Festive Candy Cane Brownies Recipe: A Jolly Holiday Treat

Sweet chocolate meets festive peppermint in these irresistible candy cane brownies that promise a delightful twist on classic desserts.

Winter gatherings deserve something special and memorable.

Rich chocolate layers mingle with cool mint undertones, creating a perfect holiday treat.

Nobody can resist these decadent squares bursting with seasonal charm.

Cutting into a fudgy brownie sprinkled with crushed candy cane pieces that add delightful crunch and color.

Each bite delivers a magical blend of smooth chocolate and refreshing mint that feels like a celebration.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this delectable seasonal indulgence.

What Drinks Go With Candy Cane Brownies

• Boost Chocolate Delight: Pair these candy cane brownies with a rich, full-bodied red wine like cabernet sauvignon, which complements the deep chocolate notes and cuts through the sweetness.
• Creamy Cooldown Companion: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the peppermint's coolness and provide a smooth, creamy contrast to the dense brownie texture.
• Festive Coffee Match: Brew a warm peppermint mocha or dark roast coffee to enhance the chocolate and mint flavors, creating a delightful holiday-inspired dessert experience.
• Winter Beverage Blend: Enjoy with a hot spiced chai tea that adds warm, aromatic spices which beautifully highlight the brownie's minty chocolate profile.

Fun Add-Ons For Candy Cane Brownies

• Chocolate Mint Symphony: Replace peppermint extract with fresh mint leaves, finely chopped and folded into the batter for a more subtle, herbal mint flavor that complements the rich chocolate.
• Nutty Peppermint Crunch: Incorporate chopped almonds or walnuts into the brownie batter, adding a delightful textural contrast to the soft brownie base and crushed candy cane topping.
• White Chocolate Candy Cane Fusion: Swap dark chocolate drizzle with melted white chocolate, creating a creamy, sweet layer that pairs beautifully with the peppermint candy cane crumbles.
• Holiday Espresso Punch: Mix in a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients, enhancing the chocolate's depth and adding a sophisticated coffee undertone to the classic candy cane brownie.

Answers To Candy Cane Brownies Questions

• Why use peppermint extract in these brownies?

Peppermint extract adds a delightful holiday flavor that perfectly complements the rich chocolate, creating a festive and refreshing taste sensation that makes these brownies extra special.

• Can I make these brownies without candy canes?

Absolutely! If you don’t have candy canes, you can skip the topping or substitute with crushed peppermint candies, white chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a different twist.

• How do I prevent my brownies from being too cakey or dry?

Be careful not to overmix the batter and avoid overbaking. Remove the brownies from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs – this ensures a fudgy, rich texture that chocolate lovers crave.

• Is it necessary to use both cocoa powder and chocolate chips?

While not mandatory, using both creates a deeper chocolate flavor and contributes to a more decadent, rich brownie. If you’re short on ingredients, you can use one or the other, but the combination delivers the most intense chocolate experience.

Why Candy Cane Brownies Are A Minty Delight

• Festive Flavor Explosion: Candy cane brownies deliver a delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, creating a seasonal treat that transforms classic brownies into a holiday sensation.
• Super Simple Preparation: This recipe requires minimal baking skills, using basic kitchen tools and straightforward mixing techniques that make it accessible for home bakers of all experience levels.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: From start to finish, these brownies take less than an hour to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings, potlucks, or spontaneous dessert cravings.
• Versatile Sweet Treat: These brownies work brilliantly as a dessert for winter parties, Christmas celebrations, or as a delightful homemade gift that combines indulgence with festive cheer.

Ingredients For Candy Cane Brownies

• Butter: Rich, creamy foundation that adds moisture and depth to brownies.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a soft, tender texture.
• Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and richness.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic background flavor.
• Peppermint Extract: Brings cool, festive mint sensation to the brownies.

• Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the brownie ingredients.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light, slightly risen texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Chocolate Chips, Melted Chocolate: Creates smooth, glossy drizzle for extra decadence.
• Candy Canes: Adds festive crunch and peppermint burst on top of brownies.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy brownie removal and clean cutting.

How To Make Candy Cane Brownies Without Fuss

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil. Line the pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy brownie removal.

Step 2: Create Chocolatey Magic

• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar

Crack in the eggs and splash in vanilla and peppermint extracts. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

• Cocoa powder
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Gently fold everything together until just combined. Don’t go crazy with mixing – we want fudgy brownies!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the rich chocolate batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Patience is key!

Step 4: Decorate with Festive Flair

Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and glossy. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled brownies.

Crush some candy canes (the fun part!) and sprinkle the peppermint pieces across the top.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Allow the chocolate topping to set for about 10-15 minutes. Use the parchment paper handles to lift the brownies out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife.

Step 6: Indulge and Enjoy

Serve these minty chocolate delights immediately. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days – if they last that long!

Tips For Fudgy Candy Cane Brownies

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined to maintain a fudgy, tender brownie texture without developing tough gluten.
• Enhance Peppermint Flavor: Add an extra drop of peppermint extract for a more intense holiday mint taste, or swap vanilla extract entirely for a stronger candy cane experience.
• Create Clean Cuts: Use a warm, clean knife and wipe between slices to get neat, crisp brownie edges without crumbling or messy presentation.
• Make Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining rich chocolate flavor.
• Control Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate chips slowly and stir frequently to prevent burning, ensuring smooth and glossy topping that complements the candy cane crunch.

How To Store Candy Cane Brownies The Right Way

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store completely cooled brownies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent candy cane topping from melting.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze brownies for up to 3 months, ensuring they remain protected from freezer burn and moisture.
• Thaw Properly: Remove frozen brownies from the freezer and let them defrost at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Avoid microwaving to prevent texture changes and maintain the original soft, fudgy consistency.
• Reheat Gently: Warm refrigerated or thawed brownies in the oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their delightful warm, gooey texture without drying them out.

Candy Cane Brownies Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet chocolate meets festive peppermint in these irresistible candy cane brownies, blending rich cocoa with cool mint for a holiday dessert that delights. Holiday bakers will savor this simple yet spectacular treat that brings Christmas cheer to every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Chocolate Base:

• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Primary Ingredients:

• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (85 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling)
• ½ cup (50 grams) crushed candy canes

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring edges are fully covered for effortless brownie extraction.
2. Create a luxurious chocolate base by whisking melted butter and sugar until silky smooth, then incorporate eggs and aromatic extracts of vanilla and peppermint until perfectly blended.
3. Sift cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt directly into the wet mixture, gently folding with a spatula until ingredients are just harmonized – avoiding overmixing which can lead to tough brownies.
4. Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness and smooth surface.
5. Slide the pan into a preheated 350°F oven, allowing the brownies to bake for approximately 22-25 minutes, watching for subtle signs of doneness like slightly pulled edges and a toothpick emerging with minimal moist crumbs.
6. Remove from oven and permit brownies to cool completely within the pan, allowing the texture to stabilize and intensify.
7. Melt chocolate chips using gentle microwave technique, stirring between 30-second intervals until glossy and fluid.
8. Drizzle molten chocolate across the cooled brownie surface, creating an artistic pattern that hints at the decadence within.
9. Sprinkle crushed candy canes generously over the chocolate layer, ensuring even distribution for a festive and crunchy texture contrast.
10. Allow chocolate topping to set for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, then lift the entire brownie slab using parchment paper edges.
11. Slice into precise squares or elegant rectangles, revealing the rich, fudgy interior.
12. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container, where these indulgent treats will maintain their exceptional quality for up to five days.

Notes

• Enhance the mint flavor by adding an extra splash of peppermint extract for a more intense, refreshing taste that cuts through the rich chocolate.
• Experiment with different chocolate types like dark or white chocolate for the topping to create unique flavor variations that complement the candy cane crunch.
• Prevent candy cane pieces from becoming soggy by sprinkling them just before serving, ensuring maximum crispness and vibrant color contrast.
• Transform these brownies into a gluten-free option by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same decadent texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 185
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg