Sweet Holiday Magic: Candy Cane Brownies Recipe for All

Sweet chocolate lovers stumble upon this delightful candy cane brownie adventure that promises pure winter magic.

Peppermint creates unexpected excitement in classic chocolate desserts.

Rich cocoa meets cool mint in a decadent treat that sparks joy.

Classic brownie recipes gain surprising charm with crushed candy cane pieces.

Festive baking becomes simple and delightful with minimal ingredients.

Chocolate and mint dance together in this irresistible dessert.

You can whip up these brownies in less than an hour, making them perfect for spontaneous holiday celebrations.

Why Candy Cane Brownies Make the Holidays Sweeter

• Requires just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for spontaneous baking adventures.
• Simple mixing technique allows children to help, turning baking into a fun family activity with minimal supervision.
• Combines rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint, delivering a classic holiday dessert that looks impressive but tastes even better.

What You’ll Need for Candy Cane Brownies

• Butter: Rich and creamy base that adds moisture and flavor to brownies.
• Sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create a soft texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the brownies.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic baking flavor.
• Peppermint Extract: Creates festive candy cane taste and aroma.

• Cocoa Powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Flour: Gives structure and thickness to the brownie batter.
• Baking Powder: Helps brownies rise and become light.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

• Chocolate Chips: Optional melted topping for extra richness.
• Candy Canes: Adds festive crunch and peppermint flavor on top.

• Parchment Paper: Helps easy removal of brownies from pan.

Baking Candy Cane Brownies with Crunch and Swirl

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warmly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter. Line the pan with parchment paper, allowing extra edges to hang over for easy removal. Set the oven to 350F (175C).

Step 2: Create Brownie Base

• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar

Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and silky.

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Peppermint extract

Blend thoroughly until everything looks incorporated.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Cocoa powder
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Fold ingredients together with a spatula, stopping just when everything looks combined. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.

Step 4: Bake The Brownies

Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Slide into preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should have a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Create Chocolate Topping

Allow brownies to cool completely. Melt chocolate chips in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Drizzle melted chocolate across the surface.

Step 6: Decorate With Candy Canes

Sprinkle crushed candy canes generously over the chocolate layer. Let chocolate set for 10-15 minutes.

Step 7: Slice And Serve

Lift brownies out using parchment paper edges. Cut into squares or festive rectangles. Serve and enjoy these peppermint chocolate treats!

Tips for Better Texture in Candy Cane Brownies

• Crush Candy Canes Perfectly: Use a rolling pin or food processor to break candy canes into fine, consistent pieces for even distribution and a professional look.
• Prevent Overmixing Batter: Gently fold dry ingredients until just combined to maintain a fudgy, tender brownie texture without developing tough gluten.
• Control Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate slowly in short microwave intervals, stirring between each to prevent burning and achieve smooth, glossy consistency.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free blend or replace butter with coconut oil for alternative diet-friendly versions of these festive brownies.
• Enhance Peppermint Flavor: Add extra peppermint extract or use high-quality peppermint oil to intensify the cool, refreshing mint notes throughout the brownies.

Store and Serve Candy Cane Brownies Like a Pro

• Store brownies in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days. Place a layer of parchment paper between brownie pieces to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Brownies will maintain quality for 2-3 months when frozen properly.
• Remove brownies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. For best texture, avoid using a microwave to defrost.
• Warm brownies briefly in an oven preheated to 300F for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore their soft, gooey texture without drying them out.

What to Pair with Candy Cane Brownies

• Brew a rich, velvety hot chocolate with a splash of peppermint syrup that complements the brownie's minty undertones, creating a harmonious winter dessert experience.
• Top the warm brownies with a scoop of smooth, cold vanilla bean ice cream to contrast the chocolate's richness and enhance the peppermint flavor profile.
• Select a sweet port or dessert red wine with berry notes that will highlight the chocolate's depth and balance the candy cane's sharp mint sensation.
• Pour a small, intense espresso that cuts through the brownie's sweetness, providing a bold counterpoint and cleansing the palate between bites.

Candy Cane Brownie Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Candy Cane Brownies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains rich chocolate flavor.
• Vegan Peppermint Brownies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free dark chocolate chips to create a plant-based treat that's equally decadent.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Peppermint Brownies: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar, and reduce chocolate quantity to create a lighter, less caloric dessert perfect for health-conscious individuals.
• Dairy-Free Candy Cane Brownies: Replace butter with vegetable oil or coconut oil, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals while preserving the classic brownie texture and minty flavor.

FAQs for Candy Cane Brownies

• Are candy cane brownies too sweet?

The peppermint extract adds a balanced minty flavor that cuts through the rich chocolate, creating a harmonious taste without being overly sugary.

• Can I use regular cocoa powder or do I need special dark cocoa?

Regular unsweetened cocoa powder works perfectly fine. Dark cocoa will just provide a slightly deeper chocolate color and richer taste.

• How do I prevent my brownies from being dry?

Be careful not to overmix the batter and avoid overbaking. Remove the brownies from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs to ensure a fudgy texture.

• Is the peppermint extract necessary?

While the extract enhances the candy cane flavor, you can skip it if you prefer a classic chocolate brownie. The crushed candy canes on top will still provide a festive mint touch.

Candy Cane Brownies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Festive candy cane brownies bring holiday cheer with rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint swirls. Chocolate lovers will discover a delightful blend of classic brownie richness and cool seasonal mint that delivers pure winter dessert magic.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour

Baking Additives:

• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract

Topping/Garnish:

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup crushed candy canes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating an 8×8-inch pan with non-stick spray and lining with parchment, ensuring overhang for easy extraction.
2. Create the decadent chocolate base by whisking melted butter and granulated sweetener until smooth and integrated.
3. Incorporate eggs and aromatic extracts (vanilla and peppermint) into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly to develop rich flavor profiles.
4. Gently sift cocoa powder, flour, leavening agent, and salt directly into the wet ingredients, folding with minimal manipulation to maintain a tender texture.
5. Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
6. Position the pan in a preheated 350°F oven, baking for approximately 22-27 minutes until a inserted tester reveals moist, fudgy crumbs.
7. Allow the brownies to cool completely within the pan, enabling the delicate structure to set and firm.
8. Transform the surface by melting chocolate chips through carefully controlled microwave intervals, stirring between each to prevent scorching.
9. Drizzle the molten chocolate across the brownie landscape, creating an artistic pattern of delectable coverage.
10. Sprinkle crushed candy canes generously over the chocolate layer, adding festive crunch and peppermint brightness.
11. Permit the chocolate topping to stabilize for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
12. Lift the brownies from the pan using parchment edges, then slice into precise squares or elegant rectangles.
13. Serve immediately or preserve in an airtight container, maintaining optimal texture for up to five days.

Notes

• Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains the rich, fudgy texture of the brownies.
• Crush candy canes finely to ensure even distribution and prevent large, hard chunks in each bite.
• Use dark cocoa powder for a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor that complements the peppermint perfectly.
• Allow brownies to cool completely before adding chocolate drizzle to prevent melting and ensure a clean, professional-looking finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg