Candy Cane Brownies

Fudgy, chocolatey, and bursting with peppermint flavor, these Candy Cane Brownies are the perfect holiday treat. With a rich brownie base and a festive crunch of crushed candy canes, they strike the ideal balance between decadent and refreshing. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party, gifting a sweet box of goodies, or just treating yourself, these brownies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and Fudgy – Deep chocolate flavor with a soft, gooey center
Festive Flair – Crushed candy canes add crunch, color, and peppermint cheer
Perfect for Sharing – Great for cookie swaps, potlucks, and edible gifts
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps
Customizable – Add frosting, chocolate chips, or peppermint extract for extra flair

Ingredients You’ll Need
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp baking powder
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for topping)

Optional Toppings:
½ cup white chocolate chips (melted for drizzle)
1 tsp peppermint extract (for more peppermint flavor)

Tools You’ll Need
Medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
Whisk or spoon
8×8 inch baking pan
Parchment paper or non-stick spray
Spatula
Toothpick or knife (for testing doneness)

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease with non-stick spray

Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Base
3. In a medium saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl), melt the butter over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave
4. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract
5. Whisk until smooth and slightly glossy

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
6. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder
7. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix to keep the brownies tender

Step 4: Add Chocolate and Peppermint
8. Fold in semisweet chocolate chips and crushed candy canes
9. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula

Step 5: Bake
10. Bake for 22–28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs
11. Remove from oven and cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes

Step 6: Decorate and Serve
12. Optional: Drizzle melted white chocolate on top and sprinkle with extra crushed candy canes
13. Let the topping set before slicing into squares
14. Serve and enjoy, or pack in gift boxes for festive sharing

Tips for the Best Brownies
Don’t Overbake – Slightly underdone brownies give you that fudgy texture
Use High-Quality Cocoa – Makes a big difference in the flavor depth
Crush Candy Canes Gently – Use a zip-top bag and rolling pin to avoid turning them into powder
Line Your Pan – It makes removing and slicing the brownies much easier
Add More Chocolate – For extra gooey brownies, stir in additional chocolate chips or chunks

Serving Suggestions
Hot Cocoa – The ultimate pairing with a mug of peppermint or classic hot chocolate
Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve warm brownies with a scoop for a holiday sundae
Peppermint Latte – Complements the candy cane crunch and intensifies the flavor
Holiday Dessert Board – Add them to a platter with cookies, truffles, and chocolate bark

How to Store & Freeze
Storing:
Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days
For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 1 week

Freezing:
Wrap cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag
Freeze for up to 2 months
Thaw at room temperature before serving or reheat gently in the microwave

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boxed brownie mix?
   Yes! Just prepare the mix as directed and stir in crushed candy canes before baking
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend
3. What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
   Place them in a zip-top bag and lightly tap with a rolling pin or heavy spoon
4. Can I use peppermint extract instead of candy canes?
   Yes! Add ½ to 1 tsp peppermint extract to the batter for extra peppermint flavor
5. Are these brownies too sweet?
   They’re rich but balanced—reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a darker chocolate flavor

Final Thoughts
These Candy Cane Brownies are everything a holiday treat should be—chewy, chocolaty, and bursting with minty joy. Whether you serve them at a holiday party, include them in gift tins, or whip up a batch just because, they’ll bring smiles and cheer to every bite.
Try them out this season and don’t forget to leave a review. Share your brownie creations online—I’d love to see your festive bakes!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 210 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 11g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 120mg

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