Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies combine everything we love about winter treats: rich chocolate, creamy texture, and a refreshing cool hint of mint. These brownies taste like a cup of peppermint hot chocolate baked into a fudgy square, perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie boxes, or a cozy night in. They’re festive without being complicated, and the swirl of crushed candy canes on top adds just the right amount of crunch.
The base of these brownies is dense and chocolaty, with melted butter and cocoa powder creating that classic fudgy texture. A touch of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor, making it deeper and more aromatic. Peppermint extract brings a burst of coolness that balances the richness, while marshmallows or mini marshmallow bits mimic the soft sweetness you find in a mug of hot chocolate. When everything melts together in the oven, the result is an irresistible mix of gooey chocolate and light mint that feels like pure holiday comfort.
These brownies shine at holiday parties because they offer the familiar comfort of hot chocolate in a handheld treat. They slice cleanly once cooled, making them ideal for gifting or arranging on a dessert board. If you want to elevate them even more, drizzle the top with melted chocolate and sprinkle crushed candy canes while the drizzle is still warm. The candy adds color, texture, and a festive aroma that makes the brownies look extra cheerful.
They’re also incredibly versatile. You can use dark chocolate for a bolder taste, milk chocolate for a sweeter finish, or even add chocolate chips to the batter for extra pockets of melty goodness. If you prefer stronger peppermint flavor, add another small splash of extract, but keep in mind that peppermint can overpower easily, so a little goes a long way.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Brownies are best served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a light dusting of cocoa powder. They keep well for several days, making them perfect for preparing ahead during busy holiday weeks. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or simply treating yourself, these brownies bring all the joy of a winter classic in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter melted
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 cup hot chocolate mix unsweetened
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peppermint chocolate chips or crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add in hot chocolate mix and cocoa powder; mix until fully incorporated.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the peppermint chocolate chips or candy canes.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
- Allow to cool before slicing into squares and serving.
Nutrition
Perfect for the holidays! The peppermint flavor is on point. 🎄❤️
I agree, these brownies are a must for holiday gatherings! So yummy! 🎉
You really gotta bake them long enough. Mine were gooey in the middle. 👎
I added extra chocolate chips, but they were still too sweet for me.
lol made these once, family ate all of em in a day. Would definitely do again.
I’m skeptical about hot chocolate mix in brownies… but wow, it really boosts the chocolate flavor. I used semisweet chips instead of candy canes and it still worked.
These brownies are heavenly! The peppermint twist is just perfect. My family loved them!
I followed the recipe exactly but they turned out super dry. What did I do wrong?
This is the best brownie recipe I ever tried! 🥳
I messed up and didn’t preheat all the way (my bad). They turned out okay, just flatter and kinda dense. Taste is still there though—minty chocolate heaven.
I followed the recipe pretty much exactly, but mine were more cakey than brownie-y. Still tasty though—just next time I’ll probably check a couple minutes earlier so they don’t overbake.
Ooh that makes sense—25–30 can easily go a little past brownie stage. Next time maybe pull them when the toothpick has a few moist crumbs instead of clean (since they keep firming as they cool). Also did you spoon & level the flour? Too much flour can make them cakier.