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Holiday baking season is here! And if you’re like me, you’re dreaming of a gorgeous Holiday Cookie Box… but you’re not dreaming of a mountain of dishes.

Friends, meet the star of your no-stress holiday baking: these One-Bowl Peppermint Brownies. This recipe is my gift to you. It’s a wow factor brownie that’s unbelievably fudgy, packed with festive flavor, and—you guessed it—comes together in one single bowl.

The brownie itself is rich and deeply chocolatey, but the magic is the flavor infusion on top. We’re making a simple, luscious chocolate ganache and infusing it with bright, cool peppermint. A final festive sprinkle of crushed candy canes adds that perfect holiday crunch. This is the cleanup-is-a-dream recipe that will get rave reviews.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A One-Bowl Wonder: This is the ultimate wow factor without the work. The entire fudgy brownie batter is made in one bowl. Cleanup is a dream!
The Perfect Festive Flavor: This is pure holiday magic. The deep, rich chocolate is the perfect partner for the bright, zesty peppermint.
Luscious Ganache Topping: This is what makes them a showstopper. The delicious flavor infusion of peppermint in the silky ganache takes them from a simple brownie to an elegant dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, gather your ingredients.

Next, the one-bowl magic. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt your butter and chocolate chips. I do this in 30-second bursts. You want it smooth and glossy.

While the chocolate is still warm, whisk in your sugar. This is a pro-tip for that shiny, crackly top!

Let it sit for a minute, then whisk in your eggs, one at a time, followed by the peppermint extract.

Now, fold in your dry ingredients—just the flour, cocoa powder, and salt—right on top. Be so gentle here! Fold just until you don’t see any more streaks of flour. Over-mixing is the enemy of a fudgy brownie! Pour that thick, luscious batter into your prepared pan and bake.

While the brownies are cooling (this is the hardest part, I know!), let’s make our flavor infusion. In a bowl, pour hot, simmering cream over your chocolate chips. Let it sit for 5 minutes—don’t touch it! Then, add your peppermint extract and whisk until it’s a luscious, glossy ganache.

Finally, the showstopper moment. Pour that peppermint ganache all over your cooled brownies.

Before the ganache sets, hit it with your festive sprinkle of crushed candy canes. This adds that wow factor color and that amazing festive crunch. Let them set, then slice into perfect squares for your Holiday Cookie Box!

Ava’s Notes

Peppermint Extract, NOT Mint! This is my most important pro-tip! Please use peppermint extract. “Mint” extract is often spearmint-based, which can taste a little… toothpaste-y. Peppermint is that classic, bright, festive candy cane flavor.
Use a quality brownie pan! Make sure you invest in a reliable and consistent brownie pan. This is my favorite pan !
How to Store: These are perfect for your Holiday Cookie Box because they are so fudgy they stay fresh for days. Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be amazing.