Candy Cane Brownies are the ultimate festive treat that combines the rich decadence of brownies with the refreshing zing of peppermint. Picture this: luscious, fudgy brownies topped with a swirl of creamy peppermint frosting and adorned with crushed candy canes that sparkle like holiday cheer. The moment you take a bite, your taste buds are met with a chocolatey embrace followed by a cool minty kick — it’s like Christmas in dessert form!
I remember the first time I made these beauties; it was during an epic holiday cookie exchange. I was determined to impress my friends and maybe even steal a few hearts along the way. As soon as I pulled these Candy Cane Brownies out of the oven, the aroma wafted through my kitchen, drawing everyone in like moths to a flame. The joy on everyone’s faces as they took their first bites was priceless — trust me, you’ll want these delightful brownies at every holiday gathering!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Candy Cane Brownies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any last-minute holiday event.
- The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint creates a unique flavor profile that will leave you craving more.
- Their festive red-and-white appearance makes them visually stunning on any dessert table.
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed at Christmas parties or cozy family gatherings, these brownies are sure to delight!
Ingredients for Candy Cane Brownies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter for that rich, fudgy brownie texture. Make sure it’s unsalted to control the overall saltiness.
-
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener adds sweetness and moisture to your brownies, creating that heavenly melt-in-your-mouth experience.
-
Cocoa Powder: Go for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor. It’s essential for achieving that rich color.
-
Eggs: You’ll need large eggs to bind everything together and help achieve that gooey consistency we all love in brownies.
-
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base ingredient; it provides structure while keeping your brownies fudgy rather than cakey.
-
Peppermint Extract: A couple of teaspoons will give your brownies that unmistakable minty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
-
Candy Canes: Crush these festive treats into bits for garnish; they add not only flavor but also a delightful crunch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Candy Cane Brownies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and grease it lightly with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add in the eggs one at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition until smooth and shiny.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients while stirring gently — don’t overmix or your brownies might lose their fudgy goodness!
Step 4: Add Peppermint Flavor
Stir in peppermint extract until evenly distributed throughout the batter. You’ll instantly feel like you’re standing atop Santa’s sleigh with all those holiday vibes!
Step 5: Bake Your Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter!).
Step 6: Frost and Garnish
Once cooled completely, whip up some cream cheese frosting if desired; spread it generously over your brownies. Finally, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for that festive flair!
Transfer to plates and serve these glorious Candy Cane Brownies at your next holiday gathering or simply enjoy them while binge-watching your favorite holiday movies!
You Must Know
- These Candy Cane Brownies are not just a holiday treat; they are a delightful blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint.
- The vibrant colors and festive flavors make them the perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
- Easy to whip up, they will impress your friends and family!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your brownie batter first, then fold in crushed candy canes before baking. While the brownies cool, whip up a simple peppermint frosting for an extra sweet touch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or even add nuts for a crunchy texture. Experiment with different types of mint extracts or drizzles of chocolate sauce for added flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Candy Cane Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy that gooey goodness all over again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly fudgy brownies, don’t overmix your batter; just mix until combined.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for rich flavor.
- If you want them extra pepperminty, add more crushed candy canes on top before serving.
Sometimes I make these brownies just to get my friends’ reactions when they take their first bite—priceless! Their delight always reminds me why I love baking during the holidays.
FAQs :
What are Candy Cane Brownies?
Candy Cane Brownies are a delightful holiday dessert that combines rich chocolate brownies with crushed candy canes for a festive touch. These brownies feature a fudgy base, often topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and sprinkled with candy cane bits. This treat not only satisfies your chocolate cravings but also adds a seasonal flavor that makes them perfect for Christmas celebrations or winter festivities.
How do I store Candy Cane Brownies?
To keep your Candy Cane Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the brownies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert.
Can I make Candy Cane Brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Candy Cane Brownies ahead of time! Bake the brownies according to your favorite recipe and let them cool completely. Once cooled, add the frosting and crushed candy canes, then cut them into squares. Store the brownies in an airtight container or wrap each piece individually for easy serving later on. They taste even better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together.
What variations can I try with Candy Cane Brownies?
You can customize your Candy Cane Brownies in several ways! For instance, try using white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate for a different flavor profile. You could also incorporate other holiday flavors such as caramel or hazelnut. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans can provide extra texture. Experimenting with different types of frosting or additional toppings will give you unique twists on this festive treat.
Conclusion for Candy Cane Brownies :
In summary, Candy Cane Brownies are a deliciously festive treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the refreshing taste of peppermint from crushed candy canes. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or simply indulging during the winter season. With their easy preparation and customizable options, these brownies cater to various tastes and preferences while maintaining their signature appeal. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later, they remain a crowd-pleaser that captures the essence of holiday cheer. Don’t hesitate to make these delightful desserts part of your seasonal traditions!
Candy Cane Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
Candy Cane Brownies are a festive delight that perfectly blend rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors. These fudgy brownies are topped with creamy peppermint frosting and garnished with crushed candy canes, creating a stunning dessert that will impress at any holiday gathering. With their vibrant colors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these brownies are the ultimate treat for celebrating the season.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Peppermint extract
- Candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth.
- In another bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients without overmixing.
- Stir in peppermint extract until evenly mixed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow cooling completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting and topping with crushed candy canes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (45g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Leave a Comment