Description
These Candy Cane Brownies combine rich chocolate and festive peppermint for a delightful holiday treat. Moist, fudgy brownies studded with chocolate chips and crushed candy canes create a perfect balance of sweet and minty flavors, ideal for Christmas gatherings or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the batter.
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Melt Butter and Mix Sugar: In a mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter completely, then combine it with the sugar, stirring well until fully blended.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt to ensure an even mix.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to maintain a fudgy texture.
- Add Candy Canes and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the crushed candy canes and chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour Batter: Transfer the brownie batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into 24 squares for serving.
Notes
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, sprinkle additional crushed candy canes on top of the brownies before baking.
- Ensure brownies cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbly edges.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for richer chocolate flavor.
