Peppermint Bark Brownies | Cozy Christmas Desserts Bars You’ll Crave

Peppermint Bark Brownies are the dessert equivalent of stepping into a warm, twinkly-lit living room after being out in the cold—instant comfort, instant joy, and instant “OMG why didn’t I make these sooner?” vibes. These fudgy, festive treats take everything we love about the holidays—chocolate, peppermint, cozy baking sessions, and a little kitchen magic—and spin them into brownies so irresistible they should honestly come with a warning label.

Picture this: gooey, fudgy chocolate brownies packed with melty chocolate chips, then crowned with a silky layer of white chocolate and enough crushed candy canes to make Santa himself pause mid–chimney trip. These brownies don’t just taste like the holidays—they pretty much are the holidays. And yeah, you’ll probably “just taste one” and somehow three will disappear. Happens to the best of us.

If you’re hunting for Christmas Desserts Bars that feel festive without being fussy, stick around, because these peppermint bark brownies are about to become your new winter tradition.

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What Makes These Peppermint Bark Brownies So Irresistible?

Let’s break down why people (including you very soon) lose their minds over these brownies.

First, the texture. You’re getting a fudgy, decadent chocolate base that’s gooey enough to satisfy your inner chocoholic while still firm enough to slice beautifully for parties. If brownies could wink at you, these would.

Second, the flavor combo. Peppermint + chocolate = pure holiday magic. But this recipe doesn’t stop with cocoa brownies sprinkled with a little mint. Nope. We go all in. The topping is literally peppermint bark melted over the brownies. No subtlety. No apologies.

Third, the ease. It’s truly the perfect example of Desserts With Things You Have At Home—eggs, butter, chocolate chips, sugar, cocoa powder, flour… stuff your pantry’s definitely seen before. The peppermint candies? They’re everywhere once holiday season hits. Or, if you’re like me, you’ve had a random bag lying around since last December.

Fourth, these brownies double as fantastic Christmas Dessert To Make With Kids because sprinkling crushed peppermint all over the top is pure, glorious chaos, and kids love that job. They get to smash candy pieces and make edible confetti. Win-win.

And finally, that shiny white chocolate layer with vibrant red peppermint sparkles makes these bars look bakery-worthy with almost zero effort. You know those desserts that make people gasp when you bring them into a room? You just found one.

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Ingredients for Peppermint Bark Brownies (And Why They Matter)

Here’s the lineup behind this peppermint-chocolate masterpiece and what each ingredient brings to the party:

• Eggs – Our structure and richness. Beat them well to get that perfect brownie chewiness.
• Unsalted butter, melted – The key to fudginess. And yes, melted butter matters!
• Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a deeper caramel-like sweetness.
• White sugar – Balances sweetness and helps create that shiny brownie top.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances everything. Never skip it.
• Peppermint extract (optional) – For that extra minty kick.
• All-purpose flour – Just enough to give structure without making the brownies cakey.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – Deep, rich chocolate flavor.
• Salt – Essential flavor booster.
• Chocolate chips (semi-sweet) – Melty, gooey pockets of chocolate heaven.
• White chocolate chips – For the bark topping.
• Coconut oil or shortening – Helps the white chocolate melt smoothly without scorching.
• Crushed peppermint candies – Your holiday sparkle moment. Use candy canes or round peppermints.

And if you love exploring Peppermint Baked Goods, this recipe is basically a gateway dessert. Once you start, you’ll want to try hot chocolate peppermint thumbprint cookies, Oreo mint truffles, and candy cane fudge too.

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How to Make Peppermint Bark Brownies (Simple + Foolproof)

Making these brownies feels a little like performing kitchen magic, only easier. Here’s your step-by-step:

1. Prep Your Pan
   Heat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking pan with foil or parchment paper. (Parchment = easy cleanup. Always a good idea.)
2. Mix Your Wet Ingredients
   Whisk your eggs in a large bowl until blended. Add melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, vanilla, and peppermint extract if you’re using it. Mix until everything looks glossy and unified.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
   In another bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This avoids lumps and gives you an even chocolate batter.
4. Combine Wet + Dry
   Fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a silicone spatula. Stop mixing as soon as everything’s blended. Overmixing = cakey brownies. We don’t do that here.
5. Add Chocolate Chips
   Fold them in for melty chocolate pockets in every bite.
6. Bake
   Spread the batter evenly into your pan. Bake 25–28 minutes. The toothpick should come out fudgy but not wet. Trust your eyes more than the clock.
7. Add That Peppermint Bark Topping
   After the brownies cool, melt white chocolate with coconut oil in the microwave at half power in 30-second bursts. Stir until smooth and glossy.
   Pour over brownies. Smooth it out. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint. Try not to taste-test half the topping. (Good luck.)
8. Chill
   Refrigerate 30–45 minutes to set the chocolate. Slice into squares.
   Stand back and admire your masterpiece.

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The Story Behind These Peppermint Bark Brownies

Every holiday season, I go on a hunt for the ultimate chocolate peppermint dessert. Something simple but showstopping. Something I can bring to a party without stress. Something that tastes like a holiday hug.

And every year, peppermint bark calls my name. So one December, I thought: what if the bark wasn’t just a snack… what if it became a brownie topping?

Boom. Magic.

These brownies became my go-to Christmas Dessert Recipes Chocolate option because they combine everything I love—chewy brownies, peppermint crunch, festive color—and they’re insanely easy to transport. I brought them to an office party once, and someone legit told me they were “life-changing.” Dramatic? Maybe. But honestly, I get it.

And despite being an absolute holiday crowd-pleaser, they still feel like one of those Christmas Desserts Not Cookies that stand out in a sea of gingerbread men and sugar cookie overload. (No shade to cookies. But brownies deserve their moment.)

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Pro Tips for the Best Peppermint Bark Brownies

Want brownies that taste like you baked them in a professional test kitchen? Here’s how to level up:

Use room-temperature eggs for better mixing.
Measure your cocoa powder correctly—spoon, don’t scoop. Too much cocoa = dry brownies.
Don’t overbake. A slightly underdone center firms up as the brownies cool.
Always chop your peppermint small. Big pieces look cute but feel like chewing gravel.
Add peppermint extract sparingly. More isn’t always better. Too much mint = toothpaste vibes.
Line your pan well. Removing your brownies cleanly makes a huge difference in presentation.
Let the brownies cool fully before topping. Melted white chocolate on warm brownies melts straight into them. Delicious, but messy.

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Fun Variations to Try

Because the holidays are chaotic in the best way, here are a few twists to keep things interesting:

Mint Chocolate Everything

Swap the white chocolate topping for Andes mints to mimic the flavor of their famous brownies.

Candy Cane Explosion

Add crushed peppermint inside the batter too for extra crunch.

Swirled White + Dark Chocolate

Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top of the white layer and swirl with a toothpick. Instant bakery vibes.

Brownie Mix Hack

If the season’s already busy and you’re surviving on caffeine and adrenaline, use Brownie Mix Brownies as the base. No shame at all. The topping does all the heavy lifting anyway.

Single-Serve Version

Turn leftover batter into Easy Sweet Treats For One by baking a little in a mug or ramekin. Because yes, you deserve a holiday brownie emergency ration.

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The Best Way to Serve Peppermint Bark Brownies

Serve these chilled or at room temperature. The white chocolate stays firm, the brownie stays dense and chewy, and everything holds together beautifully.

They pair perfectly with:

• Hot chocolate (peppermint optional, but highly encouraged)
• Coffee with a splash of holiday creamer
• A scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream
• A cozy blanket and a holiday movie playing in the background

And if you need Christmas Dessert Ideas Chocolate that impress without stress, these brownies are unbeatable.

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Storage + Leftover Tips

These brownies taste freshest within three days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

You can refrigerate them for a firmer, candy-bar-like texture. They’re still delicious after day four or five, but the peppermint topping might soften a bit.

Want to freeze them? Totally doable. Slice, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then freeze in a resealable bag. Thaw at room temp.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you use unsalted butter?

Salt levels in salted butter vary and can throw off your flavor. Unsalted gives consistency. If you only have salted, just skip the salt in the recipe.

Can I skip the peppermint extract?

Totally. The crushed peppermint on top adds plenty of flavor on its own.

Does white chocolate seize easily?

Only if it gets wet. Keep all utensils dry and melt slowly.

Can I add extra chocolate chips?

Always. When has extra chocolate ever been the wrong answer?

Will kids enjoy this recipe?

Yes! It’s one of the easiest Christmas Dessert To Make With Kids—they love cracking candy canes and decorating the top.

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Final Thoughts

Peppermint bark brownies hit that sweet spot between nostalgic, festive, and indulgent. They cook up fast, require simple ingredients, and look beautiful on dessert tables. Whether you’re prepping treats for a party, making homemade holiday gifts, or just treating yourself after a long day of holiday chaos, these brownies always deliver.

They’re the perfect combo of fudgy brownie meets peppermint bark, and honestly? They might become your new December tradition.

And if you love easy desserts that feel special without costing time or sanity, these brownies fit right next to Peppermint Baked Goods, kid-friendly treats, and cozy winter baking classics.

Now grab your mixing bowl, cue up a holiday playlist, and go make some peppermint magic. You’ve got this. Print