These Candy Cane Peppermint Brownies Are the Holiday Dessert You Didn’t Know You Needed

Peppermint Brownies with Candy Cane

There’s something about the holidays that just makes everything taste better, and these Candy Cane Peppermint Brownies are no exception.

Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie topped with crushed candy canes—it’s like taking a bite of Christmas!

In just 45 minutes, using simple, festive ingredients, you can whip up a batch of Chewy Fudge Brownies that will quickly become a holiday favorite. (Bonus: they look stunning on any dessert table!)

This recipe will walk you through how to create Chocolate Peppermint Brownies that are not only indulgent but incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or preparing a sweet treat for a cozy winter night, these brownies are guaranteed to hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Fudgy and rich—perfect for satisfying any chocolate cravings.
  • Festive twist—the crushed candy canes give these brownies a holiday flair.
  • Simple and quick—you can make them with pantry staples.
  • A great dessert for Christmas Baking Ideas and holiday parties.

Candy Cane Peppermint Brownies Recipe

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Serves: 4

Ingredients:

For the Brownies:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
    • Dairy-free option: Use coconut oil or dairy-free margarine.
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
    • Egg-free option: Use flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup (30g) cocoa powder, unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
    • Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour.
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder

For the Peppermint Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
    • Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free margarine.
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp peppermint extract
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
    • Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream.
  • Red food coloring (optional, for a festive look)

For Decoration:

  • Crushed candy canes (for garnish)
  • White chocolate curls (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Brownie Base

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.

Tip: Whisk the eggs well to incorporate air, which will give the brownies a lighter texture.

  1. Combine the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Tip: Be careful not to overmix—overmixing can lead to dense brownies.

  1. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Tip: Keep an eye on the baking time for chewy Chewy Fudge Brownies—you don’t want to overbake.

Step 2: Prepare the Peppermint Frosting

  1. Beat the butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
  2. Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed. Once incorporated, add the peppermint extract and heavy cream, beating on high speed until smooth and fluffy.

Tip: If the frosting is too thick, add more cream 1 tablespoon at a time. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar.

  1. Color the frosting: If you want a festive look, add a few drops of red food coloring and mix until you reach the desired shade.

Step 3: Assemble the Brownies

  1. Frost the brownies: Once the brownies have cooled completely, spread the peppermint frosting evenly over the top.
  2. Decorate: Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top and add white chocolate curls if desired.

Tip: Press the Crushed Candy Cane into the frosting slightly so they stick well.

  1. Cut and serve: Cut into squares and serve your Candy Cane Brownies.

Peppermint Brownies with Candy Cane

Garnishing & Decoration Options:

  • Classic Christmas Touch:
    • Crushed Candy Cane sprinkled over the frosting for a festive red-and-white look.
    • Add a few white chocolate curls on top for an elegant and polished finish.
  • Gourmet Look:
    • Drizzle melted white chocolate in thin zigzags over the top of the brownies after frosting them.
    • Add a few fresh mint leaves around the edges for a pop of green, making the presentation stand out.
  • Kid-Friendly Fun:
    • Use mini marshmallows scattered on top of the frosting for a playful touch.
    • Incorporate colored Christmas sprinkles (red and green) for a fun, family-friendly decoration.
  • Peppermint Bark Twist:
      • After adding the frosting, gently press in pieces of peppermint bark (broken into small squares) for extra crunch and flavor.
      • Garnish with dark chocolate shavings for a contrast of flavors.

Notes to Remember:

  • Brownie Texture: For fudgier brownies, underbake them slightly by 1-2 minutes. For cakier brownies, bake for an extra 2-3 minutes.
  • Allergen Substitutions: Easily swap dairy and gluten ingredients to make these Peppermint Brownies Easy to suit different dietary needs.
  • Storage: These Candy Cane Brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time for holiday gatherings.

Additional Clarification or Missed Points:

  1. Cooling Time: Make sure the brownies are fully cooled before frosting them. If they are still warm, the frosting will melt, leading to a messy result. Let the brownies cool for at least 30 minutes after baking.
  2. Crushing Candy Canes: When crushing candy canes, place them in a ziplock bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin. This ensures you get even-sized pieces without creating too much candy dust, which could alter the texture of the topping.
  3. Frosting Tip: If you want your frosting to have a smoother, more professional look, consider piping the frosting onto the brownies rather than spreading it. This will give a bakery-quality finish.

Peppermint Brownies with Candy Cane

Mistakes to Avoid While Making Candy Cane Peppermint Brownies

1. Ingredient Selection

  • Using low-quality cocoa powder: Opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor. Cheap cocoa powder may result in a lackluster chocolate taste, which is crucial for Chewy Fudge Brownies.
  • Skipping fresh peppermint extract: Don’t substitute peppermint extract with artificial flavors. The fresh extract gives the right balance to these Peppermint Brownies Easy.
  • Over-mixing the batter: Over-mixing the brownie batter will result in tough, dry brownies. To achieve the perfect Chewy Fudge texture, mix until just combined.

2. Preparation Pitfalls

  • Not cooling the brownies fully: Frosting the brownies while they’re still warm will melt the Peppermint Frosting, creating a sticky mess. Wait until the brownies are completely cool before adding the frosting.
  • Crushing the candy canes too finely: If you crush the candy canes into a powder, it will make the topping more sticky and less visually appealing. Aim for Crushed Candy Cane pieces that are slightly chunky for texture.

3. Cooking Techniques

  • Incorrect oven temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). Baking at a lower temperature can cause the brownies to become too dry or take much longer than needed, affecting the texture of your Christmas Brownies.
  • Overbaking: To keep the brownies moist and fudgy, take them out when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking will result in a dry, cakey brownie instead of a Chewy Fudge Brownie.

4. Seasoning and Flavoring

  • Using too much peppermint extract: A little peppermint extract goes a long way! Overdoing it can make the brownies taste too strong, overpowering the chocolate flavor. Stick to 1 tsp for a balanced Peppermint Dessert.
  • Forgetting to add salt: A small amount of salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness, giving the brownies a deeper, richer taste.

5. Presentation Tips

  • Not decorating right away: After frosting, immediately sprinkle the Crushed Candy Cane so that it sticks well to the frosting. Waiting too long may cause the toppings to fall off, affecting the look of your Frosted Brownies.
  • Cutting the brownies too soon: Allow the brownies to cool completely and set before cutting. This helps you achieve cleaner, professional-looking squares.

Peppermint Brownies with Candy Cane

Pairing Suggestions and Seasonal Variation

1. Pairing Suggestions:

  • Beverages: Pair these rich, peppermint-infused brownies with hot cocoa, peppermint mochas, or a glass of cold milk for a classic treat. For adults, consider serving them with a warm glass of spiked eggnog.
  • Side Dishes: Complement these Chocolate Peppermint Brownies with a side of fresh fruit, such as raspberries or pomegranate seeds, for a pop of tartness to balance the sweetness.
  • Dessert Pairings: Serve these brownies as part of a Christmas Brownies Recipe spread alongside other Winter Baking treats like Cranberry Crumble Bars or a peppermint Brownie Trifle.

2. Seasonal Variation:

  • Spring/Summer: Lighten the dessert for warmer months by swapping the peppermint frosting with a fresh White Chocolate Frosting and topping with fruit like strawberries or raspberries.
  • Autumn/Winter: Stick with the Candy Cane Brownies and add seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the brownie batter for a warm, festive twist.

Peppermint Brownies with Candy Cane

 Pro Tips and FAQs

1. Pro Tips:

  • Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and results in evenly baked Christmas Brownies.
  • Freeze candy canes before crushing: For easier crushing, freeze the candy canes for about 10 minutes before breaking them. This prevents them from getting sticky and sticking to the rolling pin.
  • Pipe the frosting for a professional look: Instead of spreading the frosting, use a piping bag to create a beautiful swirl effect, making your Peppermint Frosted Brownies look bakery-worthy.

2. FAQs:

Q1: Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good gluten-free flour blend, and these Peppermint Brownies Recipe will still turn out just as fudgy and delicious.

Q2: Can I prepare the brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the brownies a day in advance, but wait to frost them until the day you plan to serve them. Store the unfrosted brownies in an airtight container.

Q3: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover Peppermint Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their shelf life to about a week.

Q4: Can I freeze the brownies?
Yes! Freeze the unfrosted brownies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.

Closing Thoughts

These Candy Cane Peppermint Brownies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining rich chocolate with a refreshing peppermint twist.

Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or a holiday party, they are sure to be a hit with everyone! I’d love to hear how yours turned out—share your experiences and any fun variations you tried in the comments or on social media!

Don’t forget to experiment and make this recipe your own.

Whether you go for extra frosting, crushed candy canes, or a creative garnish, there’s no wrong way to enjoy these delicious brownies. Happy baking!

Peppermint Brownies with Candy Cane

Candy Cane Peppermint Brownies

Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup 30g cocoa powder, unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup 60g all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder

For the Peppermint Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups 240g powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp peppermint extract
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • Red food coloring optional

For Decoration:

  • Crushed candy canes
  • White chocolate curls optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.
  • Mix the melted butter and sugar in a bowl, then whisk in the eggs and vanilla.
  • Combine the dry ingredients (cocoa powder, flour, salt, baking powder) in another bowl, and fold them into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  • Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting.
  • For the frosting, beat softened butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and heavy cream. Spread or pipe the frosting on the cooled brownies.
  • Garnish with crushed candy canes and optional white chocolate curls.
Disclaimer: The recipes shared on this blog are based on personal preferences and are provided for informational purposes only. I strive to ensure accuracy and relevance, but cannot guarantee that the information will always be up to date or error-free. They should not be considered as medical or health advice. If you have any health issues, dietary restrictions, or allergies, please consult with a specialist or healthcare provider before trying any recipe. I do not accept responsibility for any adverse effects that may arise from the preparation or consumption of the dishes featured on this site. Also, the final outcome of the recipes can look different depending on a lot of factors, including the cooking temperature, process, utensils you use, spices, etc. Enjoy responsibly!

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