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.
Hot chocolate mix + cocoa powder is overkill maybe? I’m usually team “less cocoa,” but this actually tastes richer than expected. Still, I’d cut sugar by a few tbsp.
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.
Quick note: I only had Dutch-process cocoa powder, not regular unsweetened cocoa, and it turned out okay but less chocolatey than expected. Still edible tho, so I guess I’m not mad lol.
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.
I followed it pretty closely, but 3 cups flour felt like a lot for only 4 eggs—my batter was thick and the brownies came out more dense than I expected. Still tasty though!
That makes sense—3 cups flour with only 4 eggs can absolutely make them stodgier. I’ve had luck reducing flour a bit or adding a splash of milk/extra melted butter if the batter looks too thick.
Not bad! The hot chocolate mix makes it taste more “cocoa-y” than regular brownies. Next time I’ll reduce the sugar just a tiny bit.
The ingredient list seems a little heavy on cocoa/hot chocolate mix—still worked, but the batter felt super thick. Took longer to bake than the 25-30 min range for me.
um… 3 cups flour?? i doubted it but i tried anyway. they came out super rich lol. might make again for sure.
Super easy to make, I just mixed everything together and hoped for the best. They turned out great!
These sound dangerously good. Peppermint + chocolate brownies is my whole personality this winter. Can’t wait to try—25–30 min feels perfect for a fudgy center.
I used crushed candy canes like it says and now my kitchen smells amazing. My only complaint is I wish they were a bit less sugary, but my family devoured them fast.
Made these for a holiday party and they were a huge hit. The peppermint flavor comes through without tasting like toothpaste. Mine baked closer to 28 minutes.
I followed the recipe pretty closely, but mine might’ve overbaked a bit. Still good though—nice chocolatey sweetness with a clear minty kick.
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.
These came out super fudgy and the peppermint flavor is spot-on. I used crushed candy canes and it actually tasted like winter at home 😄
Mine came out dry. I think 30 minutes was too long for my oven. I’d start checking at like 22-24 next time and cover loosely with foil if browning fast.
Ugh, sorry yours were dry! I agree—ovens run different. I’ve found mine get dry if I go past ~25 minutes, and I also loosely tent with foil after they start browning.
Maybe not the time—did you measure flour right? 3 cups is a lot, and if it’s packed or scooped heavy they’ll dry out. I’d try baking closer to 22–24 AND keep an eye on doneness (toothpick with moist crumbs beats totally clean).
Kinda meh for me. The peppermint chips tasted artificial and a little too sugary. If you love candy canes you’ll probably like it more.
Not gonna lie, I think candy canes are a scam in brownies. But I tried crushed peppermint chips and it worked way better than I expected. Texture was dense in a good way.
These are dangerously good. The peppermint comes through just enough, and the texture is fudgy instead of cakey—exactly what I wanted. I baked mine 28 minutes and they were perfect.
I used peppermint chocolate chips and now my kitchen smells like Christmas lol. Super comforting. Cooling time helped a lot—slice better after it sets.
Peppermint chocolate chips were the move 😍 My place smelled amazing too. The cooling time is so real—cutting too early makes them crumble. Thanks for confirming!
Ok but 25-30 mins and toothpick clean… mine always lies a bit lol. Still, peppermint chips do sound way better than candy canes. Did you swap anything else or just that?
I followed the recipe pretty closely, but I think my hot chocolate mix was sweeter than yours. Still tasty though—next time I’ll reduce the sugar a bit. Peppermint candy canes were a fun touch.
Ooh yeah, that makes sense—mine was sweet too and I used a slightly chocolatey mix. Next time I’m cutting the granulated sugar or getting an unsweetened mix for sure. Candy canes definitely add that festive vibe!
I think you should’ve used less cocoa powder too? Like if it’s already sweet from hot chocolate mix then cocoa should balance it out… but idk, I always mess it up. Still, peppermint candy canes sounds amazing.
The peppermint chips sank to the bottom on mine 😭 but the top still had a nice cocoa crust. Tastes festive at least!
I’m picky with peppermint desserts and these hit the balance. Sweetness is on point and the texture is nice. Next batch I might add a pinch of espresso powder.
Pretty easy overall. I was worried about 3 cups flour—seemed like a lot—but they still came out fudgy-ish. Next time I’ll use mini chips so every bite gets peppermint.
i dont get it—too much steps for brownies. but it was easy enough. flavor was good though. would make again.
This is my new holiday dessert. I used crushed candy canes because I ran out of chips—so much crunch. 10/10 with coffee.
Followed it pretty much, but mine needed like 35 minutes not 25-30. Still came out fudgy though. I’ll blame my oven 🙃
Wow these sound dangerously good. The peppermint + cocoa combo is exactly my kind of chaos—making these for friends this weekend.
Easy recipe! Kids helped me, and it turned out fine. Only thing is I used 1 cup chocolate chips and they melted weird, so the ratio matters.
These are dangerously good. The peppermint flavor really comes through without tasting like toothpaste (thankfully). I baked mine like 28 minutes and they were fudgy, not cake-y.
I had no unsweetened cocoa powder so I used regular. It still worked, but it’s way darker and more intense—almost like a chocolate cake brownie hybrid.
That makes sense, but be careful—regular cocoa can mess with the sweetness/balance. I bet it turned out super rich. Did you add less hot chocolate mix or sugar at all?
Oh wow, that actually sounds amazing—using regular cocoa would definitely darken it. I’m kinda into the “brownie hybrid” vibe though 😄
Wow!!! I made these for a holiday party and everyone asked for the recipe. Easy too—especially mixing the wet/dry separately. Definitely adding to my rotation.
I’m skeptical about 3 cups flour with that amount of butter/sugar. Like… aren’t brownies usually less flour? Might be more like a cakey bar than a brownie.
I followed it exactly and mine turned out a bit dry. The toothpick thing may be too strict—mine came out “clean” but I’d rather have it a little fudgy. Flavor is great though.
Ugh I’m sorry! I’ve found these can get dry fast with the full 25–30 mins. Next time, pull them when the toothpick has a couple moist crumbs (not perfectly clean) and keep an eye on the edges.
Not gonna lie, the combo of hot chocolate mix + cocoa powder sounds a little extra, but it works. The sweetness is spot on and the peppermint chips give nice little pops.
I totally get the “extra” vibe 😄 but honestly using both hot chocolate mix and cocoa powder is exactly what makes it taste richer. The sweetness balance + peppermint chips sounds perfect for holiday parties.
These turned out dangerously good. The peppermint flavor is strong but in a holiday way, and they’re super fudgy for brownies. I used crushed candy canes and they baked up perfectly.
I think the bake time is a little off? Mine took longer than 30 minutes and the toothpick didn’t come out clean until maybe 38. But once it set, the texture was great.
350°F is fine, but “toothpick clean” made me overbake—mine dried out. Next time I’ll pull them when there are a few moist crumbs instead. Otherwise pretty solid.
Totally agree on the toothpick—“clean” usually means mine are overdone too. I pull mine when there are a few moist crumbs and they stay fudgy. Thanks for the tip!
These are dangerously addictive. I brought them to work and they disappeared fast. The peppermint chips gave actual crunch in the middle which I loved.
I’m confused about the toothpick—mine came out with a little batter at 25 minutes, so I pulled early and it was perfect. If you wait for “clean,” you might overbake.
These are dangerously good. The peppermint comes through without tasting like toothpaste (big win). I baked mine 28 minutes and they were fudgy in the middle.
Umm I’m not sure about 3 cups flour… seems like a lot for brownies, but maybe it’s more like a blondie/bars hybrid? Mine was drier than expected.
I didn’t have unsweetened hot chocolate mix, so I used a sweet one. Big mistake—too sweet and kind of masked the peppermint. Probably works with the right mix though.