If you’re looking for the ultimate Christmas dessert that’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress, this Candy Cane Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need.
These brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate with the sweet minty crunch of crushed candy canes—creating a holiday treat everyone will love.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, making dessert for a cookie exchange, or whipping up a cozy treat for movie night, these brownies deliver big holiday flavor with minimal effort.
⭐ Why You’ll Love These Candy Cane Brownies
Easy homemade treat – No complicated steps or fancy tools.
Perfect holiday flavor – Chocolate + peppermint = the best Christmas combo.
Great for gifting – Cut into squares, wrap in festive bags, and give as edible presents.
Customizable – Add frosting, chocolate drizzle, or mix-ins for extra flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything required to make irresistibly fudgy candy cane brownies:
For the brownies
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1 cup unsalted butter
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1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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1 cup brown sugar
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4 large eggs
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup chocolate chips (optional for extra fudginess)
For the topping
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4–6 candy canes, crushed
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½ cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling)
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½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper—this makes it much easier to lift the brownies out later. Lightly spray the paper with cooking spray for extra stick-free insurance.
Crush your candy canes by placing them in a zip bag and hitting them with a rolling pin until you have small chunks (not powder).
2. Melt the Butter and Mix the Sugars
In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add both sugars and whisk until fully combined. The warm butter helps dissolve the sugar and gives the brownies a glossy, crackly top.
Let the mixture cool slightly before adding the eggs.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Whisk in the eggs one at a time. Make sure the mixture is smooth and shiny before adding the vanilla extract. This step is crucial for achieving rich, fudgy brownies rather than cakey ones.
4. Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold this mixture into the wet ingredients. Don’t overmix—stir until just combined to keep the brownies soft and fudgy.
If you’re adding chocolate chips, fold them in now.
5. Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 28–35 minutes, depending on your oven and pan size. You want the center to be set but slightly soft—avoid overbaking.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top so they melt slightly into the warm brownie surface.
6. Add Chocolate Drizzle (Optional)
For a bakery-style finish, melt the white and semi-sweet chocolate chips separately in the microwave. Drizzle over the top of the brownies and add a bit more crushed candy cane.
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Brownies
✔ Don’t overbake
Brownies continue to set as they cool. Pull them out when the edges are firm but the center is soft.
✔ Crush candy canes right before topping
This keeps their colors bright and prevents them from sticking together.
✔ For extra peppermint flavor
Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the batter.
✔ Make them festive
Top with mini marshmallows, red sprinkles, or chocolate chunks for added texture and color.
Also check: 12 No-Bake Christmas Desserts (Quick & Budget-Friendly)
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Add whipped cream and extra crushed candy cane for a dessert-drink-style treat.
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Wrap individual squares in wax paper and add to holiday gift boxes.
How to Store Candy Cane Brownies
These brownies stay moist and delicious for days:
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerator: Lasts up to 1 week.
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Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Candy Cane Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 or 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Mix Butter & Sugars: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in granulated sugar and brown sugar until glossy and well combined. Cool slightly.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 28–35 minutes, or until edges are firm and center is set but soft.
- Add Candy Cane Topping: Remove brownies from the oven and immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes over the hot brownies.
- Optional Drizzle: Melt white chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate separately; drizzle over brownies.
- Cool & Slice: Let brownies cool completely before cutting into squares.
This Candy Cane Brownies Recipe brings together everything we love about holiday baking—rich chocolate, festive peppermint flavor, and easy, stress-free preparation.
Whether you’re making them for a party, as a gift, or just for yourself, these brownies are guaranteed to become a Christmas favorite.
