Chocolate Peppermint Bread is a festive and decadent quick bread that blends rich cocoa flavor with cool, refreshing peppermint. With a moist, tender crumb and bursts of chocolate chips, it’s the perfect holiday treat—or anytime indulgence for peppermint lovers. A drizzle of glaze or crushed candy cane topping makes it even more irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bread is like a chocolatey holiday hug—warm, rich, and just the right amount of minty. It’s incredibly easy to make with no yeast or fancy techniques required. Whether you’re baking it for Christmas morning, gifting it to friends, or enjoying it with a cup of coffee, this bread is a crowd-pleasing seasonal favorite. It also freezes well, so you can make it ahead!

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Sugar
Eggs
Vegetable oil or melted butter
Milk or buttermilk
Peppermint extract
Vanilla extract
Mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Optional: crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (for topping)
Optional: powdered sugar and milk (for glaze)

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, oil, milk, peppermint extract, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: drizzle with a simple glaze and sprinkle with crushed peppermint for a festive finish.

Servings and timing

Makes 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 45–55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Double Chocolate: Stir in white chocolate chips for a pretty contrast and extra richness.
Frosted Version: Spread with chocolate ganache or peppermint buttercream instead of glaze.
Mocha Peppermint: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a deeper flavor.
Mini Loaves: Divide batter between mini loaf pans for gifting—adjust bake time to 25–30 minutes.

storage/reheating

Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze the whole loaf or individual slices tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?

Yes, but peppermint oil is much more concentrated. Use only a few drops and taste the batter.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

What kind of cocoa powder works best?

Unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa both work—Dutch-process will give a deeper color and smoother flavor.

Can I use candy canes in the batter?

Crushed candy canes can be mixed in, but they may melt and create sticky pockets. Better as a topping!

How do I prevent chocolate chips from sinking?

Toss them with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and bake in two loaf pans. Don’t overcrowd the oven for even baking.

What’s the best way to glaze the bread?

Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk and a drop of peppermint extract. Drizzle once the bread is fully cooled.

Is this bread more cake-like or dense?

It’s moist and tender, like a quick bread with cake-like texture—rich but not heavy.

Can I use almond or oat milk?

Yes, non-dairy milks work well as a substitute for regular milk.

What should I serve with Chocolate Peppermint Bread?

Enjoy it with coffee, hot cocoa, or a glass of milk. It also makes a great dessert with whipped cream or ice cream.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peppermint Bread is a festive favorite that brings together the deep comfort of chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint. It’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and impossible to resist—perfect for holiday baking or anytime you want to treat yourself to something special. Make one loaf and you’ll wish you’d made two.

Chocolate Peppermint Bread