Jolly Festive Candy Cane Brownies Recipe for Holiday Magic

Sweet chocolate and peppermint dance together in these irresistible candy cane brownies that promise pure holiday magic.

Rich fudgy brownies adorned with crushed candy cane pieces create a delightful winter dessert sensation.

The decadent chocolate base provides a perfect canvas for festive mint flavors.

Crumbled candy cane toppings add a delightful crunch and bright holiday spirit to every bite.

Each square delivers a perfect balance of rich chocolate and cool peppermint that melts in your mouth.

Winter celebrations deserve a dessert this spectacular and simple to prepare.

Treat yourself and your loved ones to these show-stopping brownies that capture the essence of seasonal joy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 12

Candy Cane Brownie Ingredients You’ll Love

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy texture and enhances deep chocolate flavor, choose high-quality unsalted butter for best results.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create soft, fudgy brownie texture, opt for granulated white sugar.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and creates structure, use room temperature eggs for smoother mixing.

• Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate taste, select Dutch-processed cocoa for deeper flavor.
• Flour: Creates brownie structure, use all-purpose flour for consistent texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps brownies rise slightly and become tender, ensure it's fresh for best results.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out chocolate flavor, choose pure vanilla for best taste.
• Peppermint Extract: Introduces festive candy cane flavor, use sparingly to avoid overwhelming taste.
• Chocolate Chips: Optional topping that adds extra chocolate layer, dark or semi-sweet varieties work best.
• Candy Canes: Provides crunchy, minty garnish, crush finely for even distribution and visual appeal.

Tools for Mixing Peppermint Into Your Brownies

• 8×8-inch baking pan: Perfect for creating evenly sized brownies with crisp edges.
• Parchment paper: Essential for easy brownie removal and clean release.
• Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Great for blending butter, sugar, eggs, and extracts without lumps.
• Sifter: Helps eliminate cocoa powder and flour clumps for a silky batter.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Necessary for melting chocolate chips evenly.
• Toothpick: Helps check brownie doneness by testing center moisture.
• Cutting board: Used for slicing brownies after cooling and setting.
• Sharp knife: Allows clean, precise cuts for professional-looking treats.

How to Bake Candy Cane Brownies Just Right

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F and prepare a cozy 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for smooth brownie removal.

• Whip Together the Chocolate Magic

Blend melted butter and sugar into a silky mixture. Splash in eggs and hint of peppermint and vanilla, whisking until everything mingles perfectly. Gently fold in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt without overdoing the mixing.

• Bake to Chocolatey Perfection

Pour batter into the pan, spreading evenly. Slide into the oven and bake 20-25 minutes until a toothpick reveals just a few moist crumbs. Let brownies cool completely inside the pan.

• Create the Festive Topping

Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate across the surface. Sprinkle crushed candy canes for a festive crunch that makes taste buds dance.

• Slice and Serve

Allow chocolate topping to set for 10-15 minutes. Lift brownies out using parchment paper and slice into delectable squares. Devour immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Ideas to Make These Brownies Festive

• Let brownies cool completely before cutting to achieve clean, crisp edges and prevent crumbling. Chilling them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes can help create neater slices.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these brownies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Add a pinch of xanthan gum to help maintain the classic brownie texture.
• Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternative. Use dairy-free chocolate chips for melting and topping to create a completely dairy-free version of these festive brownies.
• These brownies can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container. For best presentation, add crushed candy canes just before serving to maintain their crunch and vibrant color.

Serving Peppermint Brownies for the Holidays

• Holiday Dessert Companion: Pair these festive brownies with a scoop of peppermint ice cream for an extra cool and creamy treat that intensifies the mint flavor.
• Festive Beverage Match: Serve alongside hot cocoa topped with whipped cream or a warm holiday-spiced chai latte to complement the rich chocolate and peppermint notes.
• Gifting Delights: Package individual brownies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and white ribbons for a charming homemade holiday gift that will delight friends and family.
• Elegant Plating Style: Dust the brownie edges with powdered sugar and garnish each slice with a mini candy cane for a professional bakery-style presentation that adds visual appeal.

Tips for Storing Holiday Brownies Right

• Store brownies in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, placing wax paper between layers to prevent candy cane topping from sticking. Keep refrigerated for maximum freshness up to 5 days.
• Room temperature storage works well for 2-3 days if kept away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Cover container with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe ziplock bags. Frozen brownies stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
• Prepare brownie base and topping separately. Keep undecorated brownies in the refrigerator for 3 days, then add crushed candy canes just before serving to maintain crisp texture and vibrant color.

Festive Candy Cane Brownies Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Chocolate lovers rejoice with these candy cane brownies that blend rich, fudgy chocolate with festive peppermint cheer. Cool mint frosting and crushed candy cane pieces crown this delightful holiday dessert that will delight your senses and sweeten winter gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• ½ cup (120 ml) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (85 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling)
• ½ cup (50 g) crushed candy canes

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat to 350F (175C). Coat 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy extraction.
2. Batter Creation: Whisk melted butter and sugar until lustrous. Incorporate eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extracts, blending thoroughly. Gently fold sifted cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt into wet ingredients, mixing until just combined – avoid overworking the mixture.
3. Baking Process: Transfer batter to prepared pan, smoothing surface evenly. Bake for 22-26 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick – it should emerge with minimal moist crumbs. Allow brownies to cool completely within the pan.
4. Chocolate Embellishment: Melt chocolate chips using microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session until silky. Drizzle melted chocolate across brownie surface and generously scatter crushed candy canes for festive decoration.
5. Finishing: Allow chocolate topping to solidify for 10-15 minutes. Utilize parchment paper handles to extract brownies, then slice into elegant squares or rectangles. Store in sealed container, maintaining freshness for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined to maintain a fudgy, tender brownie texture without developing tough gluten strands.
• Start with less peppermint extract and adjust to taste, as the flavor can quickly become overwhelming and bitter if too much is added.
• Use low microwave power and short intervals when melting chocolate, stirring between each to prevent burning and ensure smooth, glossy consistency.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly version, or use alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar for lower glycemic index brownies.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg