Oh, friends, I’ve been looking forward to sharing this one with you all week! The scent of peppermint and rich chocolate wafting through the house is practically synonymous with my happiest Christmas memories. You know how some recipes just *feel* like the holidays? This is one of them. It’s the kind of treat that makes you want to curl up with a good book and a mug of something warm, or better yet, share it with loved ones. I’ve tried countless Christmas peppermint recipes over the years, but this one? This one is special. It’s a little bit decadent, a little bit nostalgic, and surprisingly easy to whip up, even when the holiday hustle is in full swing. Forget those fancy, complicated desserts that leave you stressed; these brownies are pure, unadulterated joy in every single bite. They’re what I make when I need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, or honestly, just when I need a little pick-me-up myself. Trust me, the combination of fudgy brownie and bright peppermint is a match made in holiday heaven, and it always disappears faster than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve!
What are some Christmas peppermint swirl brownies?
So, what exactly are these magical little squares? Think of the fudgiest, most decadent chocolate brownie you’ve ever had – the kind that’s dense and chewy, with a crackly top. Now, imagine that base infused with the delightful zing of peppermint. But we’re not stopping there! We then swirl in a creamy, luscious peppermint-infused Cream Cheese Frosting (or sometimes just a simple peppermint glaze, depending on my mood!) right before baking. This creates these beautiful, festive swirls that are as gorgeous to look at as they are delicious to eat. It’s not quite a frosted brownie, and it’s not quite a cheesecake brownie, but it’s something even better: a perfect marriage of both. The name itself, “Christmas Peppermint Swirl Brownies,” just sounds like holiday cheer, doesn’t it? They’re essentially a little slice of Christmas magic, designed to bring smiles and happy sighs to anyone lucky enough to snag a piece. I love that they look so impressive but are honestly pretty straightforward to make!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, if I had to pick just one dessert to represent the holidays, it might be these brownies. Why? Let me count the ways! First off, the flavor is just out of this world. You get that deep, rich chocolate from the Brownie Batter, which is already a winner, and then that bright, refreshing peppermint cuts through it perfectly. It’s like a cool winter breeze meets a cozy fireplace – pure bliss. And don’t even get me started on the texture! The brownie itself is incredibly fudgy and chewy, almost like a brownie-cookie hybrid, and then the creamy swirl on top adds this delightful contrast. It’s just… perfection.
Beyond the incredible taste, the simplicity of this recipe is a major lifesaver. I’ve made this countless times when I’ve had unexpected guests or when the kids have friends over, and it always comes together without a hitch. You don’t need any fancy equipment, just a good bowl, a whisk, and an oven. Plus, the ingredients are super budget-friendly. You probably already have most of them in your pantry!
What I truly adore, though, is the versatility. You can serve these as a standalone treat, obviously, but they’re also fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream, or even crumbled over some hot chocolate. They make for the most stunning Christmas party dessert, or just a sweet treat to have with your afternoon coffee. They’re so much easier than making a full-blown peppermint cheesecake, but they give you all those festive vibes. This recipe is a true winner because it delivers on taste, ease, and that undeniable holiday spirit every single time. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a cherished tradition, passed down and loved year after year. That’s why I’m so excited to share it with you all!
How do I make peppermint swirl brownies?
Quick Overview
This recipe is all about layering rich, fudgy brownie goodness with a bright peppermint swirl. We’ll start by making a super-simple, decadent brownie batter, then whip up a quick, creamy peppermint topping. The magic happens when we swirl the topping into the batter and bake it all together until golden and irresistible. It’s a straightforward process that yields absolutely stunning results. You’ll be amazed at how professional these look with minimal effort. This method ensures a perfectly chewy brownie base with that delightful, festive swirl throughout.
Ingredients
For the Fudgy Brownie Base:
1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract (use good quality, it makes a difference!)
1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed is great for a deeper flavor)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup (170g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark, your choice!)
For the Creamy Peppermint Swirl:
8 ounces (226g) Cream Cheese, softened (I like full-fat for the best texture)
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
2-3 drops red food coloring (optional, for that festive pink swirl!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, let’s get our oven ready. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan. I always like to line mine with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the brownies out so much easier later – no stuck corners, I promise! Lightly grease the parchment paper or the pan itself before lining.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Give it a good whisk until everything is well combined and there are no lumps of cocoa. This step might seem small, but it ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps your brownies bake up perfectly without any dense pockets.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir them together until they’re well incorporated. Now, add your eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and the peppermint extract. I like to use a good quality peppermint extract here because it really shines through, and a little goes a long way! Make sure everything is nice and smooth.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Seriously, don’t overmix! A few streaks of flour are okay; they’ll disappear as you fold in the chocolate chips. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and we want them to be wonderfully fudgy. Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Now for that luscious swirl! In a separate bowl, beat the softened Cream Cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and beat until well combined and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and the peppermint extract. If you’re feeling festive and want that pretty pink swirl, add a couple of drops of red food coloring and mix until it’s evenly distributed. You want a thick, but pourable consistency.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Then, pour the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese dollops. Take a knife or a skewer and gently swirl the mixtures together. You want to create lovely marbled patterns, but don’t over-swirl, or you’ll lose the definition.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 25-35 minutes. The edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter). The swirl part might still look a little soft, and that’s okay because it will continue to set as it cools. Keep an eye on it – ovens can be so finicky!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
This is a crucial step for fudgy brownies! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This can take a couple of hours, but it’s worth it. Once completely cool, you can lift them out using the parchment paper overhang. If you want an extra touch, you can make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of milk and a tiny bit more peppermint extract, and drizzle that over the top. Or, dust with powdered sugar. Let any glaze set before slicing.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once cooled and glazed (if you chose to do so), use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. For the cleanest cuts, wipe your knife on a damp cloth between slices. Serve them at room temperature for the best fudgy texture. These are just heavenly on their own, but feel free to pair them with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee!
What to Serve It With
These Christmas Peppermint Swirl Brownies are so versatile, they fit into almost any holiday gathering or cozy moment. For a classic breakfast alongside a steaming mug of coffee, they offer a sweet and festive start to the day. The rich chocolate and bright peppermint are surprisingly delightful with a dark roast!
When it comes to brunch, these brownies elevate the whole affair. Imagine them as part of a beautiful spread – perhaps alongside some fresh fruit salad, quiche, and mimosas. They add a touch of indulgence and festivity that guests will rave about. For an elegant touch, I sometimes dust them with a little extra powdered sugar or add a tiny dollop of whipped cream on the side.
As a dessert, they’re a showstopper. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic contrast, or perhaps a raspberry sorbet for a pop of color and tartness. They’re also fantastic with a rich hot chocolate – the flavors just sing together.
And for those purely cozy snack moments? They’re perfect! Enjoy them straight from the pan while watching a holiday movie. They pair beautifully with a creamy chai latte or a soothing cup of herbal tea. My family always looks forward to these when we’re decorating the tree or opening presents. It’s become our little tradition, and that’s what makes them so special to me – the memories we make around these simple, delicious treats.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Christmas Peppermint Swirl Brownies
I’ve made these brownies more times than I can count, and along the way, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think really make a difference. First, when it comes to the brownie batter, resist the urge to overmix once the flour goes in! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, cakey brownies instead of the rich, fudgy ones we’re dreaming of. Stop mixing as soon as you don’t see any dry streaks of flour, even if there are still a few small lumps.
For the peppermint swirl, make sure your cream cheese is truly softened. Cold cream cheese will result in a lumpy swirl, and nobody wants that! I usually leave mine on the counter for a couple of hours, or you can carefully soften it in the microwave for short bursts (about 15-20 seconds at a time), stirring in between. Also, when you’re swirling, don’t go crazy trying to cover every inch. A few distinct swirls are more visually appealing and allow the rich brownie flavor to dominate, with the peppermint adding that perfect festive note.
Don’t be afraid of the baking time. Brownies are meant to be slightly underbaked in the center for that ultimate fudgy texture. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not clean. If it comes out completely clean, they might be overbaked and heading towards cakey. I always err on the side of slightly less baking time.
Ingredient quality really matters here. Using good quality cocoa powder and vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference in the depth of flavor. And for the peppermint extract, a pure, good quality one will give you that bright, clean peppermint flavor without any artificial aftertaste.
If you want to get fancy with the swirl, you can gently drag a skewer or a thin knife through the batter in a zigzag pattern. For an even more intense peppermint flavor, you can add a tablespoon or two of peppermint chips to the brownie batter along with the chocolate chips. Trust me on this one, it’s a game-changer!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These brownies are wonderfully forgiving when it comes to storage, which is a huge plus during the busy holiday season! At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days, especially if you keep them in an airtight container. I usually just pop them into a good quality container with a lid, or I’ll wrap the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They’re perfect for grabbing a quick treat without needing any reheating.
If you need them to last a bit longer, the refrigerator is your best friend. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The texture might become a little firmer, but don’t worry, they’re still delicious. I find that letting them sit out at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving often brings them back to their perfect fudgy consistency.
And for those times when you want to get ahead of the game or you’ve made a big batch, these brownies freeze beautifully! I like to cut them into individual squares first, then wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil or pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply unwrap them and let them come to room temperature on a wire rack. For a real treat, you can even reheat them gently in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for a few minutes to get that warm, gooey, fresh-from-the-oven sensation.
A quick note on the glaze: If you’ve added a glaze on top, it’s best to store them at room temperature or freeze them. Refrigeration can sometimes make glazes a bit sticky or less appealing. If you plan on freezing, I’d recommend glazing them *after* thawing them out, just to keep the topping looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite Christmas peppermint recipes, a truly beloved batch of Peppermint Swirl Brownies! I genuinely hope you feel inspired to give these a try. They’re more than just a dessert; they’re a little piece of holiday magic that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. The combination of rich chocolate and bright peppermint is just *chef’s kiss*, and the fact that they look so impressive while being relatively easy to make is a huge bonus in my book. They are the perfect treat for sharing with family, bringing to a potluck, or simply enjoying with a quiet moment of peace during this wonderful time of year.
If you love these, you might also enjoy my [link to another holiday recipe, e.g., “Gingersnap Cookies”] or my [link to another peppermint recipe, e.g., “Peppermint Bark Fudge”]. Both have that same festive spirit and delicious holiday flavor that we all crave. I can’t wait to hear what you think of these brownies! Please leave a comment below and let me know how yours turned out, or if you tried any fun variations. Your feedback truly makes my day! Happy baking, everyone!
Christmas Peppermint Candies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.33 cup granulated sugar
- 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 4.25 cups powdered sugar divided
- 6 drops green food coloring
- 6 drops red food coloring
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Line a large rimmed baking tray with parchment paper. Place the granulated sugar into a small bowl. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl with a handheld mixer on low speed, beat the cream cheese, unsalted butter, light corn syrup, and peppermint extract for 1 minute or until smooth.
- Slowly add 4.25 cups powdered sugar, 0.5 cup at a time, to the bowl with the mixer on low. Once you get close to incorporating all of the powdered sugar, your dough will be so thick that you may need to switch to a spatula or wooden spoon and finish mixing the dough by hand.
- Lay out a piece of parchment paper onto a clean counter and sprinkle 0.25 cup of the remaining powdered sugar onto the parchment paper, then turn out your dough onto the parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into three equal parts. Create a shallow well in the center of two of the dough balls. In the first dough ball, add the red food coloring. Add the green food coloring to the second dough ball, and your last dough ball will remain white.
- Carefully knead your red dough ball to evenly distribute the food coloring. You will need to add up to an additional 0.25 cup of powdered sugar as you knead because the liquid food coloring will make your dough sticky. Repeat with the green dough ball. You may need to knead your white dough just a little with a tablespoon or 2 of additional powdered sugar.
- Once all your Christmas peppermint patty dough balls have been colored and kneaded, roll each dough ball into a rope about 18 inches long (it should be about 1 inch thick).
- Make 0.5-inch slices, starting at one end, until you have cut the entire rope into 0.5-inch pieces. Repeat with the remaining dough ropes.
- Roll all the pieces of peppermint dough in the palm of your hand to make little balls. Set aside.
- Drop 2-3 dough balls into the small bowl of granulated sugar and toss to coat. Place them onto the prepared baking tray. Repeat until all the dough balls are coated and on the baking tray.
- Using the tip of a fork, lightly press the Christmas peppermint patties into little discs. The tines of the fork will leave a pretty striped pattern on the tops of each peppermint patty.
- Allow the Christmas peppermint patties to sit out at room temperature, on the tray, for up to 24 hours before you place them onto a platter to serve. This allows them to dry and set up.
