If you’re on the hunt for a holiday treat that’s as festive as it is delicious, you’ll absolutely adore this Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe. Imagine a rich, fudgy brownie base infused with deep cocoa flavors and a hint of espresso, studded with crunchy peppermint bark pieces, then crowned with a glossy drizzle of white chocolate and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. It’s the perfect balance of decadence and refreshing peppermint that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to loved ones, or simply indulging yourself, this Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe brings the joy of the season right to your plate with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ten bowls and one wooden bowl arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, each containing different baking ingredients. The top row has three white bowls with powdered contents: brown cocoa powder on the left, white granulated sugar in the middle, and white flour on the right. Below, from left to right, there is a small white bowl with crushed red and white peppermint, a white bowl with melted yellow butter, a larger white bowl with chopped pieces of white and dark chocolate, and two small white bowls containing white salt and brown cinnamon powder. On the lower left, a small transparent bowl holds white chocolate chips. A wooden bowl in the center holds three brown eggs. On the right, a white bowl is filled with light brown soft sugar. Additionally, a very small white bowl with dark brown vanilla extract is placed near the bottom left. All bowls have smooth, round shapes, and the lighting is bright and natural. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple pantry staples and festive add-ins that come together beautifully to create brownies that are moist, chocolaty, and speckled with peppermint magic. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and holiday spirit.

1 cup butter, melted and slightly cooled: Provides a rich base and keeps the brownies wonderfully moist and tender.
1 cup granulated white sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp top crust.
1 cup packed dark brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and enhances chewiness.
4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure and richness.
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract: Elevates the chocolate flavors with a warming aroma.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Gives the brownies their body and balance of chewiness versus softness.
1 cup Dutch-processed or unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that intense, indulgent chocolate goodness.
1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional): Enhances the chocolate’s depth without adding a coffee flavor.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Amplifies all the sweet and chocolate notes perfectly.
1 1/2 cups chopped peppermint bark, divided: Adds a festive pop of minty crunch throughout and on top.
1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Melts into a smooth drizzle that contrasts the dark brownies beautifully.
Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (for garnish): Final festive touch for color, texture, and extra peppermint flavor.

How to Make Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy brownie removal later, then spray again lightly. Setting yourself up this way means when your brownies are baked and cooled, you can lift them out without any mess or crumbling.

Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Butter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter with both granulated and dark brown sugars until the mixture is smooth and the sugars start to dissolve. This combination creates a luscious base that ensures your brownies stay moist while getting that irresistible crackly crust on top.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the pure vanilla extract. Mixing gently but thoroughly at this stage creates a smooth, homogenous batter that will yield brownies with the perfect fudgy texture you’re craving.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sift in the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder to avoid lumps. Add the kosher salt and espresso powder if you’re using it, then stir everything just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here—overworking the batter can make the brownies tough instead of tender.

Step 5: Fold in the Peppermint Bark

Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped peppermint bark. These bits melt and soften in the batter but also leave wonderful bursts of minty crunch in every bite, making the brownies truly special and festive.

Step 6: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of peppermint bark over the top. Pop the pan into the oven’s middle rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The brownies should be just set to the touch but still a little gooey in the center—remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake!

Step 7: Add the White Chocolate Drizzle

As the brownies cool completely, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth. Drizzle this beautifully glossy white chocolate over the brownies, then immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top so they stick and create a sparkling finishing touch.

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe

A rectangular pan holds a dark brown chocolate brownie layer covered with scattered pieces of white chocolate and crushed red-and-white peppermint candies. Over the top is a thick white icing drizzle, crisscrossed in a loose grid pattern, with some larger blobs of the icing and more crushed peppermint bits spread all over. The pan is lined with parchment paper, and the background shows a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Decorate your brownies with crushed candy canes or peppermint shards for a festive sparkle and refreshing crunch that complements the rich fudge layers perfectly. Fresh mint leaves can also add a nice aromatic lift if you want to get fancy!

Side Dishes

These brownies are a decadent dessert all on their own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream can turn your treat into a dreamy holiday indulgence. Warm mugs of hot chocolate or peppermint tea also make excellent companions for these festive bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe into bite-sized squares for easy party platters or layer them in festive tins as gifts. You can also serve them warm with the white chocolate drizzle melted, for a gooey, cozy experience that feels like a hug in dessert form.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking and cooling, store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and fudgy for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy them whenever a peppermint craving hits.

Freezing

Want to make these ahead for a party? Wrap the cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer warm brownies, reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until soft and warm, just be careful not to melt the delicate white chocolate topping too much.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?

Yes, you can! Regular cocoa powder will work fine in this Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe, but it has a slightly more acidic taste and lighter color compared to Dutch-processed cocoa.

What if I don’t have peppermint bark? Can I substitute it?

If peppermint bark isn’t available, you can substitute with chopped peppermint or candy canes mixed with semi-sweet chocolate chunks for a similar festive crunch and minty bite.

How can I make these brownies dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free butter and white chocolate alternatives to make the recipe dairy-free. Make sure to check the peppermint bark ingredients or substitute with suitable dairy-free mint candies.

Is espresso powder necessary?

Espresso powder is optional, but it really enhances the chocolate flavor, making it richer and more complex without adding a coffee taste.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! Just make sure you bake it in a larger pan and adjust the baking time accordingly. The flavors in this Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe hold up beautifully, even in bigger batches.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe truly captures the joy and warmth of the holiday season in every bite. With fudgy chocolate, a refreshing peppermint crunch, and a gorgeous white chocolate drizzle, it’s one of those treats that brings smiles all around. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the festive magic with your family and friends. Happy baking and happiest holidays!