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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring edges are fully covered for effortless brownie extraction.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness and smooth surface.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and permit brownies to cool completely within the pan, allowing the texture to stabilize and intensify.
- Melt chocolate chips using gentle microwave technique, stirring between 30-second intervals until glossy and fluid.
- Drizzle molten chocolate across the cooled brownie surface, creating an artistic pattern that hints at the decadence within.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes generously over the chocolate layer, ensuring even distribution for a festive and crunchy texture contrast.
- Allow chocolate topping to set for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, then lift the entire brownie slab using parchment paper edges.
- Slice into precise squares or elegant rectangles, revealing the rich, fudgy interior.
- 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