperature before serving. These convenient desserts with things you have at home are holiday lifesavers.

Gifting Ideas: Stack brownies in cellophane bags tied with ribbon or place them in decorative tins lined with tissue paper. Kids can assist by labeling and decorating tags, personalizing the gifts for family or neighbors.

Tips for Baking With Kids:

Organize ingredients and tools before starting to keep things flowing smoothly.
Assign age-appropriate tasks from mixing to sprinkling.
Line surfaces with wax paper for easier cleanup.
Use baking time as a learning opportunity about measuring, mixing, and temperatures.
Embrace imperfections—they reflect the fun of making a Christmas dessert to make with kids.

Making brownie mix brownies together is more than following directions—it’s about connection, laughter, and creating delicious memories that last beyond the holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make peppermint bark brownie bars ahead of time?

Yes! One of the best features of Easy Peppermint Bark Brownie Bars is their make-ahead convenience. You can bake the brownie layer a day or two early, add the peppermint topping later, and refrigerate until ready. Perfect for a stress-free Christmas dessert to make with kids.

How do I keep brownies moist after baking?

Avoid overbaking to maintain a fudgy texture. Store cooled bars in an airtight container with a slice of bread inside to help retain moisture. This simple trick keeps your brownie mix brownies soft and chewy for days.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

You can double the crushed candy canes or add mint-flavored chips for flavor. Vanilla extract also works for a cozy twist. That’s the joy of desserts with things you have at home—improvisation keeps it easy and delicious.

Can kids help with all steps safely?

Yes—with careful supervision. Kids can mix ingredients, pour batter, and decorate while adults handle baking and melting chocolate. These peppermint bark brownie bars encourage teamwork, creativity, and family fun—the essence of a Christmas dessert to make with kids.

Conclusion

Easy Peppermint Bark Brownie Bars capture what holiday baking should be: simple, joyful, and sweet. Even quick brownie mix brownies become magical when topped with creamy white chocolate and peppermint crunch. Whether baked for parties, gifted to friends, or set out for Santa, they fit effortlessly into your family celebrations.

These peppermint bark desserts are more than treats—they’re memories. Made with desserts with things you have at home, they’re practical yet festive, keeping the holidays kind to your wallet and schedule. Most importantly, they bring laughter and learning into your kitchen, turning each baking session into time well spent together.

So preheat the oven, gather your helpers, and create something special this season. Let the scent of chocolate and mint fill your home as you share smiles over homemade bars that embody everything wonderful about baking recipes desserts Christmas. Here’s to love, laughter, and the sweetness of Easy Peppermint Bark Brownie Bars.