Candy Cane Brownies
Candy Cane Brownies are a festive holiday treat combining rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with crunchy peppermint candy cane pieces for a refreshing twist. These easy-to-make brownies deliver a perfect balance of fudgy texture and peppermint crunch, ideal for gifting, parties, or satisfying your sweet cravings year-round.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitution)
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter or oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
- Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
- Prep Your Ingredients and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a baking pan with parchment paper. Gather all ingredients for a smooth baking process.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix it with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, and a pinch of salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to keep the batter tender.
- Add the Candy Canes and Optional Extras: Gently fold in the crushed candy canes and chocolate chips or nuts if using, ensuring even distribution for peppermint crunch.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick that should come out with a few moist crumbs to maintain fudginess.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan to set properly, then slice for clean cuts revealing speckled candy cane pieces.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother batter mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense, tough brownies; mix until just combined.
- Crush candy canes finely for even peppermint flavor without hard bites.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent sticking.
- Monitor baking time closely to avoid drying out the brownies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (1/12th of batch)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Candy Cane Brownies, Peppermint Brownies, Holiday Brownies, Fudgy Brownies, Christmas Dessert, Gluten-Free Brownies, Vegan Brownies (variation), Chocolate Peppermint Treat