Who doesn’t love a holiday treat that combines two favorite flavors? Brownies are amazing on their own, but mix in some peppermint candy canes, and you’ve got a snack that’s as exciting as it is tasty! 🎉
Candy Cane Brownies bring a chocolatey and minty twist that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
When I first tried this recipe, I knew it would be an instant hit with friends and family. The combination of rich, gooey chocolate and the refreshing zing of peppermint is unbeatable.
Plus, they’re super easy to make, which means more time for holiday fun! 🍫✨
If you’re ready to level up your snack game this season, then these brownies are a must-try.
Not only are they delicious, but they also look festive with crushed candy canes on top. Grab your apron and let’s make some magic in the kitchen! 🎄🥳
Candy Cane Brownies Snacks Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized one works best.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer: To mix everything smoothly.
- Baking Pan: An 8×8 inch size is ideal.
- Spatula: Perfect for spreading batter and ensuring every bit of goodness goes into the pan.
- Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C).
- Cooling Rack: For cooling the brownies evenly.
- Having the right tools makes baking these brownies a breeze!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 1 stick butter: Melted for easy mixing.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Adds richness and structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of flavor.
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives that chocolatey kick.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: To bring it all together.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Helps them rise slightly.
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes: For festive flavor and crunch.
These simple ingredients create a delightful treat that everyone will love. 🎁
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, blend melted butter with sugar.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whip in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder into the bowl.
- Stir Until Smooth: Mix until the batter is well-combined.
- Fold in Candy Canes: Gently incorporate crushed candy canes.
- Pour into Pan: Spread the batter evenly in a greased 8×8 inch baking pan.
- Bake: Place in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness.
- Cool and Serve: Let them cool on a rack before slicing into squares. Enjoy the minty chocolate delight! 🎉
Following these steps makes it easy to bake these holiday treats.
Notes
Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container to keep freshness for up to a week.
Customization: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to make them extra special.
These tips help ensure each batch of brownies turns out perfectly delicious! 🍬
Presentation & Serving
After baking these Candy Cane Brownies, it’s time for the fun part—making them look amazing! 🎉
I love cutting the brownies into neat squares. It makes each piece look so inviting.
For a festive touch, sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top. The red and white fragments add a pop of color and a bit of crunch.
Creative Ideas:
- Serve on a holiday-themed platter for a special touch.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream next to each brownie for a delightful mix. 🍦
- Fresh mint leaves can also add a fresh pop of green to your plate. It’s all about creating an eye-catching presentation!
Equipment Needed:
- Sharp knife for clean cuts
- Festive platter
- Small serving plates
Enjoyment Tip:
Most importantly, I find it best to serve these brownies warm. The melty chocolate mixed with the crunch of the candy cane is a delightful mix. 🥳
Sharing these treats with family or friends makes the moment more special! It’s such a joy to see everyone enjoy a bite of holiday cheer. 🎄
Storage Tips
I’m so excited to share how to keep those Candy Cane Brownies fresh and delicious! 🍬
Room Temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay moist and yummy!
Pro Tip: I like to layer them with wax paper in between to prevent sticking.
Refrigerator: Keep brownies in the refrigerator for up to a week. This helps preserve their freshness. I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil to lock in the flavor. 🧊
Freezer: Want to make them last even longer? Freeze them! Brownies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Here’s what I do:
- Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Label and date for easy tracking.
When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for a tasty treat. 🍫
With these tips, my Candy Cane Brownies stay as fresh as the first day. So stash them away or savor them now, either way, they’ll be a delight!
Recipe Variation
I love trying new ways to enjoy candy cane brownies! 🎄 Here are a few fun ideas:
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Baking pan
- Oven
Ingredients:
- Original Recipe Ingredients: Brownie mix, eggs, oil, crushed candy canes
- Add-ons:
- Mint extract for an extra burst of minty flavor
- White chocolate chips for a creamy twist
Instructions:
- Start by preparing the original brownie mix following the package directions.
- Mix in crushed candy canes for a peppermint crunch.
- Want more flavor? Add 1 teaspoon of mint extract.
- For a sweet touch, fold in half a cup of white chocolate chips.
Once mixed, pour into your baking pan and bake as usual. Enjoy these sweet and minty twists with friends and family. 😋 Remember, these variations can be adjusted to suit your taste, so feel free to be creative!
Pairing
I love Candy Cane Brownies because they’re perfect for holiday gatherings! 🍬 They go well with a cup of hot cocoa. The combination of minty brownies and cocoa is a warming treat.
Drinks to Pair:
- Hot Chocolate
- Peppermint Tea 🍵
- Warm Milk
For a fun twist, I sometimes serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm brownies.
Toppings and Extras:
- Whipped Cream
- Crushed Candy Canes
- Chocolate Syrup
Pairing with fresh fruit is also a favorite. Strawberries or raspberries add a bit of tartness that complements the sweetness of the brownies.
Fruit Options:
- Strawberries 🍓
- Raspberries
- Cherries
For a more adult pairing, I suggest enjoying these brownies with a small glass of red wine. It adds an elegant touch to your dessert time.
Wine Pairing:
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon 🍷
These pairings make enjoying Candy Cane Brownies even more festive and fun! 😊
Tips & Tricks
Mixing candy cane bits into my brownies is always a fun way to add a crunch. Use crushed candy canes for the topping. It makes the brownies look festive and adds a nice touch!
When mixing the batter, I always use room temperature eggs. 🥚 They blend better with other ingredients for a smoother batter.
I like to line my baking pan with parchment paper. This little trick helps me lift the brownies out easily without breaking them. You can thank me later!
For that perfect fudgy texture, I bake them just until the edges set but leave the center slightly soft.
Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake! 👀
Equipment:
- Baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Parchment paper
Ingredients:
- Brownie mix
- Eggs
- Crushed candy canes
- Butter
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven.
- Prepare the batter and fold in candy cane bits.
- Spread in a lined baking pan.
- Bake to perfection!
Feel free to adjust the candy cane amount to your liking. If you’d like more minty freshness, just sprinkle a bit more on top. 🎄 It’s your creation!
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m diving into some sweet tips and tricks for making peppermint brownies amazing! Get ready for ideas on how to boost the flavor, transform regular brownie mixes, and try creative toppings. 🍫🎄
What’s the best way to infuse peppermint flavor into brownies?
I think peppermint extract is perfect for that minty kick. Just add a teaspoon to your batter!
For an extra touch, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top.
Can you transform a regular brownie mix into a festive peppermint brownie?
Yes, you can! Just add peppermint extract to the mix and top with crushed candy canes.
It’s super easy and saves time. 🎉
What are some creative toppings for Christmas-themed peppermint brownies?
Crushed candy canes and peppermint bits work great! 🌟
I love adding white chocolate drizzles or holiday sprinkles for extra cheer.
How do you make peppermint brownies extra fudgy and moist?
Mix in extra butter and a tablespoon of oil with your brownie batter.
This really helps keep them moist and rich.
What’s the secret to a perfect peppermint brownie texture?
I find the best secret is not overbaking them.
Keep an eye on the edges, and pull them out when they’re just set for gooey goodness.
Are there any shortcuts for making quick and delicious peppermint brownies?
Use a boxed brownie mix!
Just add peppermint extract and crushed candies for flavor.
It’s quick, easy, and tastes delicious. 🍬
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