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.
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! 🥳
Yummy!!! 😍 Just in time for winter, I added a little extra choc. chips tho.
More cocoa powder please! The chocolate was too weak.
Brownies n hot chocolate, is this a joke? Sounds too sweet for me.
Honestly, sounds gross. How can people eat that much sugar? Yuck.
I think it’s a sweet combo! Perfect for the holidays! 🍫🎄
Wow, these were bomb! Great recipe, thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you liked them! They really are a hit during the holidays!
They were okay, but I don’t think I’d make them again. Too sweet for my taste!
I dunno, my brownies came out kinda flat. I followed the recipe!
I followed the recipe exactly but they came out dry. Not sure what I did wrong.
Can’t believe how easy this was to make! Will definitely try it again for Christmas.
I totally agree! I made these for a family gathering and everyone loved them. Super easy and delicious!
These are so fudgy and rich! My family loved them, will make again for sure!
My batter was super thick after adding 3 cups flour—almost like cookie dough. It baked fine, just looked different than I imagined.
Mine did the same thing—very thick, almost like cookie dough. I think that’s just how this one comes out with 3 cups flour. Yours still baked fine, so I wouldn’t stress!
Wait—3 cups flour in brownies? Mine would never. Maybe your eggs were smaller? I feel like it should be thinner; next time I’d cut flour by 1/2 cup or add a splash of milk/hot chocolate to loosen it. Still, if a toothpick was clean, then it worked I guess 😅
These brownies are pure magic! The peppermint is perfect for the holidays. I’ll definitely make them again!
Tried these, but I didn’t have peppermint chips, and they were kind of meh.
I get that! Peppermint chips really make a difference. You should try it again with them!
Meh? But hot chocolate and brownies are like perfect together! Just add more sugar next time lol.
OMG!!! So delicious! The kids loved them, even my picky eater. 😍
Confusing step 9: “toothpick comes out clean” — but with brownies I usually look for a fudgy toothpick. Mine came out a bit dry. Taste is still good.
The ingredient list is too much sugar for me—1 cup butter + 1 1/4 cups granulated + 1 cup brown sugar… that’s basically a candy factory 😂
Delicious but I don’t see why you need all that flour, aren’t brownies supposed to be more fudgy? 🤔
Sounds cool but like, can u use regular chocolate instead of peppermint? Asking for a friend.
These brownies are more like cake bars to me. Still tasty, but I expected more chew. Next time I’ll reduce bake time.
I don’t think brownies need that much sugar! Too sweet for me.
I used crushed candy canes and I regret nothing. The flavor is strong in the best way—just don’t overbake or it turns dry.
Super easy directions, and the peppermint chips gave these a nice holiday vibe. I’m giving them 5 stars just because they smell amazing while baking.
5 stars for smell is fair 😂 I followed it but my brownies were kinda cakey? maybe I overmixed the flour. Also I used peppermint candy canes instead of chips and they got a little too crunchy. Still yummy though.
Yes!! I made these last week and the peppermint chips totally make them smell like a winter bakery. Agree on the super easy steps—mine came out great.
Super easy to make, I just mixed everything together and hoped for the best. They turned out great!
Not sure about “hot chocolate mix unsweetened” though—most of the ones I buy are sweetened. I added about 1/2 tsp extra salt to balance and it worked.
Good point! I also have only found sweetened hot cocoa mixes in stores, so I’d definitely adjust sugar/salt. The fact that 1/2 tsp extra salt worked makes sense—nice fix!
Wait, why would you add MORE salt if the mix is already sweetened? That seems backwards to me. I’m gonna try it but I’ll probably just use unsweetened cocoa instead and skip the salt change lol.
Followed it pretty much, but mine needed like 35 minutes not 25-30. Still came out fudgy though. I’ll blame my oven 🙃