Ah, the holidays! There’s just something magical about this time of year, especially when it comes to baking. The warmth of the oven, the sweet aroma wafting through the house, and the laughter shared with family make it all so special. One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up during this festive season is my Candy Cane Brownies for Christmas. They’re a delightful twist on classic brownies, infused with the cheerful flavor of crushed candy canes. I remember one year, my friends and I got together for a holiday baking party, and these brownies were the star of the show! We had so much fun crushing candy canes and trying to sneak bites of the warm batter. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll feel the festive cheer bursting in your mouth, and you’ll want to make them every year!
Ingredients for Candy Cane Brownies for Christmas
Here’s what you’ll need to create these festive, delightful brownies. I promise, it’s a simple list, but each ingredient plays a special role in bringing that holiday cheer to your baking!
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for topping if you like!)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Make sure your butter is melted but not too hot when you mix it with the sugar; we don’t want to cook those eggs just yet! And trust me, the crushed candy canes are what makes these brownies really sing! You can adjust the amount if you want an extra minty kick—just do what feels right for your taste buds!
How to Prepare Candy Cane Brownies for Christmas
Alright, let’s get down to the delicious business of making these Candy Cane Brownies for Christmas! Don’t worry; it’s super straightforward, and I’ll guide you through every step. Just follow along, and you’ll have a festive treat in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, we need to preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it helps the brownies bake evenly. Trust me, you want that perfect fudgy texture!
Prepare the Baking Pan
Next, grab your 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well with some butter or non-stick spray. This will keep those brownies from sticking and make your life so much easier when it’s time to cut them into squares!
Mix Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. Once it’s melted, mix it with the sugar until it’s nice and smooth. Then, crack in those eggs and add the vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s all well combined and smooth. It’s okay if it feels a bit thick—that’s what we want!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This step is important to ensure that everything mixes evenly. Once it’s well combined, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Just fold it in gently until you don’t see any dry flour—be careful not to overmix!
Incorporate Candy Canes and Chocolate Chips
Now for the fun part! Gently fold in those crushed candy canes and chocolate chips. The candy canes will add that festive crunch and sweet minty flavor, while the chocolate chips will keep things rich and gooey. Yum!
Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit after you take them out!
Cool and Cut
Once baked, let your brownies cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows them to firm up a bit, making them easier to cut. After they’ve cooled, slice them into squares and get ready to enjoy a sweet holiday treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously festive flavor that brings the spirit of Christmas right into your kitchen.
- Super easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Fudgy, rich texture that melts in your mouth—every bite is pure bliss!
- They’re a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to impress family and friends at your holiday gatherings.
- Perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging in while watching your favorite holiday movie.
- Versatile for variations—feel free to add your favorite nuts or swap in different types of chocolate!
- These brownies are a fun way to incorporate the kids into your holiday baking traditions.
Tips for Success
To make your Candy Cane Brownies for Christmas truly shine, here are a few pro tips that I’ve picked up over the years. First, always use room temperature eggs! They mix in more smoothly with the melted butter and sugar, resulting in a better texture. Also, don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of crushed candy canes; if you love that minty flavor, go ahead and add a bit more to really amp up the holiday spirit! Another tip is to keep an eye on your baking time—every oven is different, so check for doneness a few minutes earlier than suggested. And finally, let those brownies cool completely before cutting; this will help you achieve those clean, perfect squares that everyone loves. Trust me, these little tricks will elevate your brownies from delicious to absolutely unforgettable!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made your delicious Candy Cane Brownies for Christmas, you might be wondering how to store any leftovers (if there are any!). It’s super simple! Just place the brownies in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. If you need to keep them longer, you can also store them in the fridge, where they’ll last about 10 days. Just make sure they’re well-covered to prevent them from drying out.
If you want to enjoy a warm brownie later, simply pop one in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to warm it up without making it too gooey. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra treat! Yum! Just remember, these brownies are best enjoyed fresh, so try to share them with friends and family as soon as you can for maximum festive cheer!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for each serving of my Candy Cane Brownies for Christmas. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on common ingredients, so your results may vary slightly depending on what you use.
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
These brownies are a delightful treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of your holiday festivities! Whether you’re indulging with family or sharing with friends, they bring just the right amount of sweetness to your celebrations!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil instead of butter. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, but it’ll still yield delicious brownies!
What can I use instead of eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce—about 1/4 cup for each egg. This will keep the brownies moist and tasty!
How should I store my brownies?
Store your Candy Cane Brownies for Christmas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for about 10 days.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! Just wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing. They’ll last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
What’s the best way to serve these brownies?
These brownies are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. A sprinkle of extra crushed candy canes on top adds a lovely festive touch!
Candy Cane Brownies for Christmas: 7 Festive Delights
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious brownies infused with the festive flavor of candy canes.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt butter and mix with sugar in a bowl.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be topped with whipped cream for serving.
- Increase candy cane quantity for more mint flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Candy Cane Brownies for Christmas