Go Back

Candy Cane Brownies

Using Hershey's Classic Brownie Recipe, I added a candy cane frosting with a chocolate shell for this holiday brownie!
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Brownies

  • 1 cup melted butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 3/4 cup baking cocoa
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 cup flour

Candy Cane Frosting

  • 2 lbs. powdered sugar
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
  • light cream
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
  • 1 drop red food coloring (optional)

Chocolate Top Layer

  • 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Make Brownies

  • Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Line a 13 x 18 cookie sheet with parchment paper and grease the paper.
  • In a batter bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla.
  • Add the eggs and stir until combined.
  • Stir in the cocoa powder.
  • Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and stir until well-mixed.
  • Spread the batter evenly on the prepared sheet.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until set in the middle.
  • Set aside the brownie layer and let it cool completely.

Candy Cane Frosting

  • Using a mixer, whip the butter.
  • Slowly add the powdered sugar and enough cream to make a spreadable frosting.
  • Whip frosting well, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally.
  • Add the crushed candy canes, peppermint extract, and food coloring (the food coloring is optional).
  • Whip a minute or two more, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally.
  • Turn off the mixer and set aside.

Assemble Candy Cane Brownies

  • Spread the desired amount of prepared frosting on the completely cooled brownies.
  • Place the frosted brownie layer in the refrigerator or freezer for a bit to solidify the top of the frosting.
  • When the frosting is cool on top and set, microwave the 3 cups of chocolate chips for 45 seconds at a time, stirring between heating. Take your time on this and stir well so you don't ruin the chocolate by overheating it.
  • When the chocolate is just melted, pour it over the frosting as shown in the photo.
  • Using the back of a spoon, spread the chocolate around on top and cover the frosting. Work quickly, so frosting doesn't melt underneath.
  • Let the chocolate layer set for half an hour, and then score them for easy cutting later. I scored mine 9 bars by 11 bars for 99 bars.
  • When brownies are completely set cut. I like to put mine in the fridge for another half hour for easier and tidier cutting.
  • Serve or freeze for later. These freeze well.
Servings: 8 dozen (1.5 inch squares)