Peppermint Candy Cane Brownies
These Peppermint Candy Cane Brownies from Our Best Bites are the ULTIMATE holiday dessert! They require a few extra steps, but they're definitely worth it!
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
Brownies
- 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
- 1 cup butter 2 sticks
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- pink or red food coloring
- Chocolate Glaze
- 6 ounces about a cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 6 tablespoons real butter I suggest unsalted just for this step
Topping
- 1/2-1 cup crushed candy canes Use Bob’s or Brach’s; I don’t recommend Spangler's
the Brownies
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 9x13" pan with foil and grease the foil. Set aside.
Roughly chop baking squares and 1 cup of butter. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-45 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Set aside.
In a stand mixer or with electric beaters, beat eggs for about 3 minutes until thick and frothy. Add sugar and vanilla and beat to combine, then add in the reserved melted chocolate and butter combination. Combine flour and baking powder and whisk into brownie batter by hand until just combined. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Test with a toothpick for doneness and don’t over bake! When a toothpick comes out clean, cool on a cooling rack. When completely cool, place the pan in the refrigerator to chill (this makes spreading the peppermint icing easier).
Chocolate Glaze
Place chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in 30 second intervals until smooth.
Set aside for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, so it can cool off just a bit. Quickly spread on top of brownies. You need to work quickly so the chocolate glaze doesn't melt the peppermint frosting.
Sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top and return to the fridge until chocolate is set on top.
Remove from fridge a few minutes before cutting into squares. Enjoy!