Candy Cane Brownies

Introduction

Candy Cane Brownies are the ultimate treat for the holiday season—rich, decadent, and with just the right touch of festive flair. These brownies feature a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfectly complemented by a hint of peppermint and a crunchy sprinkle of crushed candy canes. The deep chocolate base is both satisfying and indulgent, while the peppermint adds a cool, refreshing note that makes each bite feel like a seasonal celebration. Topping it off with candy cane pieces creates a delightful crunch, giving these brownies the perfect balance of textures.

I first made these brownies on a chilly winter evening when I wanted a dessert that felt both cozy and special. With a handful of ingredients on hand, I was able to create something that felt truly indulgent. The rich chocolate paired with the refreshing peppermint was such a perfect match, and the candy cane topping added just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. What makes these brownies so great is their versatility—you can keep them simple with just the chocolate and peppermint, or add a drizzle of white chocolate, some festive sprinkles, or even a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Perfect for:

Christmas parties
Holiday dessert platters
Gift boxes
Cozy winter evenings
Peppermint and chocolate lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Candy Cane Brownies will become a holiday staple:

Festive Look: Crushed candy canes add a holiday sparkle and charm.
Fudgy Perfection: These brownies are rich, moist, and irresistibly chocolatey.
Easy to Make: Requires simple ingredients and comes together quickly.
Customizable: Adjust the level of peppermint to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults, they’re a hit at any event.
Holiday Aroma: Your kitchen will smell like Christmas while baking.
Great for Gifting: Package them in decorative boxes for a homemade holiday gift.
Peppermint-Chocolate Combo: A classic pairing that never disappoints.
Make-Ahead Dessert: Stays fresh for days, making it perfect for planning ahead.
Versatile Presentation: Serve as bars, bites, or with a dollop of whipped cream.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 16 brownies
Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
Key Nutrients: Carbs: 28g, Fat: 12g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

½ cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips (optional)
½ cup crushed candy canes
1 tablespoon heavy cream (if making a chocolate drizzle)

Optional Garnish:

Additional crushed candy canes
Powdered sugar for dusting

Ingredient Highlights

Peppermint Extract: Infuses the brownies with a refreshing holiday flavor.
Crushed Candy Canes: Adds a crunchy texture and festive appearance.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Ensures a deep, rich chocolate flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Batter:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.

Bake the Brownies:

Pour Batter into Pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

Add the Topping:

Optional Drizzle: Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled brownies.
Sprinkle Candy Canes: Evenly sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the brownies before the drizzle sets.

Serve or Store:

Slice and Serve: Cut into squares or bars and serve.
Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Candy Cane Brownies:

On a Dessert Platter: Combine with cookies, truffles, and other holiday treats.
With Ice Cream: Pair with vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a decadent dessert.
As Gift Box Treats: Package in festive boxes or tins for a homemade present.
As Bite-Sized Treats: Cut into small squares for holiday parties.
On Hot Chocolate Bar: Serve alongside mugs of hot cocoa.
With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of candy canes.
As Stocking Stuffers: Wrap individually for a delightful holiday surprise.
With Coffee or Tea: Perfect as an afternoon snack or after-dinner treat.
For Potlucks: A portable and shareable dessert that everyone will enjoy.
For Holiday Movie Nights: Pair with popcorn for a cozy treat.

Additional Tips

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures a smoother batter and even baking.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense or tough brownies.
Cool Completely Before Cutting: This prevents the brownies from crumbling.
For Extra Minty Flavor: Add finely crushed candy canes to the batter.
Adjust Peppermint Intensity: Start with a small amount of peppermint extract and adjust to taste.
Avoid Sticky Toppings: Sprinkle candy canes on just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Line the Pan: Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean cuts.
Double the Recipe: Bake in a 9×13-inch pan for a larger batch.
Decorate Festively: Add edible glitter or holiday-themed sprinkles for extra cheer.
Cut Cleanly: Use a sharp knife wiped with warm water between slices.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free Brownies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
White Chocolate Peppermint: Use white chocolate chips for the drizzle instead of dark chocolate.
Double Chocolate: Add chocolate chunks to the batter for extra richness.
Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal and use dairy-free chocolate.
Nutty Peppermint: Add crushed walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Marbled Brownies: Swirl in cream cheese or peppermint frosting before baking.
Espresso Brownies: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Candy Cane Blondies: Substitute the cocoa powder for additional flour to make blondies.
Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies: Add mini mint chocolate chips to the batter.
Extra Crunch: Use peppermint bark pieces instead of candy canes for the topping.

Special Equipment

9×13-inch Baking Pan – A standard pan for baking brownies evenly.
Electric Mixer – To beat and mix ingredients smoothly (optional but helpful).
Measuring Cups and Spoons – To ensure the proper amount of ingredients.
Mixing Bowls – Different sizes for dry and wet ingredients.
Rubber Spatula – To scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix ingredients.
Cooling Rack – To cool the brownies evenly after baking.
Parchment Paper – For lining the pan, making cleanup easier and preventing sticking.
Rolling Pin – For crushing the candy canes into small pieces.
Double Boiler or Microwave-Safe Bowl – To melt chocolate or candy coating for drizzling.
Knife or Bench Scraper – To cut the brownies neatly into squares.

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought brownie mix?
Yes, add peppermint extract and candy canes to a mix for a quicker version.
How do I crush candy canes without making a mess?
Place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or mallet.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
Use crushed candy canes or peppermint oil (a few drops) for flavor.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate works well for a less sweet topping.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Can I make them in a larger pan?
Yes, double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time accordingly.
How do I prevent the candy canes from melting?
Add them as a topping after the brownies have cooled.
What if I want less peppermint flavor?
Reduce or omit the peppermint extract and rely on candy canes for subtle flavor.
Can I add frosting to these brownies?
Yes, top with peppermint buttercream or cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.

Conclusion

Candy Cane Brownies are a festive treat that combines the rich, fudgy goodness of chocolate brownies with the refreshing crunch of peppermint candy canes. The pairing of deep cocoa flavors and cool mint creates a holiday dessert that’s indulgent and perfectly seasonal. Whether served at holiday parties, as a homemade gift, or enjoyed with a cozy cup of hot cocoa, these brownies are sure to spread cheer and delight.

This recipe is simple to make and perfect for bakers of all skill levels, making it an ideal project for festive gatherings or a quiet night at home. You can get creative by adding your own twist, such as a drizzle of white chocolate, a sprinkle of crushed nuts, or a swirl of peppermint frosting for an extra festive touch. These brownies are a celebration of all the flavors we love during the holidays.

I can’t wait to see your Candy Cane Brownies come to life! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to admire your holiday creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment to share your favorite variations or what you loved most about this recipe!