Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday treat—candy cane brownies! These delightful squares combine the rich, fudgy goodness of classic brownies with a festive twist of crushed candy canes. I remember the first time I made them; my kitchen smelled like a chocolate wonderland, and the moment I took a bite, I was in minty heaven! It’s the perfect blend of chocolate and peppermint that just screams “holiday cheer.” I love making these for gatherings with friends and family; they’re always a hit! Plus, the vibrant red and white candy cane pieces on top make them look so festive, you can’t help but smile. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a cherished part of your holiday traditions too!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup crushed candy canes, plus extra for topping
How to Prepare Candy Cane Brownies
Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy. While that’s happening, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well with butter or cooking spray. This will help your brownies slide out easily once they’re baked and cooled. Trust me, you don’t want to wrestle with sticky brownies!
Mixing the Batter
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making the batter! Start by melting your butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once it’s all melted and glistening, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, followed by the eggs (make sure they’re at room temperature for that perfect mix!) and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s all nice and smooth. Next, sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold everything together until just combined—don’t overmix, or you’ll lose that dreamy texture!
Adding Candy Canes
Here comes the festive part! Gently fold in half of those crushed candy canes into your brownie batter. This adds a delightful minty crunch that perfectly complements the rich chocolate flavor. Make sure they’re evenly distributed, but don’t worry if a few pieces break apart; that just adds to the charm!
Baking the Brownies
Now, pour that luscious batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting. This helps them set up nicely and makes for cleaner slices. And oh, the anticipation will be worth it when you take that first bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and visually appealing with vibrant red and white candy cane toppings
- Easy to make, even for beginner bakers—just mix and bake!
- Rich chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the refreshing minty twist
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, bringing joy and cheer to any dessert table
- Great for gifting—who wouldn’t love a box of homemade candy cane brownies?
- Versatile enough to enjoy year-round, but extra special during the festive season
- Guaranteed to impress your friends and family with that delightful flavor combo
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your candy cane brownies are nothing short of spectacular! Here are some of my favorite pro tips to ensure you get the best results every time.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: This is crucial! Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into your batter, leading to a smoother texture. Just take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and we definitely want them fudgy and soft!
- Adjust Candy Cane Amounts: If you love that minty flavor, feel free to toss in a bit more crushed candy canes! But if you’re not a huge mint fan, stick to just half of what the recipe calls for. It’s all about your personal taste!
- Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary, so start checking your brownies a couple of minutes before the recommended baking time. You want them set but still a little gooey in the center for that perfect fudgy bite!
- Let Them Cool Before Cutting: Patience is key! Allow your brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps them firm up and makes cutting easier—plus, they’ll taste even better!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to brownie perfection that will have everyone raving! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, I know you might be curious about the nutritional breakdown of these delicious candy cane brownies! It’s always good to know what you’re indulging in, right? Here’s an estimated look at what each brownie contains:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. But hey, a little indulgence during the holidays is always worth it for that rich chocolatey goodness! Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve whipped up a batch of these irresistible candy cane brownies, and now you might be wondering how to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! To store your delicious brownies, simply place them in an airtight container. This will help keep them moist and prevent any pesky fridge odors from sneaking in. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-4 days, but if you want to extend their life, you can pop them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Now, if you end up with leftovers (which is rare, but it can happen!), you can also freeze them. Just wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pull out a brownie and let it thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. If you’re like me and can’t wait that long, you can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds to warm them up—just make sure not to overdo it, or they’ll lose that fudgy texture!
Whether you’re enjoying them fresh or from the freezer, these candy cane brownies are sure to bring a smile to your face. Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some burning questions about these candy cane brownies, so let’s dive into the most common ones I get!
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Sure! You can use vegetable oil if you prefer, but keep in mind that it might alter the texture slightly. Butter gives a richer flavor and that lovely fudgy texture we crave in brownies!
What can I use instead of candy canes?
If you’re not a fan of mint or want a different twist, try using crushed peppermint patties or even toffee bits for a sweet crunch! You can also skip the mint altogether and add chocolate chips for a double chocolate treat!
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
No problem! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. I recommend checking that your baking powder is also gluten-free to keep everything safe and delicious!
Can I add nuts to the batter?
Absolutely! If you love a bit of crunch, feel free to fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. Just be mindful of the balance with the candy canes; you don’t want to overwhelm that festive flavor!
How should I serve these brownies?
These brownies are delicious on their own, but for an extra festive touch, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! Drizzle with chocolate sauce or sprinkle with extra crushed candy canes for that holiday flair!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
You bet! These brownies actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store them in an airtight container, and you’re good to go! They’re perfect for prepping in advance for holiday gatherings.
If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out! I’m always here to help you whip up the perfect batch of candy cane brownies!
Print
Candy Cane Brownies: 7 Irresistible Holiday Treats
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Candy cane brownies are a festive dessert that combines rich chocolate brownies with crushed candy canes for a minty twist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder until combined.
- Fold in half of the crushed candy canes.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool and top with remaining crushed candy canes.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Use peppermint extract for a stronger mint flavor.
- Adjust the amount of candy canes to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: candy cane brownies
