Easy Candy Cane Brownies (Peppermint Brownies)

Easy candy cane brownies with box mix combine the deliciousness of chocolate with peppermint to create the perfect minter-y treat. With a homemade peppermint buttercream on top, these brownies will be a hit at your next holiday party.

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Buddy the Elf rode across the sea of swirly twirly gum drops before travelling through the seven layers of the candy cane forrest just so he could bring us these candy cane brownies.

Legend has it these peppermint brownies are made with candy canes Buddy himself harvested during his journey after saying goodbye to Artic Puffin and Mr. Narwhal.

Ok not really.

But given Buddy’s 4 main food groups (candy, candy CANES, candy corns, and syrup), I think it’s safe to say that he would go gaga for these brownies.

My kids, who would prefer to honor Buddy’s food groups, go absolutely crazy for these candy cane brownies.

They could hardly wait for the brownies to cool enough for me to spread them with the peppermint icing.

Have you ever seen a flock of baby birds waiting for the mama bird to feed them?

Yeah that was the situation here.

And honestly, I don’t blame them.

These brownies had the perfect amount of peppermint flavor and candy cane crunch added in.

It wasn’t overpowering, but a nice balance to counter all the rich chocolate.

The perfect holiday treat!

Ingredients and Kitchen Supplies

Here’s what you will need to make peppermint brownies:

• Peppermint Extract – Available in many baking aisles all year or online. In some stores like Target, they may be in holiday displays.
• Brownie Mix – You can make your own brownies or use your favorite brownie mix.
• Peppermint Frosting – This is optional, but adds an extra layer of tasty peppermint to the brownies.
• Optional Toppings – You can add crushed candy canes, crushed peppermint candies, or any festive candies you like on top.

You do not need any special equipment for the peppermint brownies. You probably already have the following on hand:

• Baking Pan
• Mixing Bowl

How to Make Candy Cane Brownies

1. Prepare the brownies.

Set your oven to the temperature indicated on your brownie box or recipe you are following.

Prepare the brownies according to the directions.

Once you have the batter, mix in about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract.

You can also mix in some of the crushed peppermint candies if you like, but you can skip this if you prefer.

If you want to add more peppermint extract, you can, but only add a small amount at a time.

2. Bake the brownies.

Prepare a baking dish by spraying with non-stick spray or lining with parchment paper.

Pour the batter in and spread it around.

Bake your brownies according to the package or recipe instructions.

Your brownies are done when you stick a toothpick in the center and it comes out clean.

The only exception is if your batter has chocolate chips – the toothpick may have some melted chocolate on it.

3. Finish the candy cane brownies.

Let the brownies cool to room temperature.

Then spread out peppermint buttercream frosting in a nice thick layer on top of the cooled peppermint brownies.

Finish the brownies with a nice layer of crushed candy canes, crushed peppermint candies, or your favorite holiday candies.

Cut the brownies into squares and serve on their own, with your favorite ice cream, or on their own.

Serving and Storing

Serve candy cane brownies with ice cream, whipped cream, or on their own.

You might want to serve alongside other festive treats, like Santa Cookies, Santa Hat Brownies, Christmas Tree Candy, or Candy Cane Hearts.

To store, place the peppermint brownies into an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Don’t store them on the counter because of the homemade icing.

Tips and Tricks

• If you want to add more peppermint extract, do so very slowly, about a 1/4 teaspoon at a time since it is a very strong flavor.
• If you want, you can mix in some additional candies and chocolates into the brownie batter. This can give it more of a chocolate or peppermint taste.
• Store in an air tight container to help keep it fresh for as long as possible.

Other Peppermint Treats

If you are looking for more holiday inspired cooking options, try out these recipes:

• Peppermint Hot Chocolate
• Homemade Peppermint Coffee Creamer
• Easy Candy Cane Hearts
• Homemade Candy Cane Vodka
• White Chocolate Candy Cane Martini

Did you make this? Let me know!

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