There’s something truly magical about baking Peppermint Bark Brownies from scratch during the holidays. The combination of rich, fudgy chocolate, creamy layers of peppermint bark, and the sweet crunch of candy canes captures the joyful spirit of Christmas in every bite. In this complete Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe From Scratch, you’ll learn how to make these festive Holiday Brownies step by step—right from selecting ingredients to achieving that perfect fudgy texture. This guide also includes creative variations, baking secrets, and helpful FAQs so you can serve the most irresistible Christmas Brownies for family, friends, and celebrations alike.
How Peppermint Brownies Became My Go-To Christmas Treat
It all started one snowy December weekend when the aroma of melting chocolate filled my kitchen. The windows were frosted, carols drifted softly in the background, and I stood over a mixing bowl, folding glossy ribbons of chocolate into a thick brownie batter. What began as a spontaneous idea quickly turned into a cherished holiday tradition—my very own Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe From Scratch.
As the oven worked its magic, the sweet scent of cocoa mingled with crushed candy canes, creating an atmosphere of pure comfort. My kids giggled while unwrapping peppermint sticks, eagerly waiting to crush them for topping. When the brownies cooled, I spread a smooth layer of melted white chocolate across the surface, sprinkled on the peppermint shards, and watched the top sparkle like fresh snow.
Later that evening, I packed up a few Christmas Brownies in festive tins and dropped them off at our neighbors’ doors. Their smiles, followed by grateful texts about “the best brownies ever,” turned that simple baking session into a heartfelt memory I look forward to repeating every December. These peppermint bark brownies aren’t just desserts—they’re little pieces of holiday joy wrapped in chocolate and peppermint.
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Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe From Scratch for Christmas
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
Description
These peppermint bark brownies combine a fudgy chocolate base with a creamy white chocolate peppermint bark topping for a festive holiday treat. Easy to make from scratch, they are perfect for gifting, parties, and cozy winter gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment.
2. Melt butter and semisweet chocolate together until smooth; let cool slightly.
3. Whisk sugars, eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract until combined, then stir in melted chocolate.
4. Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then fold into wet mixture without overmixing.
5. Spread batter in pan and bake 28–32 minutes until a toothpick has moist crumbs.
6. Cool brownies completely in pan.
7. Melt white chocolate and spread over cooled brownies, then sprinkle crushed candy canes.
8. Chill 20–30 minutes until topping firms, then lift out and cut into squares.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 60
Keywords: peppermint, brownies, holiday brownies, christmas brownies, peppermint bark, fudge brownies, festive dessert
Why Everyone Loves This Peppermint Fudge Brownies Recipe
It’s hard not to fall in love with these Peppermint Fudge Brownies—each bite brings together deep cocoa flavor, velvety chocolate layers, and a cool peppermint crunch. They’re the kind of dessert that feels at home in every festive setting, whether you’re enjoying a quiet movie night or hosting a lively Christmas party. The balance of textures—chewy brownie base, creamy chocolate topping, and crisp candy cane bits—makes every slice a celebration of contrast and comfort.
An added secret: this Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe From Scratch actually tastes even better the next day. As the flavors settle, the fudgy brownie base becomes denser and more flavorful, while the minty top layer keeps its cheerful bite. Best of all, this recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers who want to create homemade Holiday Brownies without needing fancy tools or advanced skills. It’s a delightful way to bring holiday magic into your kitchen—straight from scratch, with love, chocolate, and peppermint cheer.
How to Make Peppermint Bark Brownies from Scratch
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need for Homemade Peppermint Bark Brownies
Before diving into the baking magic, gather all your essentials. This Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe From Scratch uses simple pantry staples and a few festive touches to make the best Holiday Brownies ever.
Ingredients for the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 8 ounces semisweet or dark baking chocolate, chopped
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Ingredients for the Peppermint Bark Topping:
- 8 ounces white chocolate or white chocolate chips
- ½ cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips (optional swirl)
- ½ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Essential Tools:
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Heatproof bowl and saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Whisk and rubber spatula
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Offset spatula
Quick Reference Table – Measurements & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Measurement | Substitution Option |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | 1 cup | Coconut oil (for dairy-free option) |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | Gluten-free flour blend |
| Dark chocolate | 8 oz | Milk chocolate (for sweeter flavor) |
| White chocolate | 8 oz | Almond bark or white candy melts |
| Peppermint extract | 1 tsp | Omit for milder flavor |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Christmas Brownies
- Prep Your Pan and Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang for lifting later.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Melt the butter and chopped chocolate together until smooth and glossy. Cool slightly.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: Whisk sugars, eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Add melted chocolate mixture and whisk until silky.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold into the wet mixture—avoid overmixing to keep brownies fudgy.
- Bake the Brownie Layer: Spread batter evenly in the pan. Bake 28–32 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few sticky crumbs. Cool completely.
- Make the Peppermint Bark Topping: Melt white chocolate, pour over cooled brownies, and smooth. Optionally drizzle dark chocolate and create swirls.
- Add a Festive Peppermint Finish: Sprinkle crushed candy canes while the topping is still soft for that merry look.
- Chill and Slice: Refrigerate 20–30 minutes, then lift and cut into squares with a warm knife.
Baking Tips:
- Use an 8×8-inch pan for thicker brownies.
- Cool fully before slicing to prevent cracking.
- Swap gluten-free flour 1:1 for a gluten-free batch.
- Use vegan butter and chocolate for dairy-free options.
Now you have a festive tray of glistening Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe From Scratch ready for gifting, sharing, and indulging. Every bite delivers that perfect mix of fudgy chocolate, creamy bark, and minty crunch—a holiday dessert to remember.
Tips, Tricks & Variations for the Best Peppermint Brownies
Secrets to Getting That Fudgy Texture Every Time
The key to perfect Holiday Brownies lies in mastering their texture. A decadent brownie should be moist, dense, and slightly gooey in the center—not dry or crumbly. Here are expert tips for irresistibly fudgy Peppermint Fudge Brownies every time.
- Measure precisely and use real chocolate. High-quality chocolate ensures richness—avoid replacing it entirely with cocoa powder.
- Use room-temperature eggs. This keeps the batter smooth and prevents seizing.
- Avoid overmixing. Fold gently after adding flour to keep that chewy texture.
- Don’t overbake. Remove when crumbs cling to the tester—residual heat will finish the job.
- Cool completely. Let the brownies rest before slicing for clean, beautiful edges.
Fudgy vs. Cakey Brownies – Quick Comparison
| Brownie Type | Texture & Moisture | Mixing Technique | Baking Time | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fudgy | Dense, rich, moist | Minimal mixing | Slightly underbaked | Peppermint Fudge Brownies |
| Cakey | Light and airy | More beating for air | Fully baked | Lunchbox-style brownies |
Festive Twists & Serving Ideas for Christmas Brownies
- Giftable Brownie Squares: Wrap in parchment, tie with string, and package in tins for homemade gifts.
- Brownie Dessert Bars for Parties: Arrange on platters with other holiday sweets for a cheery dessert spread.
- Peppermint Brownie Sundaes: Warm, top with ice cream, fudge sauce, and candy cane bits—perfect winter indulgence.
- Marshmallow & Oreo Variation: Mix crushed Oreos or top with mini marshmallows for playful texture.
- Christmas Dessert Centerpiece: Stack brownies into a tree shape, dust with sugar “snow,” and top with a peppermint star.
- Hot Cocoa Pairing: Enjoy your Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe From Scratch beside mugs of cocoa or lattes for cozy gatherings.
These creative ideas prove that Christmas Brownies can be both decadent and delightful. With festive flair and small tweaks, the same Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe From Scratch becomes a versatile treat—ideal for gifting or savoring all season long.
FAQs about Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe From Scratch
Can I make peppermint bark brownies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe From Scratch up to two days in advance. Once cooled and set, store covered at room temperature—the flavor improves overnight.
How should I store them?
Keep your Holiday Brownies airtight at room temperature up to four days. Refrigerate if your kitchen is warm to keep the bark crisp.
Can I freeze the brownies with peppermint bark topping?
Yes. Freeze cooled brownies in a single layer, wrap individually, and place in freezer bags. Thaw overnight before serving—they’ll stay perfectly minty.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free or dairy-free?
Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend and use dairy-free butter and chocolate. The Peppermint Fudge Brownies stay just as rich and chewy.
What’s the best chocolate to use?
Choose semisweet or dark baking chocolate with 60–70% cacao for balanced sweetness and smooth melt—ideal for bakery-style Christmas Brownies.
Celebrate the Holidays with Sweet Memories
There’s more to this Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe From Scratch than a treat—it’s a holiday tradition in the making. Simple ingredients like butter, chocolate, and peppermint join forces to create a dessert full of warmth, nostalgia, and joy.
Whether you’re packaging them as gifts or serving them at family dinner, these Holiday Brownies embody the sweetness of togetherness. Their fudge-like richness and minty crunch capture the true taste of the season.
So, this Christmas, preheat your oven, crush a few candy canes, and whip up a batch of these delightful Christmas Brownies. Share them with loved ones, sip cocoa on the side, and let the aroma of peppermint and chocolate fill your home with cheer. Happy baking!
