Peppermint Brownies with Glaze (Printable)

Rich, fudgy brownies infused with peppermint and topped with a refreshing glaze for a mint-chocolate treat.

# Ingredient List:

→ Brownies

01 - ½ cup unsalted butter
02 - 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
03 - 1 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
06 - ½ tsp peppermint extract
07 - ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
08 - ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
09 - ¼ tsp salt

→ Peppermint Glaze

10 - 1 cup powdered sugar
11 - 2 tbsp milk
12 - ½ tsp peppermint extract
13 - 1–2 drops green or red food coloring (optional)
14 - 2 tbsp crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to facilitate removal.
02 - Combine butter and chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl; heat in 30-second increments, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
03 - Whisk granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into the melted chocolate mixture until uniform.
04 - Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt; gently fold into the wet mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing.
05 - Transfer batter to the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick—should have moist crumbs attached.
06 - Allow brownies to cool fully in the pan on a wire rack before glazing.
07 - Whisk powder sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
08 - Evenly spread the glaze over the cooled brownies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
09 - Let the glaze set for 20 minutes, then lift brownies from the pan using parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The peppermint extract creates this beautiful contrast with the fudgy chocolate that just melts on your tongue like a fancy dessert
  • These brownies come together in under an hour from start to finish, leaving you time to actually enjoy the season
  • That glossy peppermint glaze on top makes them look like they came from a professional bakery, even though your kitchen smells like home
02 -
  • Don't overbake these brownies—they should be fudgy in the center, not cakey. Every oven is different, so start checking at 28 minutes rather than waiting the full 32.
  • Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly before adding eggs, or you'll end up scrambling them. This lesson came from one unfortunate batch.
  • The glaze sets best when the brownies are completely cool—warm brownies will cause the glaze to melt and slide right off.
03 -
  • Use an offset spatula to spread the glaze—it gives you control and creates a more professional-looking finish than using a spoon
  • If your peppermint candies are too large, pulse them in a food processor to get varied sizes—some dust for flavor, some chunks for texture

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