Peppermint Bark Brownies

These Peppermint Bark Brownies are next-level holiday indulgence—rich, fudgy brownies loaded with chunks of Ghirardelli peppermint bark candies inside and melted on top. Every bite is a perfect mix of chocolatey goodness and festive peppermint crunch!

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap "Jump to Recipe" at the top of the page.

Why You'll Love These Brownies

You’re going to fall in love with these Peppermint Bark Brownies because they’re the ultimate holiday treat—rich, fudgy, and packed with festive flavor! The Ghirardelli peppermint bark melts into the brownies, giving you a dreamy combo of creamy chocolate and refreshing peppermint in every bite.

They’re easy to make, perfect for gifting, sharing at holiday parties, or just treating yourself to a little holiday magic. Trust me, these brownies will be the star of your dessert table!

Peppermint Bark Brownie Ingredients

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

• Chocolate Chips: The base of the brownies, providing a rich, deep chocolate flavor and fudgy texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and richness, creating that melt-in-your-mouth brownie texture.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and give the brownies structure while keeping them soft and chewy.
• Sugar: Sweetens the batter and balances the bittersweet chocolate, creating the perfect level of sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate’s depth of flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the brownies while keeping them soft and fudgy.
• Baking Soda & Powder: Adds just a little lift to the batter for a slightly lighter texture.
• Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Squares: Chopped and mixed into the batter and sprinkled on top, these add a festive peppermint crunch and creamy white chocolate sweetness.

Step by Step Instructions

[Step 1] In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

[Step 2] In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla and melted butter.

[Step 3] Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and fold together with a spatula. Stir in the chocolate chips.

[Step 4] Pour ½ of the brownie batter into a 9x13 baking dish that is lined with parchment paper, and spread evenly. Unwrap and roughly chop 10 of the peppermint bark candies. Sprinkle the chopped peppermint bark over the batter then pour the remaining brownie batter over the bark. Spread evenly.

[Step 5] Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until the center is fudge-like but not dry. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes.

[Step 6] Unwrap and roughly chop the remaining candy pieces. Place the Peppermint Bark chunks on top of the warm brownies and allow to soften for 1 minute. Use a spatula to gently swirl the melting bark. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

[Step 7] Lift the sides of the parchment paper to remove the brownies from the pan. Use a sharp knife to trim the edges, then cut into squares.

How to Store Brownies

To keep your brownies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week—just make sure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.

For longer storage, wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!

Baking Tips & Tricks

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, opt for premium chocolate or cocoa, like Ghirardelli, to make rich, decadent brownies.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid tough or dense brownies.
• Line Your Pan with Parchment: This makes it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan for clean slicing.
• Check for Doneness Early: Use a toothpick to test; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter, for perfectly fudgy brownies.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Resist cutting brownies too soon—cooling helps them set for cleaner slices and better texture.
• Customize Your Mix-Ins: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or candy pieces to make your brownies extra special.
• Use the Right Pan Size: Stick to the size specified in the recipe to ensure even baking. Using the wrong size can affect thickness and cooking time.
• Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature before baking for consistent results.
• Avoid Overbaking: Brownies can go from fudgy to dry quickly, so keep a close eye on them as they finish baking.
• Store Properly: Cover brownies tightly or place them in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh.

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