Oh, the joy of the holidays! One of my absolute favorite traditions is whipping up a batch of candy cane brownies. Seriously, there’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and the minty crunch of candy canes that just screams festive cheer. These candy cane brownies are not only delicious, but they also fill your kitchen with the most delightful aroma while they bake. Trust me, the moment you take these out of the oven, everyone will be gathering around, eager to snag a piece! Plus, they’re super easy to make, making them perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking to spread some holiday joy without too much fuss.
Ingredients for Candy Cane Brownies Recipe
Before we dive into baking, let’s gather everything we need for these delightful candy cane brownies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter – This will give your brownies that rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier melting!
- 2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetness is key here! This will help create that chewy texture we all love.
- 4 large eggs – These bind everything together and provide moisture. Room temperature eggs work best!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Just a splash adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the base of your brownies. Be sure to spoon it into your measuring cup for the most accurate measurement!
- 1 cup cocoa powder – Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep, chocolatey flavor. It’s the star of the show!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, especially the chocolate.
- 1 cup crushed candy canes – This is the fun part! The crushed candy canes provide a festive crunch and a refreshing minty taste. You can crush them by placing them in a zip-top bag and gently pounding with a rolling pin.
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, we’re one step closer to baking these festive treats! Let’s get started!
How to Prepare Candy Cane Brownies
Alright, let’s get into the fun part! Making these candy cane brownies is super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to impress!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
First things first, you want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, preheating is crucial because it helps your brownies bake evenly. While that’s happening, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well with butter or cooking spray. This ensures your brownies come out easily without sticking!
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Now, let’s melt that butter! In a saucepan over low heat, gently melt your unsalted butter. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally until it’s completely melted. You want it to be smooth and not bubbling—just a gentle melt is perfect!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once the butter is melted, remove it from the heat. Stir in the granulated sugar, followed by the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth. It’s important to add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps create that lovely, fudgy texture!
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add the dry ingredients! In the same bowl, sift in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold these together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your brownies nice and chewy without any lumps!
Step 5: Add Candy Canes
Now comes the fun part—let’s add those crushed candy canes! Fold in half of the crushed candy canes into the batter. This step packs in that festive minty flavor we all love. The remaining candy canes will be sprinkled on top for that perfect crunch!
Step 6: Bake the Brownies
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle the rest of the crushed candy canes on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs—don’t worry if it’s not completely clean! Once they’re baked, let them cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. You’ll want to savor that moment—trust me!
Tips for Success
To make sure your candy cane brownies turn out perfect, here are a few handy tips! First, always use fresh candy canes for the best flavor and crunch. If you find your brownies are sticking to the pan, make sure you’ve greased it well. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter when combining the dry ingredients—this helps keep them chewy and fudgy! When checking for doneness, remember a few moist crumbs on the toothpick is just right; you don’t want to overbake them or they’ll dry out. Finally, let them cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares—this helps them set properly and makes for cleaner cuts. Trust me, these little details make all the difference in enjoying your brownies to the fullest!
Nutritional Information
Here’s some important information about the nutritional content of these delightful candy cane brownies. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, and actual values may vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. Each brownie contains approximately:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 2g
These brownies are rich and indulgent, perfect for a special treat during the holidays or any time you need a sweet pick-me-up!
FAQ About Candy Cane Brownies Recipe
I know you might have some questions about making these delightful candy cane brownies, so let’s tackle a few of the most common ones!
Can I use different types of candy?
Absolutely! While candy canes give that classic holiday flavor, you can switch things up. Try using crushed peppermint candies, or even swap in some chocolate mint candies for a different twist. Just keep the same texture in mind—whatever you choose should add a nice crunch!
How do I store leftover brownies?
To keep your brownies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze wonderfully! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to two months—perfect for a sweet surprise later!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make these candy cane brownies ahead of time! Bake them up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container. They’ll actually taste even better as they sit and let those flavors meld together. Just remember to let them cool completely before you store them—this helps keep them nice and fudgy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing mint from the candy canes is simply divine. Your taste buds will thank you!
- Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these brownies without any stress.
- Festive Appeal: These brownies are perfect for holiday gatherings, bringing that cheerful seasonal vibe to any table.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare them in advance, making them a great option for busy holiday schedules.
- Delightful Texture: Fudgy, chewy, and with a lovely crunch from the candy canes, each bite is a delightful experience.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves brownies, and adding candy canes just makes them even more fun and festive!
Serving Suggestions
These candy cane brownies are delicious on their own, but why not elevate the experience a bit? I love serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—it’s like a cozy hug in dessert form! You could also drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. And if you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra crushed candy canes will make them look totally festive. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or a strong coffee to balance out the sweetness. Trust me, your taste buds will be dancing!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your candy cane brownies fresh and delicious, simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you have leftovers (which I hope you do!), you can freeze them for up to two months. Just wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. If you want to warm them up, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to make them gooey and irresistible again!
Print
Candy Cane Brownies Recipe: 6 Steps to Festive Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious candy cane brownies for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until combined.
- Fold in half of the crushed candy canes.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining candy canes on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Use fresh candy canes for the best flavor.
- Check brownies with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: candy cane brownies recipe
