Love peppermint bark? Then these Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Brownies are going to be your new favorite holiday treat.

Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Brownies combine everything you love about the holidays in one decadent dessert.The rich, fudgy, brownie base is filled with Ghirardelli peppermint candy, then drizzled with chocolate and topped with crispy peppermint bark. They are absolutely irresistible!

Why You Will Love These Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Brownies

These brownies deliver the perfect combination of holiday flavors, chocolate and peppermint. What’s not to love.
The recipe uses a simple one pan technique that eliminates complicated steps and reduces cleanup. You mix everything together, pour it into a pan, and let the oven do the work.
These brownies look as impressive as they taste. The white and red peppermint pieces create a festive appearance that makes them perfect for holiday gatherings, gift boxes, or cookie exchanges.
The recipe can also be customized to suit your taste. You can adjust the mint flavor, add extra chocolate layers, or incorporate different toppings.

What You Need to Make Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Brownies

Peppermint has long been associate with winter holidays. Combining it with chocolate creates a flavor that both children and adults love

1/2 cup butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all purpose flour
12 Peppermint Bark Squares, coarsely chopped, divided
1/2 cup Ghirardelli 60% chocolate chips melted
1 large candy cane crushed

How to Make Peppermint Bark Brownies

Preheat oven to 350F. Prepare and 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper and cooking spray. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, let butter and chocolate over low heat. Remove the pan from the heat.
Stir in sugar, vanilla extract and eggs. Using a wooden spoon beat lightly until just combined.
Stir in the flour and 1/2 of the chopped Ghirardelli peppermint candy.
Spread the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Do not overtake.
Remove the pan from the oven and let cool on wire rack.
One the brownies are cooled, drizzle with melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with remaining chopped Ghirardelli candy and a sprinkling of crushed candy canes.
Cut and enjoy.

Variations

Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to your dry ingredients to intensify the chocolate flavor.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the peppermint bark topping, use Maldon or fleur de sel for the best texture.
Add 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint extract alongside vanilla.
Melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the peppermint bark topping in a crosshatch pattern.
Brown your butter before adding the chocolate, then add it to the recipe for nutty, caramelized flavor.
Spread a thin layer of dark chocolate ganache over cooled brownies before adding peppermint bark. Heat 1/2 cup heavy cream until steaming, pour it over 4 ounces chopped dark chocolate, and stir until smooth. This creates an additional luxury layer that makes brownies taste more sophisticated.
Liqueur additions work for adult versions. Add 2 tablespoons of peppermint schnapps or creme de menthe to the batter. The alcohol mostly cooks off but leaves behind a delicious flavor.

Need more brownie recipes?

Condensed Milk Brownies

Fudgy Brownies Stuffed with Caramel

Baked NY Brownies~Oprah’s Favorite Brownie

Ina Gartens Outrageous Brownies

What to Serve with Peppermint Bark Brownies

Hot chocolate with marshmallows creates a double chocolate experience.
Peppermint tea or herbal mint tea complements the brownies. Serve hot tea in winter or iced tea during warmer months.
Coffee, Espresso or French press coffee. The coffee and chocolate combination creates a delicious dessert.
Vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream.
Create a holiday dessert spread by serving these brownies alongside, chocolate truffles, shortbread cookies, fudge, almond dragees, or chocolate bark.

How to Store Peppermint Brownies

Keep brownies at room temperature for up to 4 days when stored properly. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Do not store brownies in the refrigerator unless necessary, as cold temperatures cause them to become hard and lose their fudgy texture.
Freeze brownies for up to 3 months without the topping. Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to serve add the toppings.

Packaging for Gifts

Wrap individual brownies in cellophane bags tied with festive velvet ribbons for gift giving. Place a small piece of parchment paper under each brownie to prevent sticking to packaging. Or place in decorative tins lined with parchment paper.

How to Use Leftover Brownies

Chop leftover brownies into small chunks and fold them into softened vanilla ice cream. Refreeze the ice cream for a homemade version of brownie chunk ice cream. Or add to your favorite no churn ice cream base.
Layer brownie pieces with ice cream in parfait glasses for a delicious dessert. Alternate layers of ice cream, brownies, whipped cream, and hot fudge sauce.
Create a layered trifle by alternating cubed brownies with vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and crushed peppermint candies. Use a clear glass trifle bowl or glass dish to show off the layers.
Blend brownies into chocolate or vanilla milkshakes for a decadent treat.
Crumble brownies finely, mix with softened cream cheese and roll into balls. Dip these balls in melted chocolate and top with crushed candy canes.
Cube brownies and use them in place of bread in traditional bread pudding recipes. Soak cubes in a custard mixture made from eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Bake until set and serve warm with vanilla ice cream. The brownies create incredibly rich, chocolatey bread pudding. This is one of my favorite desserts!
Warm brownie pieces in the microwave for 15 seconds and use them as the base for hot fudge sundaes. Top with ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry.

FAQ

Can I make these brownies without peppermint bark?

Yes, you can create delicious brownies using the base recipe and topping them with regular chocolate chips, chopped candy bars, or nuts instead. The brownie recipe works with countless topping variations, so adapt it to your preferences or what you have available.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center about 2 inches from the edge. It should come out with moist crumbs attached but not wet batter. The edges will pull away slightly from the pan sides. Remember that brownies continue cooking in the hot pan after removal from the oven, so slightly underdone is better than overbaked.

Can I use a box brownie mix as a shortcut?

Box mixes work fine, though the flavor and texture will not match homemade brownies. Prepare the mix according to package directions, then top with peppermint bark, crushed candy canes and melted chocolate once brownies are cooled. This creates a faster version that still delivers festive appeal.

Can I double this recipe?

You can double the recipe successfully by using a larger pan or two separate pans. Do not double the recipe in the same pan size, as the increased depth will prevent even baking. Baking time may increase by 5 to 10 minutes for thicker brownies, so monitor them closely.

How can I make these brownies more or less minty?

Increase or decrease the amount of peppermint bark topping based on your preference.

Do I need to use Ghirardelli products specifically?

While Ghirardelli products deliver superior results due to their quality, you can substitute other premium chocolate brands. Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate with at least 60% cacao content for the best flavor. Any peppermint bark works, though texture and mint intensity vary by brand.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

These brownies actually improve after a day as flavors meld together. Make them up to 3 days before serving and store them at room temperature in an airtight container. Add the peppermint bark topping immediately after baking, as originally instructed.

That’s All for Now

After making countless batches of brownies over the years, these Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Brownies may just be my favorite. The combination of chocolate and refreshing peppermint create a special holiday treat that is perfect for your holiday dessert table or gift boxes. Try this easy brownie recipe, and I think you will agree they deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

You can also keep up with me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. And last but not least, if you like Pinecones & Acorns share it with a friend!

This post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Best Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Brownies You’ll Ever Make

Why You Will Love These Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Brownies