Bring festive cheer to any occasion with these Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls. Combining the rich, fudgy flavor of homemade brownies with the refreshing crunch of peppermint, these bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or simply indulging yourself. Coated in smooth chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s fun to make and share.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and fun: Perfect for holidays or special occasions.
- Rich and chocolatey: Fudgy brownie centers coated in chocolate.
- Peppermint refresh: Adds a cool, minty balance to the chocolate.
- Easy to make: Uses a boxed brownie mix and simple decorations.
- Portable and shareable: Ideal for parties or gifting in jars or tins.
Ingredients
- 1 box standard brownie mix – Use your favorite brand and prepare according to package directions.
- 1/2 cup chocolate frosting – Binds the crumbled brownies into a dough-like consistency.
- 8 oz Ghirardelli melting chocolate – Smooth coating for the balls.
- 1 cup crushed candy canes, divided – Adds festive crunch and peppermint flavor.
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls
1. Bake the Brownies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the brownie batter according to the package instructions.
- Pour evenly into the pan and bake 25–30 minutes, until set.
- Let cool completely at room temperature.
2. Form the Brownie Balls
- Crumble cooled brownies into a large mixing bowl using your hands.
- Add chocolate frosting and mix until a thick, dough-like consistency forms.
- Fold in 1/4 cup of crushed candy canes.
- Portion the mixture using a cookie scoop and roll into uniform balls.
- Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Coat with Chocolate
- Melt the Ghirardelli melting chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Dip each brownie ball into the melted chocolate, covering completely.
- Place coated balls back onto the parchment-lined sheet.
4. Add Peppermint Topping
- Immediately sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes over the wet chocolate coating.
- Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving or storing.

Tips for Success
- Use fully cooled brownies to prevent melting when forming balls.
- Work quickly with melted chocolate before it hardens.
- Optional peppermint extract: Add a few drops to the brownie dough for extra minty flavor.
- Uniform size: Use a cookie scoop for consistent brownie balls that bake and coat evenly.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Recipe Variations
- Double Chocolate Peppermint: Mix mini chocolate chips into the brownie dough.
- White Chocolate Coating: Dip in white chocolate instead of dark or milk chocolate.
- Nutty Peppermint Balls: Add finely chopped almonds or pecans to the dough.
- Mini Brownie Bites: Make smaller 1-inch balls for bite-sized treats.
- Festive Drizzle: Drizzle contrasting chocolate (white or dark) over coated balls for decoration.
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange on a festive platter for parties or holidays.
- Pack in decorative jars or tins for gifts.
- Serve alongside hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Perfect as an after-dinner dessert or sweet snack.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownies?
Yes! Bake your favorite brownie recipe and proceed with the frosting binding step.
Can I freeze these brownie balls?
Yes, freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Can I use other candy toppings?
Absolutely! Try crushed peppermint bark, sprinkles, or finely chopped nuts.
Do I need a specific chocolate brand?
No, any good-quality melting chocolate works; Ghirardelli is recommended for smooth coating.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes, assemble and store in an airtight container. Chocolate coating may be brushed again if needed.
Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 brownie balls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls are a festive treat combining the rich flavor of chocolate brownies with refreshing peppermint.
Ingredients
- 1 box standard brownie mix (including required ingredients)
- 1/2 cup chocolate frosting
- 8 oz Ghirardelli melting chocolate
- 1 cup crushed candy canes, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray. Prepare brownie batter per package and pour into pan.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until set. Cool completely.
- Crumble brownies into a bowl. Add frosting and mix to a dough-like consistency. Fold in 1/4 cup crushed candy canes.
- Portion dough using a cookie scoop and roll into balls. Arrange on parchment-lined sheet.
- Melt Ghirardelli chocolate in microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip brownie balls into melted chocolate for full coverage. Place back on sheet.
- Sprinkle remaining candy canes over wet chocolate. Allow coating to set before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- For stronger peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract to brownie mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and Coating
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Balls are the ultimate festive treat: rich, fudgy, and bursting with peppermint flavor. Easy to make yet impressive to serve, they bring joy to holidays, parties, and gift-giving. Make a batch, share with friends, and enjoy the perfect combination of chocolate and mint in every bite!