“`html
If you’ve been searching for a festive treat that combines rich chocolate with a refreshing peppermint crunch, I have just the thing for you: the Candy Cane Brownies Recipe. This delightful dessert brings together fudgy, luscious brownies layered with the cool zing of crushed candy canes, making every bite an irresistible holiday hug. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or a spirited party, these brownies sparkle with flavor and joy, perfectly embodying the magic of the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Candy Cane Brownies Recipe keeps it simple yet extraordinary with ingredients that work together to create the perfect balance of moist texture, chocolate intensity, and peppermint brightness. Each element plays a crucial role in the final masterpiece.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Adds rich creaminess and keeps the brownies moist and tender.
- 2 tablespoons canola oil: Enhances the fudgy texture without weighing things down.
- 1 ¼ cups sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth.
- 4 large eggs: Binds ingredients together and adds structure with richness.
- 1 tablespoon pure peppermint extract: Infuses the brownies with that unmistakable cool peppermint flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Gives the brownies their body and chewiness.
- 1 cup cocoa powder: Delivers deep, indulgent chocolate taste.
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and elevates flavors.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps provide just a touch of lift for a perfect fudgy texture.
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds patches of melted, gooey chocolate throughout.
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candy (plus 2 cups for frosting): Offers that delightful peppermint crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) for frosting: Creates a creamy, luscious base to spread on top.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 3–5 tablespoons heavy whipping cream: Controls the texture of the frosting for spreadability.
- 2 tablespoons peppermint extract: Boosts the minty freshness in the frosting layer.
How to Make Candy Cane Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Space
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and spray or lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking. Setting up your space nicely will make the entire process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Melt the butter in the microwave until fully liquefied, then let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, canola oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until silky and smooth. Adding the eggs one at a time, whisk them in, then stir in a generous tablespoon of pure peppermint extract—it’s the secret to that signature holiday flavor!
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, kosher salt, and baking powder. This ensures even distribution and helps prevent lumps in the batter.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can make brownies tough, so take care to keep it gentle. Once you have a uniform batter, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for pockets of melty chocolate with every bite.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Sprinkle a full cup of crushed peppermint candy over the top—these festive sprinkles will toast lightly in the oven, adding delightful texture and sparkle. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs clinging.
Step 6: Let Cool Completely Before Frosting
Once out of the oven, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial because the frosting won’t spread properly on warm brownies, and we want that peppermint frosting layer to be perfectly smooth.
Step 7: Prepare the Peppermint Frosting
Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy whipping cream to reach your desired consistency. Stir in 2 tablespoons of peppermint extract for a double dose of minty magic. Once smooth, spread the frosting thickly over your cooled brownies, then generously sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint candy on top for a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Serve Candy Cane Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Candy Cane Brownies Recipe shine even more, top with a few whole mini candy canes or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra festive feel. Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of green and enhance the peppermint aroma.
Side Dishes
Serving these brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce takes indulgence to the next level. For grown-up gatherings, a hot cup of peppermint mocha or a glass of chilled milk pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate and cool mint flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the brownies into small bite-sized squares and serve on a decorative holiday platter for easy snacking. Alternatively, stack them into a festive brownie tower wrapped with a red ribbon for a stunning centerpiece that doubles as a treat station!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Candy Cane Brownies Recipe pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them away from heat or humidity to maintain their moist texture and crisp peppermint crunch.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these brownies later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
If you like your brownies warm, pop a piece in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings out that melty chocolate goodness without compromising the peppermint crunch. Avoid reheating the frosting layer directly to keep the texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use regular peppermint extract instead of pure?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s food-grade and adjust the amount slightly to taste, as some extracts can be stronger or milder. Pure peppermint extract tends to have the most vibrant flavor.
Do crushed candy canes make the brownies too crunchy?
Not at all; the crushed candy canes add a delightful crunch that contrasts with the fudgy brownie base. They also infuse the brownies with cool peppermint flavor that melts on the tongue.
Can I substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate?
Yes! Dark chocolate chips will add a richer and slightly more intense chocolate flavor. It pairs wonderfully with the peppermint and offers a slightly less sweet option.
Is it okay to skip the frosting?
You can skip frosting if you prefer a simpler brownie, but the peppermint frosting adds an extra layer of creamy mint flavor and looks festive. It’s definitely worth the little extra effort!
How do I know when the brownies are done without overbaking?
Use a toothpick inserted near the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Overbaking will dry them out, so keep an eye on the time and check at the 25-minute mark.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Candy Cane Brownies Recipe enough when you want a show-stopping holiday dessert. From the first bite, you’ll be hooked on the decadent chocolate blended with refreshing peppermint. It’s a charming, crowd-pleasing treat that spreads holiday cheer with every crumb. So grab your apron, gather these simple ingredients, and make your season a little sweeter and a lot more magical.
“`
Print
Candy Cane Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in festive holiday flavors with these rich Candy Cane Brownies. Combining fudgy chocolate goodness with refreshing peppermint, these brownies feature a perfect balance of dark cocoa and sweet crushed candy canes both inside and on top. Topped with a smooth peppermint-infused buttercream frosting and more crushed candy canes, they make a delightful treat for Christmas and winter celebrations.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp pure peppermint extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candy
Peppermint Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 to 5 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp peppermint extract
- 2 cups crushed peppermint candy, for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl by following your microwave’s instructions and allow it to cool slightly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, canola oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Eggs and Peppermint: Whisk in the eggs one at a time along with the peppermint extract, ensuring the mixture is even and homogeneous.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, kosher salt, and baking powder thoroughly.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix to keep brownies tender.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Assemble Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and level it out. Sprinkle 1 cup of crushed peppermint candy evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Remove brownies from oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, which can take about one to two hours.
- Prepare Frosting: Using a mixer, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and enough heavy cream (3 to 5 tablespoons) to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the peppermint buttercream frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of crushed peppermint candy on top for a festive finish.
Notes
- Make sure the melted butter is cooled before mixing with sugars and eggs to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
- Do not overbake the brownies; slightly underbaked brownies yield the best fudgy texture.
- The amount of heavy cream in the frosting can be adjusted to reach your preferred consistency.
- Use fresh peppermint extract for the best flavor; artificial extracts can taste bitter.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
