Chocolate Peppermint Bread Recipe

Chocolate Peppermint Bread brings together rich cocoa and refreshing mint in one delicious holiday loaf that’s surprisingly easy to make. I’ve been baking this festive bread for years, and it never fails to capture that perfect Christmas morning feeling with its deep chocolate flavor and cool peppermint finish.

There’s something magical about the aroma of chocolate and peppermint wafting through your kitchen during the holidays. I first discovered this combination when I was experimenting with ways to use up leftover candy canes after Christmas, and this bread quickly became a family tradition. The best part? It’s a quick bread, so no waiting around for dough to rise. You can have this Chocolate Peppermint Bread ready in just over an hour, making it perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings or when you’re craving that cozy peppermint hot cocoa flavor in bread form.

Essential Ingredients for Your Holiday Chocolate Bread

I always recommend using room temperature ingredients for the best texture, and don’t skip the espresso powder – it makes the chocolate flavor absolutely incredible without adding coffee taste.

• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract (do not exceed this amount)
• 1 1/3 cup all purpose flour
• 2/3 cup cocoa powder (I prefer dark cocoa like Hershey’s Special Dark)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp espresso powder
• 3/4 cup milk, whole or 2%
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• Pinch salt

For the frosting:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tbsp milk, whole or 2%
• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 3 tbsp crushed candy canes

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

I recommend preheating your oven first since this batter comes together quickly, and always use the toothpick test – the dark color can be deceiving.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it thoroughly.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Mix in the cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt until well combined. The mixture will look dry at this point.

Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the peppermint extract. Be careful not to add more than 1/4 teaspoon or your Chocolate Peppermint Bread will be overpowering.

Step 5: Alternate adding the flour and milk in small increments, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined after each addition to avoid tough bread.

Step 6: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips using a rubber spatula.

Step 7: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes. Test with a toothpick inserted in the center – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: While the bread cools completely, make your frosting by beating together powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and Greek yogurt until smooth.

Step 9: Once cooled, frost the loaf and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for that beautiful holiday presentation.

Perfect Holiday Pairings and Serving Ideas

This chocolate peppermint combination pairs beautifully with warm beverages and makes an excellent addition to any holiday spread.

Hot Chocolate: The ultimate pairing – the bread echoes the flavors of your favorite winter drink while adding satisfying texture and richness.

Coffee or Espresso: The chocolate notes complement coffee perfectly, making this ideal for Christmas morning breakfast or afternoon treats.

Cold Milk: A classic combination that balances the rich chocolate and refreshing mint flavors beautifully.

Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve slightly warmed slices with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent holiday dessert that guests will remember.

Complete Your Holiday Baking Menu

This chocolate peppermint bread pairs wonderfully with other Christmas treats for a memorable holiday spread. Serve it alongside our Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies for a delightful cookie and bread combination, or create an impressive dessert course with our Sugar Cookie Cheesecake. Begin your celebration with our beautiful Christmas Charcuterie Board with Ornament Design or the protein-packed Easy Christmas Charcuterie Board.Retry

Smart Storage Solutions

This Chocolate Peppermint Bread stays fresh for several days when stored properly, and I’ve found it actually improves in flavor overnight.

Store your finished bread covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making day-two slices even more delicious. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Pro tip: You can freeze the bread with frosting, though the frosting may crack slightly when thawed. I recommend letting frozen slices thaw at room temperature for the best texture and serving them with a warm beverage.

Common Questions About Chocolate Peppermint Bread

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