When the festive season arrives, the quest for the perfect holiday dessert recipes begins. You need something decadent, crowd-pleasing, and infused with the spirit of the season. Look no further. These Ultimate Peppermint Bark Brownies are the answer. They combine the rich, fudgy texture of a classic brownie with a crisp, minty layer of peppermint bark, creating a treat that’s both elegant and irresistibly delicious.
This recipe is designed for enthusiastic home cooks who want to impress without spending days in the kitchen. It’s straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a show-stopping dessert every single time. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cookie exchange, or a quiet night in, these brownies are pure holiday magic.
Look at those perfect layers! Holiday baking perfection.
Why You’ll Love These Festive Peppermint Bark Brownies
Perfectly Fudgy: We use both melted chocolate and cocoa powder for a deep, complex chocolate flavor and an incredibly moist, fudgy texture that is simply unforgettable.
Festive Flavor: A beautiful two-layer peppermint bark topping adds a delightful crunch and a refreshing minty taste that screams “holidays.”
Simple Yet Impressive: While they look like they came from a gourmet bakery, these brownies are surprisingly easy to make. The step-by-step instructions are clear and simple to follow.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These are one of the best make-ahead holiday dessert recipes. You can bake them a day or two in advance, making your holiday prep much easier. Find more stress-free ideas in our collection of easy holiday cookie recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses pantry staples to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Brownies:
Unsalted Butter: The foundation for a rich, flavorful brownie.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to that classic crackly top.
Eggs: Act as a binder and add richness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the deep chocolate flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure. Be sure to measure correctly to avoid a cakey texture.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds a deep, robust chocolate flavor.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Melted into the batter for an extra-fudgy base.
Salt: Balances the sweetness.
For the Peppermint Bark Topping:
Semisweet or Dark Chocolate Chips: The rich bottom layer of the bark.
White Chocolate Chips: The creamy top layer that provides a beautiful contrast.
Peppermint Extract: Infuses the white chocolate with minty flavor.
Crushed Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes: For that festive crunch and classic look.
The secret to the best holiday brownies is a perfectly rich and fudgy batter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the most decadent holiday dessert. We’ll make the brownies first, then add the beautiful two-layer topping.
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out later. In a saucepan, melt the butter and 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour in the cooled chocolate-butter mixture and whisk until combined. Gently fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined—do not overmix!
Step 2: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. It’s important to slightly underbake them to keep them fudgy. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial before adding the topping.
Step 3: Create the Peppermint Bark Topping
Once the brownies are cool, melt the remaining semisweet chocolate chips and spread them in an even layer over the top. Let this layer set completely; you can place it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to speed this up. Next, melt the white chocolate chips. Stir the peppermint extract into the melted white chocolate, then quickly spread it over the set chocolate layer. Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies over the top. Allow the topping to set completely at room temperature or in the fridge before cutting.
Tips for the Best Holiday Dessert Recipes
To ensure your holiday dessert recipes turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind. Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. Do not overbake the brownies; a fudgy texture is key. Finally, allow each layer of the topping to set completely for clean, beautiful slices.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about holiday baking is making a recipe your own. Try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter to intensify the chocolate flavor. For a different crunch, swap the peppermint candies for chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. If you love cheesecake, be sure to check out our delicious holiday cheesecake recipes for more inspiration.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
These brownies are a fantastic make-ahead option. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the uncut slab of brownies (without the topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before adding the peppermint bark topping. If you’re planning a big holiday meal, having dessert done ahead is a huge relief, just like making a slow cooker mac and cheese frees up your oven.
While it varies by region, classic holiday favorites often include sugar cookies, gingerbread, pecan pie, and festive cakes. Our Peppermint Bark Brownies combine the popular flavors of chocolate and peppermint, making them a top contender for any holiday gathering.
Easy Christmas desserts are a must for busy schedules! This Peppermint Bark Brownie recipe is very straightforward. Other great options include no-bake cheesecakes, chocolate truffles, and simple cookie recipes like snowball cookies or crinkle cookies.
Many desserts can be made ahead. Brownies, like this recipe, can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container. Cheesecakes often taste even better the next day, and cookie dough can be frozen for weeks before baking.
For clean cuts, ensure the brownies and the topping are completely cool and set. Using a large, sharp chef’s knife is key. For best results, run the knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each cut.
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or semisweet chocolate for the first layer based on your preference. For the top layer, high-quality white chocolate provides the best color and flavor contrast.
The Ultimate Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe
FL Recipes
Holiday Dessert Recipes: The Ultimate Peppermint Bark Brownies
Indulge in the ultimate holiday dessert recipe! These Peppermint Bark Brownies feature a rich, fudgy brownie base topped with a crisp, two-layer chocolate and peppermint bark. Perfect for festive gatherings and cookie exchanges.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour in the cooled chocolate-butter mixture and whisk until well combined.
Gently fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
Once brownies are cool, melt 1 cup of semisweet or dark chocolate chips. Spread evenly over the brownies. Let this layer set completely (use the fridge to speed it up).
Melt the white chocolate chips. Stir in the peppermint extract. Quickly spread this mixture over the set chocolate layer.
Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies over the white chocolate layer. Allow the topping to set completely before lifting the brownies out of the pan and cutting into squares.
Nutrition
Calories: 280kcalProtein: 3gFat: 15gFiber: 2g
Notes
For the best results, use high-quality chocolate as it makes a huge difference in the final flavor. Do not overbake the brownies; a fudgy, moist center is what you're looking for. Ensure each layer of the peppermint bark topping is fully set before cutting to get clean, sharp edges.
These Peppermint Bark Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a new holiday tradition waiting to happen. We know you’ll love these festive treats, and we can’t wait to see your beautiful creations. Snap a photo and share it on Pinterest! Happy baking!
Get into the holiday spirit with these incredible Peppermint Bark Brownies!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
