Name: Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick); 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup white sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional); 1/2 cup all purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup white chocolate chips; 2 teaspoon coconut oil or shortening; 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies (about 12 round candy peppermints or 3-4 candy canes crushed)

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 25 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a holiday treat that’s both festive and downright addictive, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: the Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe. This recipe combines fudgy, chocolatey brownies with a creamy white chocolate peppermint topping that’s as pretty as it is delicious. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be your go-to for every winter gathering and a cozy night in.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Texture Harmony: The dense, fudgy brownie base is balanced by the crunchy peppermint layer on top, creating delightful texture contrast in every bite.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using simple pantry staples along with peppermint extract and crushed candies makes it festive without a complicated ingredient list.
Customizable and Friendly: Whether you want to use your favorite brownie mix or homemade batter, this recipe adapts beautifully.
Impressive Yet Easy: You’ll dazzle guests with minimal effort—these brownies look like a bakery treat but come together quickly.

Peppermint Bark Brownies, Peppermint Bark Brownies recipe, holiday brownies with peppermint, festive chocolate brownies, fudgy peppermint brownies - A wooden board holds eleven square brownies, each with two layers: a dark brown, dense textured base with visible chunks inside, topped by a creamy white layer sprinkled with crushed pink peppermint pieces giving a slightly rough texture. Three brownies are separated at the front, showing clear edges and layers. Behind the board, there is a small white stack of four plates with one brownie on top, and to the right, a white napkin with a pattern of small green and red chef hats rests on a white marbled surface. Scattered peppermint candies and a few chocolate chips decorate the bottom edge of the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe is all in the balance of rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint and a smooth, white chocolate topping. Each ingredient plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Eggs: They provide structure and moisture, helping the brownies stay fudgy without being cakey.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Brown Sugar: Brings a deeper caramel undertone and keeps the brownies wonderfully moist.
White Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create that classic brownie crust you’ll love.
Vanilla Extract: A little warmth and depth — never skip vanilla in your brownies!
Peppermint Extract (optional): A small splash amps up that cool, festive flavor in the batter.
All-Purpose Flour: Keeps the structure just right, not too dense or dry.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For that rich, bittersweet chocolate punch.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melts slightly inside for pockets of luscious chocolate goodness.
White Chocolate Chips: For the creamy, velvety peppermint bark topping.
Coconut Oil or Shortening: Helps melt and smooth the white chocolate for the perfect spreadable texture.
Crushed Peppermint Candies: Adds that signature minty crunch and festive look.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I really love about this Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your tastes or occasions — and honestly, experimenting with variations is half the fun. You’ll find your own perfect twist once you play around a bit.

Using Boxed Brownie Mix: Sometimes life calls for convenience—I often swap in my favorite boxed mix for the base, add chocolate chips and peppermint extract, then top with the classic bark.
Extra Peppermint Kick: I like adding a touch more peppermint extract or topping with crushed candy canes for sharper mint flavor if I’m in a festive mood.
Dairy-Free Variation: Swap out butter and coconut oil for plant-based versions to make these vegan-friendly without losing the rich texture.
Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Double up on semi-sweet and white chocolate chips or swirl melted dark chocolate into the batter for an extra indulgence.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat Oven

First things first—grab an 8×8 square pan and line it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and lifting later. Give it a light spray of oil so your brownies don’t stick. Then set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm while you prep the batter. I always use foil—it’s saved me so many headaches when cutting brownies without crumbs everywhere.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Crack your eggs into a large bowl and whisk them until the yolks break and the mixture is a little frothy. Then add melted butter (make sure it’s cooled a bit so you don’t cook the eggs), brown and white sugars, vanilla, and if you’re feeling it, that pinch of peppermint extract. Stir everything together until fully combined and beautifully glossy. This step is where you start tasting the magic—sweet, buttery, with a hint of mint already.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold In Chocolate

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt to keep things smooth and lump-free. Pour this into the wet mixture and fold gently with a spatula just until combined—overmixing can toughen the brownies, and no one wants that! Then, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for gooey pockets of chocolate delight.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Spread your batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top with your spatula. Bake for about 25-28 minutes—start checking at 25 minutes by poking a toothpick in the center. You want it to come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter, for that perfect fudgy texture. Let the brownies cool completely on the foil before adding the peppermint bark topping. Patience here really pays off.

Step 5: Make the Peppermint Bark Topping

Microwave the white chocolate chips and coconut oil together at half power, 30 seconds at a time. Stir between each interval with a dry spoon until silky smooth—don’t rush this; white chocolate can seize if overheated. Pour and spread this luscious layer evenly over your cooled brownies, then sprinkle generously with crushed peppermint candies. Pop them into the fridge for 30-45 minutes to allow the top to set firm.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overmix Your Batter: Keep your brownies fudgy by folding just until the flour disappears. Overmixing makes them cakier, which isn’t what you want here.
Use Room Temperature Eggs: They whisk better and help everything come together smoothly without clumps.
Microwave in Intervals: Heating white chocolate slowly and stirring frequently prevents burning or clumping—take it slow for silky results.
Cool Before Topping: Let those brownies cool completely to avoid melting the white chocolate layer into a mess.

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep things simple with these brownies—just the crushed peppermint candies on top are enough to make them festive and inviting. But if you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra swirl of melted white chocolate can amp up the presentation.

Side Dishes

These brownies shine as a dessert or festive treat alongside a cup of rich hot cocoa or peppermint-infused coffee. They also make a fun sweet ending to a holiday dinner when paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or special occasions, I love stacking these peppermint bark brownies in a pretty box lined with parchment paper, tied with a red ribbon. You can also cut them into mini bite-sized squares for a party platter, garnished with tiny sprigs of fresh mint or edible glitter to up the wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After setting the peppermint bark topping, wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store the brownies in the fridge. They keep well for up to 5 days, and I find chilling actually intensifies the peppermint flavor—a nice surprise!

Freezing

Freeze uncut brownies in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When you want a sweet fix, just thaw in the fridge overnight and you’re good to go.

Reheating

If you want warmed brownies, I recommend reheating a single piece briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—long enough to soften the base without melting the peppermint bark topping too much. The contrast between slightly warm brownie and cool white chocolate is something special.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought brownie mix for the Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe?

Absolutely! Many readers love using their favorite boxed brownie mix for convenience. Just add some peppermint extract and chocolate chips to the mix for extra flavor, then top with the white chocolate peppermint bark as instructed. It’s a great shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
What can I substitute for crushed peppermint candies?

If you don’t have peppermint candies on hand, crushed candy canes work wonderfully. You can also try finely chopped peppermint bark or even peppermint-flavored sprinkles for a similar effect.
How do I prevent the white chocolate from melting into the brownies?

Make sure the brownies are completely cool before pouring on the melted white chocolate. If the base is still warm, the chocolate topping will melt and become runny rather than set firm.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! You can substitute dairy-free butter or coconut oil for the butter and choose dairy-free chocolate chips and white chocolate. Keep in mind texture may vary slightly, but the peppermint flavor will still shine through.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe always brings a smile to my face because it mixes holiday cheer with a classic favorite. It’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but special enough to share with friends, family, or coworkers. I hope you try it and love it as much as I do—once you taste the fudgy base kissed with peppermint and white chocolate, you’ll be making these year after year!