Peppermint Chocolate Brownies

By Kenneth
/ February 5, 2026

Recipes, vegan

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Peppermint Chocolate Brownies (makes 9–12 brownies)

Ingredients

Dry

¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
½ tsp salt

Wet

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- or vegan butter for dairy-free
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
- or 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 5 tbsp water)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp peppermint extract (no more — it’s strong)

Chocolate

¾ cup dark chocolate chips or chunks

Optional topping

Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Melted dark chocolate drizzle

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C.
Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for lifting.
Lightly grease the parchment.

2. Mix dry ingredients

In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Set aside.

3. Build the brownie batter

In a larger bowl, whisk melted butter with granulated and brown sugar until glossy.
Add eggs (or flax eggs) and whisk vigorously for 30–45 seconds until slightly thickened.
Whisk in vanilla and peppermint extract.

This step helps create a fudgy texture.

4. Combine

Fold dry ingredients into wet just until no dry spots remain.
Gently fold in chocolate chips.
Do not overmix.

5. Bake

Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top if using (light hand).
Bake 20–25 minutes, until:
- edges are set
- center is slightly soft
- a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter

6. Cool (important)

Let brownies cool completely in the pan.
For clean slices, chill 30 minutes before cutting.

Texture & Flavor Tips

Too cakey? Bake time was too long or batter overmixed.
Extra fudgy: underbake by 1–2 minutes and cool fully.
Peppermint control: if unsure, start with ¼ tsp extract and taste the batter.

Variations

Triple chocolate: add ¼ cup white or mint chocolate chips.
Vegan: use vegan butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate.
Holiday-style: drizzle melted dark chocolate and sprinkle candy cane dust on top.