Cozy Candy Cane Brownies – Perfect Holiday Brownies
There’s something magical about the holiday season; the air is crisp, and the cozy smell of baked treats wafts through the house, inviting everyone to gather around the kitchen. One of my all-time favorite recipes that never fails to deliver that wave of nostalgia and warmth is my Candy Cane Brownies. They are rich, fudgy, and topped with a creamy frosting that’s just bursting with delightful peppermint flavor. Every bite melts in your mouth and brings a sense of togetherness. These holiday brownies are not just a treat; they are a sweet invitation to sit by the fire and share stories with loved ones. I bet once you make these easy Christmas brownies, you’ll be baking them every year!
This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Fudgy: The dense chocolate and creamy texture make these brownies the ultimate crowd-pleaser during family gatherings.
- Festively Fragrant: The cool flavor of peppermint combined with rich chocolate creates a heavenly aroma that fills your home.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these brownies can be whipped up in no time, making them perfect for any busy holiday occasion.
- Customizable Delight: You can easily switch things up with different toppings or mix-ins, allowing your creativity to shine.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Baking together can become a treasured family tradition, and these brownies provide a sweet treat the whole family will love!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Candy Cane Brownies – Perfect Holiday Brownies
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes for topping
How to Make Candy Cane Brownies – Perfect Holiday Brownies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix in the granulated sugar until combined.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely.
- For the frosting, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate Mint Swirl: Add dollops of mint chocolate chip ice cream on top of the frosted brownies for a cool, creamy twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in a cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the brownie batter for added texture and flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top of the cooled brownies for a sweet and sticky finish.
- White Chocolate Peppermint Bark: Replace some of the frosting with melted white chocolate and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive look.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-ahead Advice: You can bake these brownies a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature and frost them the following day for optimum freshness.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re dairy-free, use vegan butter and a dairy-free milk alternative for the frosting.
- Slicing Tricks: For cleaner cuts, use a sharp knife rinsed under hot water between slices.
- Storage Suggestions: To keep these brownies fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead? Yes, you can make the brownies a day ahead. Just frost them on the day you plan to serve!
Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to personalize the recipe with your favorite nuts or a different extract.
How do I store leftovers? Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
How long does it last? These brownies stay fresh for about a week, but they’re so delicious they might not last long!
A Cozy Closing Note
These Candy Cane Brownies – Perfect Holiday Brownies are more than just a delightful treat; they are a way to create memories and bring warmth to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or sharing them with friends, each batch will surely become a cherished recipe in your home. Save this Candy Cane Brownies recipe to your holiday baking board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy baking, everyone!
Cozy Candy Cane Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully fudgy brownies topped with creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix in the granulated sugar until combined.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely.
- For the frosting, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
You can make these brownies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
