Candy Cane Brownies: The Ultimate Festive Dessert Recipe

Candy Cane Brownies: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine biting into a fudgy, intensely chocolatey brownie, only to be met with a refreshing burst of peppermint. That’s exactly what you get with these delightful holiday treats. They’re not just brownies; they’re a festive experience!

While the exact origins of combining peppermint and chocolate are debated, the pairing has become synonymous with the holiday season. Think of classic peppermint bark or those iconic candy canes adorning Christmas trees. This recipe takes that beloved combination and elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness.

What makes Candy Cane Brownies so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of rich, decadent chocolate and the cool, invigorating flavor of peppermint. The fudgy texture of the brownie contrasts beautifully with the crunchy bits of crushed candy cane, creating a symphony of sensations in every bite. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for holiday baking with family or a quick treat for yourself. Trust me, these brownies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering. Get ready to spread some holiday cheer, one brownie at a time!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup crushed candy canes, plus more for topping
• Optional: White chocolate chips for drizzling

Preparing the Brownie Batter:

1. First, let’s get started by melting the butter. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted. Alternatively, you can melt it in a saucepan over low heat. Just be careful not to burn it! Once melted, set it aside to cool slightly. This is important because we don’t want to cook the eggs when we add them.
2. Now, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. You want the mixture to be smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for creating that fudgy texture we all love in brownies.
3. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture before adding the next. This helps to create a stable emulsion, which contributes to the brownie’s overall texture.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract. I like to use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, but imitation vanilla will also work in a pinch. The vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a touch of warmth to the brownies.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter, preventing any clumps of cocoa powder or baking powder.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough brownies. We want them to be fudgy and tender, not dry and cakey. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
7. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the ½ cup of crushed candy canes. I like to use a rubber spatula for this step to avoid overmixing. The chocolate chips add extra richness and the candy canes provide a festive peppermint flavor and a delightful crunch.

Baking the Brownies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking brownies to ensure they cook evenly and have a fudgy center.
2. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal. This prevents the brownies from sticking to the pan and makes it easy to lift them out once they’re cooled.
3. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the surface of the batter.
4. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes over the top of the batter. This adds a festive touch and enhances the peppermint flavor.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake the brownies, as this will make them dry. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
6. Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is important because the brownies will continue to set as they cool. If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they’ll be too soft and gooey.

Optional: White Chocolate Drizzle and Final Touches:

1. While the brownies are cooling, you can prepare the white chocolate drizzle, if desired. Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Alternatively, you can melt them in a double boiler over low heat.
2. Once the brownies are completely cooled, drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to create a decorative pattern.
3. Cut the brownies into squares and serve. I like to cut them into 2-inch squares, but you can adjust the size to your preference.
4. Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Brownies:

• Use high-quality cocoa powder: The quality of the cocoa powder will significantly impact the flavor of your brownies. I recommend using Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
• Bake in a preheated oven: This ensures that the brownies cook evenly.
• Let the brownies cool completely before cutting: This allows them to set properly and prevents them from being too gooey.
• Add a pinch of espresso powder: A small amount of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor of the brownies.
• Experiment with different toppings: You can add other toppings to the brownies, such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a cream cheese frosting.

Variations:

• Peppermint Extract: For an even stronger peppermint flavor, add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter along with the vanilla extract.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: Substitute dark chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
• White Chocolate Brownies: Omit the cocoa powder and use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a white chocolate version.
• Gluten-Free Brownies: Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular all-purpose flour. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

Troubleshooting:

• Brownies are too dry: This is usually caused by overbaking. Be sure to check the brownies frequently while they’re baking and remove them from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
• Brownies are too gooey: This can be caused by underbaking or using too much butter. Be sure to bake the brownies for the recommended time and use the correct amount of butter.
• Brownies are too cakey: This is usually caused by overmixing the batter. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
• Brownies are sticking to the pan: Be sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper.

Enjoy your delicious and festive Candy Cane Brownies! They’re perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or just a sweet treat for yourself.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Candy Cane Brownies are more than just a festive treat; they’re a delightful explosion of chocolatey goodness and minty freshness that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). I truly believe this recipe is a must-try this holiday season, and here’s why: the fudgy brownie base provides the perfect canvas for the vibrant peppermint flavor, creating a harmonious balance that’s both comforting and invigorating. Plus, the crushed candy canes add a delightful crunch and a beautiful visual appeal, making them perfect for gifting or serving at your next holiday gathering.

But the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make! Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can whip up a batch of these brownies in no time. The recipe is straightforward, and the results are guaranteed to impress. Forget store-bought brownies – these homemade Candy Cane Brownies are in a league of their own.

Looking for some serving suggestions? These brownies are fantastic on their own, but you can also elevate them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For an extra touch of holiday cheer, try serving them with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a peppermint mocha. They also pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with some variations? You could add white chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an even richer flavor, or swirl in some peppermint extract for an extra boost of minty goodness. For a truly decadent treat, try topping them with a layer of peppermint buttercream frosting. You could even use different types of candy canes, like cherry or blueberry, to create unique flavor combinations. Get creative and have fun with it!

Another great idea is to use different types of chocolate in the brownie batter. Dark chocolate will create a richer, more intense flavor, while milk chocolate will result in a sweeter, more classic brownie. You could even use a combination of both for a truly complex and delicious treat.

These Candy Cane Brownies are also perfect for making brownie sundaes. Simply cut the brownies into squares, top with your favorite ice cream, and drizzle with chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or even some melted peanut butter. Add some whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top for the ultimate indulgence.

I’m confident that you’ll love these brownies as much as I do. They’re the perfect way to spread holiday cheer and create lasting memories with your loved ones. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think and see any variations you come up with. Did you add any extra ingredients? Did you try a different type of candy cane? Let me know! And don’t forget to share your photos on social media using the hashtag #CandyCaneBrownies. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking!