Nothing says Christmas quite like the rich, fudgy taste of brownies paired with the refreshing crunch of peppermint candy canes. When the holiday season arrives, homes are filled with the aromas of baking, laughter, and joy. And if you’re looking for a festive dessert that blends chocolate decadence with holiday charm, Candy Cane Brownies should be at the very top of your Christmas baking list.
These brownies are not just desserts—they are a celebration of everything we love about the season. The glossy chocolate base melts in your mouth, while the crushed candy canes add sparkle, texture, and the unmistakable taste of Christmas. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, office parties, cookie swaps, or Christmas Eve dinner, these brownies will be the star of the table.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the perfect Candy Cane Brownies, from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to baking tips, storage advice, and even serving ideas. Let’s dive into the magic of Christmas baking!
Why Candy Cane Brownies Are Perfect for Christmas
The holiday season is full of traditions, from decorating Christmas trees to sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace. Food is one of the cornerstones of these traditions, and holiday desserts always hold a special place. Brownies, beloved for their gooey, fudgy consistency, are already a favorite year-round treat. Add crushed candy canes, and suddenly they become a festive masterpiece.
Here’s why Candy Cane Brownies deserve a spot on your Christmas menu:
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Festive flair – The red and white candy cane topping looks stunning against rich, dark brownies.
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Easy to make – Perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
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Crowd-pleasing flavor – Chocolate and peppermint are a classic Christmas combination.
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Customizable – You can decorate them with frosting, white chocolate drizzle, or even shape them into Christmas tree triangles.
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Portable – Ideal for holiday cookie exchanges or as edible gifts wrapped in cellophane bags.
Ingredients for Candy Cane Brownies
To make these festive brownies, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and holiday extras:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
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2 cups granulated sugar
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1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-process for rich flavor)
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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4 large eggs
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional for extra gooeyness)
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1/2 cup crushed candy canes (reserve some for topping)
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1/2 cup white chocolate chips or melting chocolate (optional drizzle)
Kitchen Tools Needed
You don’t need fancy tools to bake Christmas Candy Cane Brownies, just a few essentials:
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9×13-inch baking pan
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Parchment paper
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk
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Spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter or chocolate)
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Knife (for slicing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to lift the brownies easily after baking. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Cocoa
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in cocoa powder until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Whisk in sugar, vanilla, and eggs (one at a time) until smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra richness.
Step 6: Bake
Spread the batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Step 7: Add Candy Cane Crunch
While brownies are still warm, sprinkle crushed candy canes evenly over the top. Gently press them into the surface so they stick.
Step 8: Optional Drizzle
Melt white chocolate and drizzle across the top for a snowy, festive finish.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Allow brownies to cool completely before lifting them out of the pan and slicing into squares (or triangles for Christmas tree shapes).
Helpful Tips for Perfect Christmas Brownies
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Don’t overbake – For fudgy brownies, take them out while the center is still slightly soft.
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Crush candy canes gently – Use a rolling pin inside a ziplock bag to avoid candy dust.
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Decorating idea – Slice brownies into triangles, insert pretzel sticks as trunks, and decorate with green frosting for Christmas tree brownies.
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Storage – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Candy cane topping may soften, but flavor remains delicious.
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Freezer-friendly – Freeze undecorated brownies, then thaw and top with candy canes before serving.
Variations on Candy Cane Brownies
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Peppermint Bark Brownies – Top with a layer of melted chocolate and extra crushed candy canes.
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White Chocolate Peppermint Brownies – Use white chocolate chips in the batter for a creamy twist.
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Gluten-Free Christmas Brownies – Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
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Vegan Christmas Brownies – Replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs.
Pairing Candy Cane Brownies with Christmas Meals
These brownies aren’t just desserts—they can complement a full Christmas dinner menu beautifully:
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Pair with Green Bean Casserole and roast turkey for a classic meal.
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Serve with eggnog, hot cocoa, or mulled wine for cozy gatherings.
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Include them in a Christmas dessert platter alongside gingerbread cookies and sugar cookies.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1 brownie)
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Calories: 240
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Fat: 12 g
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Carbs: 32 g
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Sugar: 25 g
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Protein: 3 g
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Fiber: 2 g
Why This Recipe is Perfect for SEO Around “Christmas”
The keyword Christmas is naturally woven into this recipe because Candy Cane Brownies embody the holiday spirit. From festive decorations to the nostalgic flavor of candy canes, this recipe resonates strongly with anyone searching for Christmas desserts.
When optimized correctly, this article will rank for:
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Christmas brownies
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Candy cane Christmas desserts
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Easy Christmas baking recipes
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Peppermint Christmas treats
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Holiday party dessert ideas
Conclusion
If you’re looking to add a touch of festive magic to your holiday table, Candy Cane Brownies are the perfect solution. They’re chocolatey, minty, festive, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Whether you serve them after Christmas dinner, bring them to a cookie swap, or package them as edible gifts, they’ll spread holiday cheer in every bite.
This Christmas, make your dessert table sparkle with the combination of fudgy brownies and crunchy peppermint. Bake them once, and they’ll become a tradition year after year!
