Fudgy Candy Cane Brownies Recipe for Holiday Cheer

Decadent chocolate brownies meet festive holiday cheer in this mouthwatering candy cane brownies recipe that promises pure indulgence.

The rich, fudgy base creates a perfect canvas for peppermint’s cool, crisp flavor.

Swirls of crushed candy canes dance across the top, adding a delightful crunch and vibrant red-and-white color.

These brownies bring a magical twist to classic chocolate desserts, turning an ordinary treat into a seasonal sensation.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of deep chocolate and refreshing mint that melts on your tongue.

Chocolate lovers and holiday enthusiasts will adore this simple yet spectacular dessert that comes together in minutes.

Prepare to dazzle your taste buds with this irresistible sweet sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 11

What’s Inside Candy Cane Brownies

• Butter: Provides rich, velvety texture and helps bind ingredients together, choose high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, moist brownie with a delightful caramelized edge.
• Eggs: Acts as a crucial binding agent, bringing moisture and structure to the brownies.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor depth with its warm, comforting aroma.
• Peppermint Extract: Introduces a cool, refreshing twist that complements the chocolate perfectly.

• Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and deep, dark color, opt for Dutch-processed for smoother taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the foundational structure of the brownie, ensuring a perfect tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Helps brownies rise slightly and maintain a soft, fudgy texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the chocolate's rich flavor profile.

• Chocolate Chips: Provides additional chocolate layer with smooth, glossy finish when melted.
• Candy Canes: Adds festive crunch and peppermint burst, crush just before sprinkling for maximum flavor and texture.

Tools That Make Candy Cane Brownies A Breeze

• 8-inch baking pan: Essential for creating perfectly sized brownies with even baking.
• Parchment paper: Crucial for easy brownie removal and preventing sticking.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting chocolate smoothly.
• Medium mixing bowl: Necessary for combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending ingredients thoroughly and creating a smooth batter.
• Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and spreading batter evenly.
• Toothpick: Helps check brownie doneness by testing the center.
• Knife: Useful for cutting brownies into clean, precise squares.

How To Make Candy Cane Brownies In No Time

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy 350 degrees. Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your delectable treat.

• Chocolate Base

Blend melted butter and sugar into a silky mixture. Introduce eggs and flavor enhancers, whisking until everything combines beautifully. Gently fold in dry ingredients, creating a rich chocolate canvas that promises pure indulgence.

• Baking Magic

Pour the velvety batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Let the oven work its magic for 20-25 minutes, watching for that perfect fudgy texture when a toothpick peeks out with just a hint of moisture.

• Festive Topping

Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate across the surface. Sprinkle crushed candy canes, transforming your brownies into a holiday masterpiece that sparkles with peppermint crunch.

• Serving Celebration

Lift the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into tempting squares that reveal layers of chocolate and holiday spirit. Enjoy immediately or store for later indulgence.

Tips To Get Candy Cane Brownies Extra Fudgy

• Candy Cane Brownie Perfection: Expert Tips & Tasty Twists
• Fudgy Texture Secret: Use room temperature eggs and whisk them thoroughly to create incredibly smooth, rich brownie batter that guarantees a moist, decadent result every time.
• Peppermint Power Boost: Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract directly into the melted chocolate drizzle for a more intense mint flavor that complements the candy cane topping beautifully.
• Gluten-Free Magic: Swap traditional flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies accessible for those with wheat sensitivities without compromising on taste or texture.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives, and use dairy-free chocolate chips to transform this recipe into a delicious treat for those with dairy restrictions.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: These brownies actually taste better the next day, so feel free to prepare them in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, and the flavors will develop a more intense, rich chocolate-peppermint profile.

Ways To Share Candy Cane Brownies With Cheer

• Festive Holiday Plate: Arrange brownies on a decorative Christmas platter with small mint sprigs and dusted powdered sugar for a gorgeous presentation.
• Peppermint Pairing: Serve alongside hot cocoa or peppermint mocha for a delightful winter dessert combination that enhances the candy cane flavor profile.
• Gifting Idea: Package brownies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons as a homemade holiday gift for neighbors, teachers, or party hosts.
• Ice Cream Companion: Top a warm brownie square with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an indulgent dessert that elevates the classic recipe.

How To Store Candy Cane Brownies The Smart Way

• Smart Fridge Storage: Keep brownies in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator's main compartment for optimal freshness, maintaining quality up to 5 days.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual brownie pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers. Frozen brownies stay delicious for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before enjoying.
• Counter Space Strategy: If serving within 2 days, store brownies in sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Room temperature works perfectly for maintaining soft, fudgy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare brownie base one day ahead, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This technique allows flavors to develop and intensify, creating richer chocolate and peppermint taste profile.

Festive Candy Cane Brownies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rich chocolate brownies swirled with candy cane pieces create a festive winter dessert perfect for holiday gatherings. Peppermint lovers will appreciate this delightful blend of chocolate and cool mint flavors that you can enjoy with friends and family.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (85 grams) (optional, for drizzling)
• ½ cup crushed candy canes (50 grams)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
2. Mixing Chocolate Base: Whisk melted butter and sugar until silky, then blend in eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract until smooth and homogeneous.
3. Incorporating Dry Ingredients: Sift cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt into wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
4. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 22-25 minutes, monitoring for pulled edges and minimal moist crumbs on a toothpick.
5. Cooling and Chocolate Drizzle: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan, then melt chocolate chips using microwave technique, stirring between 30-second intervals until glossy.
6. Finishing Touches: Drizzle melted chocolate across cooled brownies, then generously sprinkle crushed candy canes over the surface for a festive crunch.
7. Serving: Let chocolate set for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, lift brownie slab using parchment edges, slice into squares, and serve. Store in an airtight container for up to five days.

Notes

• Control Chocolate Melting: Use low microwave power and stir frequently to prevent burning, ensuring smooth, glossy chocolate for drizzling.
• Prevent Dry Brownies: Do not overbake – remove from oven when toothpick shows minimal moist crumbs to maintain a fudgy, rich texture.
• Crush Candy Canes Strategically: Use a rolling pin or food processor to create varied sizes of candy cane pieces for interesting textural contrast.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend, use dairy-free chocolate, and replace butter with coconut oil for alternative diet versions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg