There’s something truly magical about holiday baking, isn’t there? The cozy warmth of the oven, the sweet aroma wafting through the house, and the joy of sharing treats with loved ones make this season so special. My candy cane brownies recipe is the perfect way to capture that festive spirit! Every year, I make these delightful brownies with my grandchildren, and it’s become a cherished tradition. They love crushing the candy canes and watching the vibrant red and white pieces swirl into the rich chocolate batter. It’s a sight to behold, and the taste? Oh, it’s simply divine! The combination of fudgy chocolate brownies with that refreshing minty crunch from the candy canes is pure holiday bliss. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, these brownies will bring joy to your table and warm your heart.
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these delightful candy cane brownies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 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 (for that festive crunch!)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (because more chocolate is always a good idea)
These ingredients come together to create a rich, fudgy brownie with a delightful peppermint twist. Don’t worry if you have dietary needs—there are plenty of substitutions you can make. For instance, you can use gluten-free flour or swap vanilla extract for peppermint extract if you want an extra minty flavor. Just think of these ingredients as your building blocks for holiday cheer!
How to Prepare Candy Cane Brownies
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful candy cane brownies! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise the results will be oh-so-rewarding. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of festive brownies in no time!
Prepping the Baking Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because starting with a hot oven ensures those brownies bake evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well with butter or non-stick spray. You can even line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Trust me; this will make your life a whole lot easier!
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
Next, let’s melt that lovely butter! In a large bowl, melt the cup of unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once melted, add the 2 cups of granulated sugar and mix until well combined. Then, crack in the 4 large eggs and pour in the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This step is essential for getting that wonderful texture in your brownies, so make sure it’s well mixed!
Combining Dry Ingredients
Now, in another bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps to ensure there are no lumps, which can be a bit pesky when you’re baking. So take a moment to give it a good whisk—your future brownies will thank you!
Blending Everything Together
Here comes the exciting part! Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—you don’t want to over-mix, as this can make the brownies tough. Once it’s nicely blended, fold in the crushed candy canes and chocolate chips. The colors and textures are just delightful at this point, and the smell? Oh, it’s heavenly!
Baking the Brownies
Pour the rich brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter!). This is the perfect time to set a timer—no one wants to overbake brownies!
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, take the brownies out and let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares. For a lovely presentation, you can dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate. Trust me; these little touches make a big difference!
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of your homemade candy cane brownies can be helpful, especially if you’re keeping an eye on your dietary needs. Here’s a general breakdown for one brownie:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoying these brownies in moderation is key, so savor each bite! They’re a delightful treat that can fit into an enjoyable holiday season.
Tips for Success
To ensure your candy cane brownies turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some handy tips to share! First and foremost, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature. This means letting those eggs and butter sit out for a bit before you start mixing. Room temperature ingredients blend together more smoothly, resulting in that delightful fudgy texture we all crave.
Another tip is to keep an eye on your baking time. Ovens can be a bit unpredictable, so I recommend checking those brownies a few minutes before the 25-minute mark. If your toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready to come out! You want to avoid overbaking, as that can lead to dry brownies, and we definitely don’t want that.
When mixing, remember to fold gently when combining wet and dry ingredients. Over-mixing can activate the gluten in the flour, which might make your brownies less tender. Keep it light and fluffy—trust me, your taste buds will thank you! And don’t forget to give your mixture a good scrape from the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. These little tips can make all the difference in your baking adventure!
Variations on Candy Cane Brownies
One of the best things about my candy cane brownies recipe is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or dietary needs. For a more intense mint flavor, try substituting the vanilla extract with peppermint extract—just a teaspoon will do! It really amps up that festive vibe.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, no problem! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll still get that fudgy goodness without any gluten worries.
Feeling adventurous? You could add a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch. Or, why not try mixing in some white chocolate chips for a fun twist? The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings a unique flavor to this holiday favorite! So go ahead, get creative, and make these brownies truly your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a delicious batch of candy cane brownies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh for as long as possible. To do this, let the brownies cool completely in the pan before transferring them to an airtight container. This is key! Keeping air out prevents them from drying out and helps maintain that fudgy texture we all love.
Store the brownies at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. No need to reheat—these brownies are delightful served chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I often get about my candy cane brownies recipe. I hope these help clear up any confusion!
Can I use different candies?
Absolutely! While the crushed candy canes add a delightful holiday touch, you can get creative. Try using chopped peppermint patties, or even crushed chocolate bars for a different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the amount to keep the balance right!
How do I know when my brownies are done?
A great way to check for doneness is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect! If it’s wet with batter, they need a bit more time. Just be careful not to overbake them, as that can lead to dry brownies.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can! Once they’re completely cooled, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. They’re just as tasty after freezing!
What’s the best way to cut brownies?
To get clean cuts, I recommend using a sharp knife. You can even warm the knife slightly under hot water and then dry it before slicing. This helps create those perfect squares without crumbling!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Definitely! These brownies can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple steps—perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- Rich, fudgy chocolate flavor complemented by the refreshing crunch of candy canes.
- A delightful festive treat that will bring holiday cheer to any gathering.
- Customizable for various dietary needs—gluten-free options available!
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends, making memories around the holiday table.
Candy Cane Brownies Recipe: 5 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious candy cane brownies that are perfect for the holiday season.
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
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix in the sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and stir until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the crushed candy canes and chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- You can substitute peppermint extract for vanilla for a stronger mint flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: candy cane brownies recipe
