There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and peppermint, especially when it comes in the form of Candy Cane Brownies. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie, only to discover a delightful crunch of candy cane pieces that send your taste buds dancing. chocolate peppermint cookie cups The moment you open the oven door, the warm aroma wafts through your kitchen like a holiday hug, wrapping you in cozy vibes. For more inspiration, check out this easy peppermint bark recipe recipe.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Candy Cane Brownies
- How to Make Candy Cane Brownies
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs :
- What are Candy Cane Brownies?
- How do I store leftover Candy Cane Brownies?
- Can I make Candy Cane Brownies gluten-free?
- What variations can I try with Candy Cane Brownies?
- Conclusion for Candy Cane Brownies :
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, before you get too lost in the sweet fantasy of these brownies, let me tell you: they are not just for the holiday season! Anytime you’re feeling festive (or need an excuse to use up leftover candy canes), these brownies are your ticket to flavor paradise. With every bite, you’re transported back to childhood memories of holiday baking with family and friends. Trust me; you won’t want to miss out on this sweet adventure.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Candy Cane Brownies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- The rich chocolate flavor combined with refreshing peppermint creates a festive treat that’s hard to resist.
- Their visual appeal with vibrant red and white speckles will make any dessert table pop.
- Plus, they’re versatile enough for any occasion—be it Christmas parties or summer picnics!
Ingredients for Candy Cane Brownies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is your secret weapon for achieving that deep chocolate flavor that makes these brownies irresistible.
- Granulated Sugar: A sweet addition that balances the bitterness of cocoa and keeps your brownies moist.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels; it gives these brownies their fudgy texture.
- Eggs: They help bind all the ingredients together and create that delightful chewy bite.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of these brownies; it adds structure while keeping them soft.
- Candy Canes: Crush them up for that festive flair and refreshing minty flavor that takes these brownies over the top!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Candy Cane Brownies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Melt Butter
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt your unsalted butter. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar until well combined.
Step 3: Add Cocoa and Eggs
Mix in unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth. Then whisk in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated—trust me; this step is crucial for that rich texture!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt. Gradually fold this mixture into your chocolate batter until no dry streaks remain.
Step 5: Fold in Candy Canes
Gently fold in crushed candy canes into the brownie batter. The more candy canes you add, the more festive crunch you’ll enjoy!
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Allow cooling before slicing.
Finally, cut them into squares and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat! Enjoy every gooey bite while reminiscing about those sweet memories that inspired this delightful recipe.
You Must Know
- These delightful Candy Cane Brownies are not just a treat; they’re an experience!
- With their rich chocolate flavor and festive peppermint crunch, they’ll light up any holiday gathering.
- Plus, they’re easy to make, so you can whip them up in no time for guests or yourself!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, melt your butter and chocolate together in a saucepan. Next, whisk in sugar and eggs before folding in flour and crushed candy canes. Bake until the edges are set but the center remains fudgy.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize these brownies by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Swap the peppermint extract for vanilla if you prefer a more classic flavor. Drizzle with white chocolate for an elegant finishing touch that will wow your guests!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Candy Cane Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to enjoy them warm later, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—it’s like biting into a fresh batch every time!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for richer brownies.
- Remember to let the brownies cool completely before slicing; this prevents crumbling.
- Don’t overbake—check at the lower end of the baking time for that perfect fudgy texture.
It was during last year’s holiday party when my friends devoured these Candy Cane Brownies while singing carols around the fireplace. Their laughter mixed with compliments made me realize I’d hit culinary gold!
FAQs :
What are Candy Cane Brownies?
Candy Cane Brownies are a festive dessert that combines rich, fudgy brownies with crushed peppermint candy canes. This delightful treat is perfect for the holiday season, offering a delicious chocolate flavor complemented by the refreshing minty crunch of candy canes. cosmic brownie cookies Often topped with a creamy frosting and more crushed candy canes, these brownies make a beautiful addition to any holiday dessert table.
How do I store leftover Candy Cane Brownies?
To keep your Candy Cane Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the brownies; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Can I make Candy Cane Brownies gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily modify the recipe for Candy Cane Brownies to be gluten-free. Substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like almond flour or coconut flour. Christmas cracker candy Be sure to choose gluten-free candy canes as well. With these adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious batch without compromising on taste or texture. For more inspiration, check out this Christmas Crack recipe recipe.
What variations can I try with Candy Cane Brownies?
There are several fun variations you can try with Candy Cane Brownies! Consider adding white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks for added richness. You could also swirl some peppermint extract into your brownie batter for an extra burst of flavor. For a festive touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top and sprinkle additional crushed candy canes before serving.
Conclusion for Candy Cane Brownies :
In conclusion, Candy Cane Brownies are a delightful holiday treat that perfectly blends rich chocolate flavors with refreshing minty notes. They are easy to make and can be customized to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences. Remember to store your brownies properly to maintain freshness and enjoy different variations for added excitement. These brownies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also add festive cheer to any gathering!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Candy Cane Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Candy Cane Brownies are a festive delight that perfectly marries rich, fudgy chocolate with refreshing peppermint crunch. These easy-to-make brownies not only taste incredible but also look stunning with their vibrant red and white candy cane speckles. Whether for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year, these brownies will bring back joyful memories of baking with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the sugar until combined.
- Mix in cocoa powder until smooth, then whisk in eggs one at a time.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually fold this mixture into the chocolate batter until no dry streaks remain.
- Gently fold in crushed candy canes.
- Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs attached. Cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie square (60g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
