Candy Cane Brownies Recipe: 7 Steps to Holiday Bliss

Name: Candy Cane Brownies Recipe: 7 Steps to Holiday Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup crushed candy canes; 1 cup chocolate chips

June 10, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my candy cane brownies! These little morsels of joy are like a festive hug in dessert form. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie that’s not only chocolatey but also infused with the delightful crunch and minty sweetness of crushed candy canes. Every holiday season, I whip these up to share with family and friends, and they never fail to bring smiles! The combination of chocolate and peppermint is just magical, making them perfect for gatherings, gift-giving, or simply indulging after a long day. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your holiday baking!

candy cane brownies recipe - detail 1

Ingredients for Candy Cane Brownies Recipe

Before we dive into the baking magic, let’s gather our ingredients! Having everything prepped and ready makes the process so much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup crushed candy canes (about 4-5 candy canes, crushed into small bits)
1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark, depending on your preference)

Make sure to crush those candy canes just before using them for the freshest flavor! And don’t worry if the pieces aren’t all uniform; a mix of larger and smaller bits adds to the texture. Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up, let’s get to the fun part—baking!

How to Prepare Candy Cane Brownies

Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan

First things first, let’s get that oven roaring! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This step is *crucial* because starting with the right temperature ensures your brownies bake evenly. While the oven heats up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents any brownie drama later on, trust me! I like to line the bottom with parchment paper for extra assurance, and it makes it easier to lift them out later.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, let’s melt that buttery goodness! In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s completely liquid. Once it’s melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar. You want to mix it well until it’s nice and smooth. Now, crack those eggs in one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. It’s all about creating that luscious, velvety texture, so make sure you mix until everything is fully combined and no lumps remain. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!

Mix Dry Ingredients

Time to tackle the dry ingredients! In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder, which is key for a nice rise. Now, gently fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Be careful here—just mix until everything is barely combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, and we want them soft and fudgy, not tough!

Fold in Candy Canes and Chocolate Chips

Now for the fun part—let’s add some magic! Carefully fold in the crushed candy canes and chocolate chips into the batter. I love this step because it’s where the festive spirit really shines! Use a spatula and be gentle; you want to keep that lovely airiness in the batter. Once they’re evenly distributed, you’re ready to pour!

Bake and Cool

Pour the luscious brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Here’s a little tip: start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re golden! Once baked, take them out and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This cooling time is essential—don’t slice into those bad boys too soon, or you’ll have a gooey mess instead of perfect brownies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s super easy to make, even if you’re not a baking expert—just melt, mix, and bake!
The festive combination of chocolate and peppermint creates a delightful holiday flavor that’s hard to resist.
These brownies have a rich, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth, making every bite pure bliss.
They’re perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or giving as homemade gifts to friends and family.
The colorful crushed candy canes add a fun crunch and a pop of color, making them visually appealing.
With just one bowl for mixing, cleanup is a breeze—more time for enjoying the delicious results!
You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings or mix-ins for a personal touch.

Tips for Success

To make sure your candy cane brownies turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some handy tips for you! Trust me, these little secrets can make a big difference:

Use room temperature eggs: This helps them blend more easily into the batter, contributing to that smooth texture we all want.
Don’t skip the parchment paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment not only prevents sticking but also makes it so much easier to lift the brownies out once they’re cooled. You’ll thank me later!
Check for doneness carefully: Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your brownies. They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. If it’s completely clean, they might be overbaked!
Let them cool completely: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the brownies cool completely allows them to set up nicely, making slicing much easier.
Presentation is key: For a festive touch, consider topping your brownies with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra crushed candy canes. It not only looks stunning but adds a delightful texture contrast!
Ingredient substitutions: If you want to switch things up, feel free to use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. You can also swap half of the granulated sugar for brown sugar to add some extra moisture and flavor.
Experiment with flavors: Want to make them even more festive? Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter for an extra kick of minty goodness!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most amazing candy cane brownies. Happy baking!

Variations on Candy Cane Brownies

Now that you’ve mastered the classic candy cane brownies, why not have some fun and switch things up a bit? Here are some creative variations to take your brownies to the next level!

Mint Chocolate Swirl: For an extra layer of flavor, take some mint chocolate chips and swirl them into the brownie batter before baking. It adds a delightful minty surprise in every bite!
White Chocolate Peppermint: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips. The creamy sweetness pairs beautifully with the crushed candy canes, giving a lovely contrast in flavor and color.
Nutty Delight: If you love a bit of crunch, fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the candy canes and chocolate chips. The nuts add a wonderful texture and depth of flavor!
Double Chocolate: For the true chocolate lovers, increase the cocoa powder to 1 1/2 cups and add an additional 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. These brownies will be ultra-rich and decadent!
Peanut Butter Twist: Add dollops of creamy peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking. This creates a deliciously gooey, chocolate-peanut butter combo that’s simply irresistible!
Caramel Surprise: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the brownie batter before baking for a sweet, gooey layer that complements the mint perfectly. Trust me; it’s a game changer!
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season. It adds a subtle twist that makes these brownies feel extra special!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own unique variations. The beauty of baking is that you can let your creativity shine, and these candy cane brownies are a perfect canvas for it. Enjoy experimenting!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked up a storm and indulged in these delightful candy cane brownies, you might have some leftovers to store. No worries—these brownies keep well, and I’ve got the best tips for preserving their fudgy goodness!

To store your brownies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days—if they last that long! Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, especially if they’re still a bit warm when you put them away. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them. Just wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for up to 2 months in the freezer!

When you’re ready to enjoy a brownie from the fridge or freezer, here’s how to reheat them for that just-baked taste. If you’ve got leftovers at room temperature, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This warms them up perfectly without drying them out. If they’re frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then microwave as mentioned above, or you can warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t get too warm!

With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor the deliciousness of your candy cane brownies whenever the craving strikes!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying treats like these candy cane brownies, it’s nice to be aware of what’s in them. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, which is based on a standard size brownie:

Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 150mg

Keep in mind that these figures are approximate and can vary based on specific brands of ingredients used and portion sizes. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and remember—it’s all about savoring the delightful flavors of the season!

FAQ Section

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works like a charm, and you won’t even miss the gluten!

How can I make these brownies dairy-free?
You can swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative, like coconut oil or vegan butter. Just make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free as well!

What if I don’t have crushed candy canes?
No problem! You can use crushed peppermint candies or even peppermint extract for a more subtle minty flavor. Just add a few drops to the batter for that festive touch!

How do I store brownies to keep them fresh?
Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months.

What’s the best way to achieve a fudgy texture?
To get that perfect fudgy texture, be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Also, underbaking them slightly helps keep them soft and chewy. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit while cooling!

Can I add nuts to the brownies?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch. Just fold them in with the candy canes and chocolate chips!

How do I know when the brownies are done?
Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! If it comes out clean, they may be overbaked.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?
For sure! You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips, depending on your preference. Each will give a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment!

You might also like it

Rice Krispies Treats: 5 Easy Steps to Sweet Success!

Cherry Sweet Rolls: A Delightful Baking Challenge

No Churn Ice Cream: 5 Simple Steps to Sweet Perfection

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.