Frosted Peppermint Brownies

Frosted Peppermint Brownies bring rich chocolate flavor together with cool mint frosting for the perfect holiday treat. These brownies taste bold, refreshing, and festive. Moreover, they offer a decadent fudgy base topped with creamy mint frosting that melts beautifully in every bite. Readers will love this recipe because it prepares fast, looks stunning, and delivers a bakery-quality result at home. These Frosted Peppermint Brownies also work for parties, cookie trays, potlucks, winter events, and simple weekend desserts.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 16 brownies

Ingredients:

1 box (16 oz) Betty Crocker™ Delights Supreme Original Brownie Mix
This box mix contains all the dry ingredients you’ll need for the brownie base, and you’ll simply add the wet ingredients (water, oil, and egg) as per the package instructions.
Water, oil, and egg
These are the wet ingredients needed to prepare the brownie batter. Follow the amounts specified on the brownie mix box for accurate results.
1 1/4 cups Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy Vanilla Frosting
(From a 16 oz container.) This will serve as the frosting for your brownies. Using store-bought frosting saves you time and results in a smooth, creamy texture.
1/8 teaspoon mint or peppermint extract
This will flavor the frosting with a fresh, minty taste that pairs wonderfully with the rich chocolate brownies.
Betty Crocker™ green or pink gel food color
The gel food coloring adds a festive pop to the frosting. You can choose green for a traditional mint look, or pink for a fun, vibrant color.
Peppermint or spearmint candies, crushed (optional)
Crushed peppermint or spearmint candies will add texture and a burst of mint flavor. This is an optional topping for extra crunch and decoration.

Instructions:

Prepare and Bake the Brownies:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (or 325°F if using a dark or nonstick pan). Grease the bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan with shortening or cooking spray to prevent the brownies from sticking.
- Mix the Brownie Batter: Follow the instructions on the back of the brownie mix box. This typically involves combining the dry brownie mix with water, oil, and an egg. Stir until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake according to the time suggested on the box (usually between 20-30 minutes). To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies—if it comes out clean, the brownies are ready.
- Cool the Brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely on a cooling rack. This should take about 1 1/2 hours to ensure they are completely cooled before frosting.
Prepare the Frosting:
- Flavor the Frosting: Once the brownies have cooled, it’s time to make the frosting. In a small bowl, combine the Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy Vanilla Frosting with 1/8 teaspoon of mint or peppermint extract. Stir the mixture until the extract is evenly distributed throughout the frosting.
- Add Food Coloring: If you want to add color to your frosting, add a few drops of green or pink gel food coloring. Stir until the frosting is smooth and evenly colored. You don’t need a lot of coloring; just enough to give it a nice pastel shade.
Frost the Brownies:
- Once the brownies have completely cooled, spread the prepared frosting evenly over the surface of the brownies. Use a spatula or butter knife to ensure the frosting layer is smooth and even.
- Add the Candy Topping: If desired, sprinkle crushed peppermint or spearmint candies over the frosting. This adds an extra layer of mint flavor and a nice crunchy texture.
Chill the Brownies:
- To make the brownies easier to cut, refrigerate them for about 15 minutes, allowing the frosting to firm up. This will help ensure that the frosting stays in place when you slice the brownies.
Cut and Serve:
- After refrigerating, cut the brownies into 16 squares (4 rows by 4 rows). For cleaner cuts, you can dip your knife in warm water between slices.
- Storage: Store the brownies covered at room temperature for up to a few days. If you need to store them longer, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Recipe Tips:

Make Them Bite-Sized: If you’re serving these at a party or want to make them easier to pick up, consider cutting the brownies into smaller, bite-sized squares. You can also serve them in festive paper liners to make them more decorative.
Adjust the Mint Flavor: If you prefer a more intense mint flavor, you can increase the amount of peppermint extract slightly (but be careful not to add too much, as it can become overpowering).
Customize the Candy Topping: Instead of peppermint or spearmint candies, you can use other crushed holiday candies like candy canes, or even chocolate chips for a twist.

Nutrition (Per Brownie):

Calories: 240
Calories from Fat: 80
Total Fat: 9g (14% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 2 1/2g (12% Daily Value)
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 10mg (4% Daily Value)
Sodium: 140mg (6% Daily Value)
Potassium: 15mg
Total Carbohydrate: 38g (13% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 1g
Iron: 8%

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

These Frosted Peppermint Brownies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint. They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, dessert tables, or just as a special treat to enjoy at home. The cool, minty frosting paired with the decadent chocolate brownie base is sure to be a hit!

Serving Ideas:

Bite-Sized Treats: If you want to make these brownies even more convenient for serving, especially at parties, consider cutting them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier for guests to pick them up and enjoy without the need for utensils.
Holiday Presentation: To elevate the presentation, you can serve the brownies in decorative paper liners or festive cupcake holders. This will give them a more polished look and also make them easier to distribute.
Add a Drizzle: For an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal, you could drizzle some melted chocolate (dark or white) over the top of the frosted brownies before adding the crushed candies. This adds richness and a glossy finish to your brownies.

Storage Tips:

Room Temperature: These brownies can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they are kept in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigeration: If you prefer to store them for a longer period, you can refrigerate the brownies. However, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture. The frosting may firm up a bit in the fridge, but it will soften again once at room temperature.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To serve, allow them to thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.

Customization Ideas:

Alternative Frosting: If you prefer to make your own frosting rather than using store-bought, you can easily make a peppermint buttercream. Simply mix powdered sugar, softened butter, peppermint extract, and a little milk or cream until smooth. This homemade frosting can be just as delicious and allows you to adjust the mint flavor to your preference.
Candy Alternatives: While peppermint or spearmint candies work beautifully, you could also use crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, or even crushed cookies (like Oreos) for a fun twist. These alternatives can provide different textures and flavors that complement the brownies.
Mint Chocolate Variations: For a deeper mint chocolate flavor, you could add mint chocolate chips directly into the brownie batter before baking. This adds pockets of minty chocolate throughout the brownies, giving them an extra minty kick.

Making Ahead:

Prepare the Brownies in Advance: If you’re planning to make these for a holiday gathering or event, you can bake the brownies a day or two ahead of time. Keep them stored at room temperature, and then frost them on the day you’re serving. This can save you time on the day of the event and allow the flavors to meld even better.
Frosting in Advance: You can also make the frosting a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to frost the brownies, simply bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir before spreading it over the cooled brownies.

Allergen Considerations:

Dairy-Free Option: If you need a dairy-free version, you can substitute the Betty Crocker frosting with a dairy-free frosting or make a homemade frosting using dairy-free butter and powdered sugar. For the brownie base, ensure that the mix is dairy-free or use a dairy-free chocolate brownie mix.

Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, you could try using a gluten-free brownie mix and ensure that the frosting is made with ingredients that don’t contain gluten (most commercially prepared frostings are gluten-free, but it’s always a good idea to double-check).

Brownie Variations:

While the original recipe is delicious on its own, here are some variations you can try to make your Frosted Peppermint Brownies even more exciting:

Layered Brownies:
- For an added texture and flavor dimension, consider making a layered brownie. You can alternate layers of plain brownies and a mint chocolate ganache. After baking the brownies, spread a layer of melted mint chocolate ganache on top before frosting, creating a rich, minty chocolate layer under the frosting.
Swirled Frosting:
- If you like a marbled effect, divide the frosting into two bowls. Color one batch green (for mint) and leave the other white. After frosting the brownies with the white frosting, drop spoonfuls of green frosting on top and use a knife or spatula to swirl the two colors together for a fun, artistic look.
Mint Chocolate Chips in the Batter:
- To make the brownies even more decadent, fold in a handful of mint chocolate chips or regular chocolate chips into the brownie batter before baking. This adds extra pockets of chocolate and mint throughout the brownies for an even richer flavor.
Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- For a more indulgent treat, top the frosted brownies with a rich chocolate ganache instead of crushed candies. To make ganache, simply heat equal parts heavy cream and semi-sweet or dark chocolate in a microwave or stovetop until melted, then pour it over the frosted brownies.

Tips for Success:

Allow Brownies to Cool Completely:
It’s essential to allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting them. If the brownies are still warm, the frosting can melt, resulting in a messy, runny layer. Cooling them on a wire rack helps ensure they set properly.
Use Gel Food Coloring for Vibrant Colors:
Gel food coloring is more concentrated than liquid food coloring, making it a better option for getting the perfect shade without affecting the texture of the frosting. You only need a small amount to achieve vibrant color, so start with just a few drops and add more if needed.
Frosting Consistency:
If your frosting feels too thick after adding the peppermint extract, you can add a teaspoon of milk at a time to thin it out to the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can refrigerate it briefly to help it firm up before spreading it over the brownies.
Spread Frosting Evenly:
Use an offset spatula or a butter knife to spread the frosting in an even layer across the top of the brownies. If the frosting starts to drag or stick, you can dip the spatula in warm water to help smooth it out.

Troubleshooting:

Problem: Brownies are Too Dry or Overbaked
- Solution: Ensure that you are baking the brownies only for the time suggested on the box or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. If you overbake them, they will dry out. It’s a good idea to check the brownies 5 minutes before the suggested time to avoid overbaking.
Problem: Frosting Is Too Runny
- Solution: If your frosting is too runny, it could be due to the warm brownies. If this happens, place the frosted brownies in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to set the frosting before cutting. You can also use more powdered sugar or refrigerate the frosting for a bit before spreading it to firm it up.
Problem: Frosting Isn’t Spreading Smoothly
- Solution: If the frosting is too thick and hard to spread, warm it up slightly by placing it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or leave it at room temperature for a while before spreading. Alternatively, dip your spatula in warm water to make it easier to spread the frosting.
Problem: Frosting Is Too Sweet
- Solution: If you find the frosting too sweet for your taste, try adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. A little bit of salt helps bring out the flavors without overwhelming the sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I use a different type of brownie mix?
- Yes! You can use any boxed brownie mix you prefer. Just follow the instructions on the box for the wet ingredients, and your brownies will turn out just as delicious. You can also make homemade brownies if you prefer.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
- Absolutely! The brownies can be made a day or two in advance. After baking, allow them to cool completely and store them at room temperature in an airtight container until you’re ready to frost them. Frost the brownies on the day you plan to serve them for the best texture and flavor.
How can I make these brownies more festive for a holiday event?
- For an extra special touch, consider adding holiday-themed decorations like edible glitter, sprinkles, or small festive ornaments like holly leaves on top of the frosting. These will make the brownies look even more eye-catching on your dessert table.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
- Yes! There are gluten-free brownie mixes available, so you can substitute the regular brownie mix for a gluten-free option. Just be sure to use a gluten-free frosting as well or make your own.