the best candy cane brownie recipe

hey friends!! for many other reasons, I love winter and the entire Christmas season, but I love making seasonal treats with peppermint and candy canes, and these peppermint brownies are one of my favorites!! you can serve warm, or cooled, and amongst my family and friends they are always a huge hit : )

do you need candy canes?

no! you can use crushed candy canes, peppermint baking chips (I love the ones they have at Trader Joes!!) candy cane sprinkles, or even no candy topping at all!

ingredient notes

chocolate chips – you can use dark chocolate for a more elevated flavor, white chocolate if you want to mix it up a bit, and milk chocolate for a even sweeter flavor

peppermint extract – be careful!! a little goes a long way and you dont want the taste to be too overwhelming

INGREDIENTS

1 stick unsalted butter

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp peppermint extract or oil

2 large eggs

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup chocolate chips

3 tbsp peppermint crunch, peppermint baking chips, or crushed candy canes

INSTRUCTIONS

• preheat oven to 325 degrees. line a 9×9″ baking dish with foil or parchment paper and set aside. melt the butter in a medium sauce pan over medium low heat. add the sugar, cocoa powder and salt, and stir well to combine. continue to cook, stirring occasionally until the mixture is very warm to the touch. remove from heat and stir in the peppermint extract, then allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.
• add the eggs one at a time, beating vigorously after each addition. stir in the flour just until incorporated, then stir in the chocolate chips and peppermint crunch, reserving some for the top of the brownies.
• pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly, then top with the reserved chocolate chips and peppermint crunch.
• bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the center is puffed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. cool completely on a wire rack

if you’re looking for another fun, warm recipe, Pearl just posted this amazing London fog tea recipe! you can read it HERE!

now it’s your turn! what is your favorite holiday treat? have you made candy cane brownies before?