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.
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!
350°F for 25–30 mins… mine burned on the bottom at like 20. Idk if my oven runs hot, but keep an eye on it. Otherwise, nice flavor.
I made something similar and it turned out super rich. I’d just suggest not overbaking—mine went dry if I trusted the toothpick too much. Otherwise, looks solid!
Good point about the toothpick—hot chocolate brownies can keep baking a bit after you pull them. I usually aim for a few moist crumbs instead of fully clean so they don’t go dry. Thanks!
One star because i spelled peppermint wrong on the grocery list and bought toothpaste chips (kidding). Real rating: 5. Best winter dessert.
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.
Mine tasted good but the peppermint got a bit icy/crumbly on top. I think I should fold candy canes in more gently or use mint chips instead. Still would eat again.
Not sure about using 3 cups flour with only 4 eggs. That ratio feels off to me? I’d expect it to be denser, but mine turned into something closer to bars.
Lol 350 and grease the pan. Easy enough. But “toothpick comes out clean” is lie sometimes—mine never comes out clean and I still ate them 😅
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!
The instructions are straightforward, but mine didn’t come out “clean toothpick” after 30 minutes—more like moist crumbs. I baked 5 more minutes and they were better. Maybe my oven runs cool.
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. 😍
Made these for a holiday party and they disappeared fast. Everyone kept asking what the secret ingredient was—peppermint chips, duh 😄. Will 100% make again.
Not gonna lie, I thought 3 cups of flour would make them cakey, but they turned out brownie-like. The flavor is rich and sweet.
Way too sweet for me. I used 1 cup hot chocolate mix and it might have been extra sugary. If I make again I’d cut the granulated sugar a bit.
Followed the steps exactly, but my batter was super thick—like cookie dough. Still tasted great though. Next time I’ll check if “hot chocolate mix” brand matters.
My toothpick came out “clean” at 28 minutes and I regretted it—too dry. But when I reheated a piece slightly, it was way better. I’ll underbake next time for sure.
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.
Not gonna lie, 3 cups flour feels like a LOT compared to 4 eggs. Mine turned out a little more dry than brownie-y. Flavor is great, but I’d try 2.5 cups flour next time.
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 😂
Not gonna lie, I didn’t have hot chocolate mix, so I used cocoa powder and a tiny bit of sugar extra. Still pretty tasty, but the peppermint chips were the star. Good holiday vibes though.
That’s awesome—using cocoa powder makes sense, and I’m glad it still worked out! I totally agree, peppermint chips/candy canes really steal the show in these. 🎄
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.