Candy Cane Brownies

If you’re looking to bring a touch of holiday magic to your dessert table this season, look no further than these Candy Cane Brownies. This festive recipe combines rich, fudgy brownies with the refreshing crunch of candy canes, making it the perfect treat for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these brownies will add a delightful twist to your holiday baking.

Why You’ll Love Candy Cane Brownies

• Perfect Holiday Flavor: The combination of minty candy canes with chocolate is a holiday favorite. The cool mint flavor enhances the richness of the brownie, creating the ultimate festive dessert.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need to hunt down complex ingredients—just a few simple pantry staples and candy canes!
• Customizable: You can easily make these brownies your own by adjusting the candy cane ratio or adding toppings like whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate.

Ingredients

To make these Candy Cane Brownies, you will need the following:

• For the Brownies:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (optional for extra fudginess)
• For the Topping:
  • 5-6 candy canes, crushed
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

How to Make Candy Cane Brownies

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies.
2. Prepare the Brownie Batter:
   • Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. Once melted, let it cool slightly.
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Sift the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder into the wet ingredients, and fold everything together until just combined. If desired, fold in the chocolate chips for extra gooeyness.
3. Bake the Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
4. Prepare the Topping:
   • While the brownies cool, crush the candy canes into small pieces. You can place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or use a food processor.
   • If you’re using white chocolate chips, melt them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled brownies for extra flavor and decoration.
5. Assemble the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled, sprinkle the crushed candy canes evenly over the top. If you’ve melted white chocolate, drizzle it over the candy cane pieces.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the brownies into squares, serve, and enjoy the perfect combination of chocolate and minty freshness.

Tips for the Best Candy Cane Brownies

• Check for doneness: Since oven temperatures vary, be sure to check the brownies after 25 minutes. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, so aim for a soft, fudgy texture.
• For extra flavor: You can add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the brownie batter for an even stronger minty flavor.
• Make Ahead: These brownies keep well for a few days when stored in an airtight container. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months, so you can prep them in advance for your holiday gatherings.

Why Candy Cane Brownies Are Perfect for the Holidays

Candy Cane Brownies are not just a treat—they’re an experience. The holiday season is all about indulgence, and these brownies deliver on both flavor and nostalgia. Whether you’re serving them at a Christmas party, enjoying them with family, or gifting them to friends, they add the perfect festive touch to your celebrations.

Candy Cane Brownies are easy to make, visually stunning, and, most importantly, a delicious addition to any holiday dessert spread. Don’t miss out on this minty, chocolatey treat this season!

Serving and Storage Tips for Candy Cane Brownies

Serving Tips:

• Perfect Pairing: These Candy Cane Brownies are delicious on their own, but they can be enhanced by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Holiday Presentation: For a festive touch, serve the brownies on a holiday-themed platter or dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. You can also drizzle extra melted white chocolate over them for a visually stunning presentation.
• Serving Size: Cut the brownies into small squares, as they are rich and fudgy. This will allow your guests to enjoy a bite-sized treat without overwhelming them.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They’ll stay soft and fresh, with the minty candy cane topping maintaining its crunch.
• Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the brownies to extend their shelf life. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will last for up to a week in the fridge.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. When stored properly, these brownies can stay fresh for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure your Candy Cane Brownies stay fresh and festive for your holiday celebrations!

1. Can I use other types of chocolate in this recipe? Yes! While this recipe uses regular cocoa powder and chocolate chips, you can easily switch it up with milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of the sweetness level, as milk chocolate may make the brownies sweeter, and dark chocolate will provide a more intense chocolate flavor.

2. Can I make these brownies ahead of time? Absolutely! Candy Cane Brownies can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavor of the brownies may even improve as the ingredients have time to meld together. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw them before serving.

3. How can I make these brownies more minty? If you want to increase the mint flavor in your brownies, you can add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter. This will enhance the minty taste alongside the candy cane topping. Just be cautious with the amount, as peppermint extract can be quite strong!

4. Can I make these brownies without candy canes? Yes, if you’re not a fan of candy canes or want to make these brownies year-round, you can omit the candy cane topping. Instead, you can use crushed mint chocolates, peppermint bark, or even drizzle some melted mint-flavored chocolate over the brownies for a similar minty effect.

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