York Peppermint Patty Brownies

Name: York Peppermint Patty Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup (170g) salted butter; 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate (chopped); ½ cup (43g) unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1 (10.1-ounce) bag fun-size York peppermint patties (unwrapped and divided (about 24))

These fabulous York Peppermint Patty Brownies start with my classic rich chocolate brownie base made with two types of chocolate with a refreshing layer of minty goodness for a truly unique brownie experience! These decadent brownies are perfect for the holiday season or any time you’re in the mood for something sweet and refreshing.

An image of york peppermint patty brownies on their sides.

I love these brownies so much that I included them in my first cookbook but have never shared them here on the site.

They are fudgy and dense chocolate brownies, with a hidden layer of peppermint patties that melt into a gooey, minty surprise with every bite! Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party, a potluck, or a cozy night in, these brownies bring a festive touch and are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them. Every time I make these to take to a party or cookie exchange they get rave reviews and multiple requests to share the recipe, which is honestly just my classic fudgy brownies with the addition of York peppermint patties.

Want more mint-chocolate magic? Don’t miss my recipes for Peppermint Oreo Cookies, Peppermint Bark Fudge, Frosted Peppermint Brownies, Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms, and Andes Mint Cookies!

Why We Love This Recipe

These brownies are incredibly fudgy and moist because of the mix of bittersweet chocolate, cocoa powder, and butter, delivering that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture every time.
The layer of York Peppermint Patties adds a refreshing minty surprise right in the center, making each bite a delightful combination of rich chocolate and cool peppermint.
This recipe is perfect for the holiday season but easy enough to whip up any time you’re craving a special treat—no need to wait for a special occasion to indulge!

York peppermint patty brownies cut into squares.

Two York peppermint patty stuffed brownies stacked on top of each other.

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Salted Butter – Provides richness and helps create a smooth, fudgy texture. You can swap for unsalted butter if you like, but add a pinch more salt.
Bittersweet Chocolate – Gives the brownies a deep chocolate flavor. If you don’t have bittersweet chocolate, you can use dark chocolate as a substitute.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds to the fudgy texture.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the brownies and balances out the bitterness of the chocolate.
Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, making the brownies even richer.
Eggs – Provide structure and make the brownies soft and chewy.
Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the flavors, bringing out both the chocolate and peppermint tastes.
All-Purpose Flour – Helps bind everything together without making the brownies too cakey.
Salt – Balances out the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Adds extra chocolatey goodness throughout the brownies.
York Peppermint Patties – The star ingredient! They bring that classic minty flavor we all know and love. For an extra-special touch, give my Homemade Peppermint Patties recipe a try!

An overhead image of ingredients for making peppermint patty stuffed brownies.

How to Make York Peppermint Patty Brownies

Prepare pan and oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy lifting. Spray with a little nonstick cooking spray also to prevent any sticky brownie mishaps!
Melt chocolate and butter. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped bittersweet chocolate and butter. Microwave in 20-30 second bursts, stirring between each, until the mixture is melted and smooth. Whisk in the cocoa powder to deepen that rich chocolate flavor.

Chopped chocolate and butter in a large mixing bowl.

Melted chocolate and butter in a large glass mixing bowl.

Mix batter. Add the granulated and brown sugars, stirring until everything is well combined. Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that hint of warmth and depth.

Adding cocoa powder, brown sugar, and granulated sugar to melted butter and chocolate in a large glass mixing bowl.

Adding eggs and vanilla extract to brownie batter in a large mixing bowl.

Incorporate dry ingredients. Sprinkle the flour and salt over the batter, and gently fold in with a spatula or wooden spoon.

Mixed brownie batter in a large glass mixing bowl.

Adding flour and salt to brownie batter.

Add chocolate chips. Next, stir in the chocolate chips, mixing just enough to evenly distribute them.
Layer first half. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it to cover the bottom. Arrange most of the York Peppermint Patties in a single layer over the batter, reserving a few for the top.

Mixed homemade brownie batter in a large mixing bowl.

Layering mini peppermint patties in a square baking dish.

Layer second half. Now pour the remaining brownie batter over the peppermint layer, spreading it out to cover them completely. Finish by scattering the chopped peppermint patty pieces on top.

Chopped peppermint patties sprinkled on top of brownie batter.

Bake. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it toward the end—when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! (Try not to overbake; we want that fudgy texture!)
Cool and cut. Allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack before lifting them out of the pan. For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Now, dive into that delicious minty-chocolatey goodness!

An overhead image of a batch of York peppermint patty brownies cut into squares.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes! An 8×8-inch pan will make thicker brownies and may need a bit more baking time, around 40-45 minutes. Just keep an eye on them!

Can I use a boxed brownie mix instead?

Absolutely! Just prepare the brownie batter as directed on the box, and follow the layering steps with the York Peppermint Patties for that minty twist. Although I promise that once you start making brownies from scratch you will never want to go back to a box mix.

How should I store these brownies?

Store your brownies in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days, or pop them in the fridge if you like them extra firm.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep fresh for up to 3 months.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Definitely! You can make them a day or two in advance. They even get fudgier as they sit, making them a great make-ahead treat for any gathering.

Tips for Success

Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour. A gentle hand will keep your brownies fudgy and dense, just the way we like them!
Be careful not to overbake! Check for doneness at the 30-minute mark. A toothpick with just a few moist crumbs means they’re perfect.
Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and gives you cleaner slices (worth the wait, trust me).
Use a sharp knife when slicing, and wipe the blade clean between cuts to get those picture-perfect squares. A plastic knife is a good tool for cutting brownies because it’s non-stick and gentle on the pan.

An overhead image of peppermint patty stuffed brownies.

An overhead image of peppermint patty brownies cut into squares.

Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have York Peppermint Patties, Junior Mints or Andes mints work well for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Use dark chocolate instead of bittersweet chocolate for an even richer flavor.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Fun Fact

In the 1920s, Henry Kessler’s York Cone Company started with ice cream cones but soon brought us the unforgettable York Peppermint Patties, known for their perfect “snap” and refreshing minty kick. By the 1970s, the minty treat had fans coast-to-coast, and after joining Hershey’s lineup in 1988, it became a true American classic! Today, it’s the go-to candy for anyone craving that ultimate mint-chocolate duo and one of my personal top candy picks.