These candy cane brownies are the ultimate festive dessert, combining rich fudgy chocolate with the cool, refreshing crunch of peppermint. Made from scratch with simple pantry staples, they are ready in under an hour and fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. They are the perfect, easy holiday baking project for creating memorable Christmas brownies that everyone adores.

The ritual of holiday baking is one of my favorite traditions, and these peppermint brownies have become a non-negotiable part of our Christmas Eve. I love setting out a platter of these alongside a batch of my classic chocolate chip cookies for a truly decadent dessert spread. The contrast between the deep chocolate and the bright peppermint feels both nostalgic and wonderfully celebratory, a flavor combination that signals the season has truly arrived.

I discovered a version of this recipe years ago while traveling and have refined it to achieve that perfect, chewy texture. It’s a delightful treat to package up for neighbors or to enjoy with a warm cup of tea after a festive dinner featuring a show-stopping red velvet cake. The scent of chocolate and peppermint mingling in the oven is pure magic.

What Makes These Candy Cane Brownies Special

Festive and Fast: You can have these holiday brownies ready to enjoy in just about 45 minutes from start to finish.
Irresistible Texture: They boast a wonderfully chewy center with a crisp, crackly top and bursts of peppermint crunch.
Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: The combination of chocolate and peppermint is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults at any gathering.
Simple from Scratch: Using basic ingredients means you can whip up these festive desserts anytime the craving strikes.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Candy Cane Brownies

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich flavor and creates a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create that signature shiny, crackly top.
Large eggs, room temperature: Essential for structure and a fudgy texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall depth of the chocolate flavor.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Use a good-quality cocoa for the best chocolate flavor in your Christmas brownies.
All-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for the brownie batter.
Salt and baking powder: Salt balances the sweetness, while baking powder gives a slight lift.
Crushed candy canes, divided: The star ingredient that gives these peppermint brownies their festive crunch and flavor.

Candy Cane Brownies

Create festive candy cane brownies with a fudgy chocolate base and crushed peppermint topping. Perfect for holiday baking and Christmas parties.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 9 brownies

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

oven
8-inch square baking pan
mixing bowl
electric mixer
whisk
spatula
measuring cups
measuring spoons
wire rack

Ingredients

Brownie Batter

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup crushed candy canes, divided

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, then mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, then gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Fold in 1/4 cup of the crushed candy canes, reserving the remaining 1/4 cup for topping.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining candy cane pieces over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Notes

Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices.

Keyword candy cane brownies, christmas parties, holiday baking

Creative Ways to Customize Your Brownies

Double Chocolate Peppermint: Fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the candy canes for an extra decadent treat.
Peppermint Swirl: Add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese mixed with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, then swirl it into the batter before baking.
Gluten-Free Option: Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for equally delicious results.

My Pro Tips for Baking Success

Properly Cream Butter and Sugar: Take the full 2-3 minutes to cream them until light and fluffy, as this incorporates air for a better texture.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid tough brownies.
Test for Doneness Correctly: The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, not clean.
Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool fully in the pan on a wire rack for clean, neat squares, much like you would for these fudgy chewy brownies.

How to Keep Your Brownies Fresh

Store: Keep leftover candy cane brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture.
Freeze: For longer storage, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm frozen brownies in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or until thawed and slightly warm, reviving that freshly-baked taste.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can bake the brownies a day ahead, let them cool completely, and store them airtight until you’re ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use peppermint extract instead of candy canes?

Yes, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the wet ingredients for flavor, but you will miss the delightful crunchy texture. I recommend using both for the full festive experience in your peppermint brownies.

How do you crush candy canes for brownies?

Place unwrapped candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. You want a mix of fine powder and small chunks for the best distribution and visual appeal in your holiday baking.

Why are my brownies cakey and not fudgy?

Cakey brownies often result from overmixing the batter after adding flour or overbaking. Be gentle when combining wet and dry ingredients, and remove them from the oven as soon as the toothpick test shows moist crumbs.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The candy canes and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation for delicious candy cane recipes everyone can enjoy.

More Festive Desserts to Try

Why These Candy Cane Brownies Become a Tradition

With their fudgy texture and festive peppermint crunch, these candy cane brownies are destined to become a holiday favorite in your home. They are remarkably simple to make yet deliver that special, from-scratch quality that store-bought treats simply cannot match. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.

Festive Holiday Brownies