These peppermint patty brownies are the perfect indulgence for when you are craving a rich, restaurant-style brownie dessert, but would rather stay home in your pajamas. With boxed brownie mix as a base, this recipe is simple to make and a real crowd pleaser.
Why this recipe works
Years ago while visiting my grandparents’ home in Massachusetts, I spent some time sprawled on the kitchen floor, paging through my grandmother’s vintage cookbooks. I came across a peppermint patty brownie recipe from the 1950’s. The recipe called for a boxed brownie mix and called for pouring melted peppermint patties candy over baked brownies. According to my Grandma, using boxed brownie mix and cake mix was all the rage back in the ’50s.
I began to wonder how brownies would taste if chopped Peppermint Patties were mixed into the brownie mix itself, instead of just drizzling them over the top of plain brownies. The results were absolutely amazing! The bonus is there are less dishes and there’s no melted candy mess to clean!
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
BROWNIE MIX – You’ll need a box of your favorite brownie mix plus the ingredients on the back. You could certainly use your own homemade brownie recipe if you prefer, but if you’re in a hurry, boxed brownie mix is a real time saver!
EXTRACT – You’ll need 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. I wouldn’t recommend using anymore than that as it’s quite potent.
GARNISH – Chocolate sauce, fresh mint and a handful of chopped peppermint patties make for simple but fun garnishing!
How to Make Peppermint Patty Brownies
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- In a large bowl, mix the brownies as directed on the package, adding 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Fold in chopped peppermint patties.
- Bake as directed on box.
- Cool, then cut into slices.
- Serve warm, topped with chocolate syrup, chopped Peppermint Patties, and fresh mint.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Store the cooled brownies in an airtight container kept at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Absolutely. Feel free to use your favorite fudge brownie recipe instead of box mix if preferred.
Yes, simply place the peppermint patties in a bowl and microwave until melted in short bursts. Be careful not to seize the chocolate. Drizzle it over top of the finished brownies.
Serving Suggestions
The Peppermint Patties melt into the brownie batter, creating a rich, fudge-like texture. Cool completely before cutting (it’s easier to cut cool brownies than hot brownies) but I do recommend warming them briefly in the microwave before serving!
Garnish with chocolate syrup, chopped Peppermint Patties, and fresh mint for a beautiful and delicious treat!
More Chocolate Recipes
- Chocolate Spritz Cookies – Fireflies & Mud Pies
- French Silk Brownies – Crazy for Crust
- Fudge Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting
- Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies
- Fudge Frosted Espresso Brownies
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Peppermint Patty Brownies
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Pin It Rate ItIngredients
- 16.3 ounce box of brownie mix plus ingredients needed on back of the box
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup chopped Peppermint Patties plus extra for garnish if desired
- Garnish: Chocolate syrup, chopped Peppermint Patties, fresh mint
Before You Begin
- The weight of box mixes has changed over the years. They can range from 16 ounce to 18 ounces. You can use either or. This won’t affect the outcome of your brownies!
- Lining your pan with foil or parchment paper, making sure it’s hanging over the sides of the pan, will provide “handles” that allow you to lift the entire block of brownies out of the pan so that you can cut them on a cutting board.
- If you would like to bake and take these, use a baking pan that comes with a lid, like this one. Once the baked brownies have cooled, cover the pan and bring your garnishes with you to top when you arrive at your destination.
Instructions
- Mix the brownies as directed on the package, adding 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Fold in chopped peppermint patties.16.3 ounce box of brownie mix, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, 1 cup chopped Peppermint Patties
- Bake as directed on box.
- Cool, then cut into slices.
- Serve warm, topped with chocolate syrup, extra chopped Peppermint Patties, and fresh mint.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store cooled leftover brownies in an airtight container kept at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
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Janet Pasqua says
Hi there!!!
I have been searching for the 1950’s recipe!!!
Is it as simple as making boxed brownies and melting th candies on top? Would you be willing to share? Need for.a birthday surprise that has to be “just like mom’s”.
I also want to try your version.
Thanks
Janet
Melissa Lennig says
Hi Janet,
The recipe I found said to just prepare and bake boxed cake mix, then spread chopped peppermint patties on top. The peppermint patties are supposed to melt into the brownies, forming a minty chocolate layer on top. Hope that helps!