These easy fudgy brownies are made with crushed candy canes, creating sweet peppermint flavors. Enjoy these candy cane brownies when you crave both minty and sweet.

Candy cane brownies in a casserole pan with pieces cut from it.

Making peppermint candy cane brownies is festive, fun, and so easy. The gooey, fudgy brownie flavors are baked with crunchy chocolate chips and smooth butter to create holiday brownies that are easy to bite into and just the right amount of chewy.

This easy candy cane brownie recipe is a favorite of mine because I top the baked brownies with a sticky, creamy white frosting that makes them even more delicious. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the fluffy frosting, and these fudgy peppermint brownies are ready to be served!

Every year for the holidays, it’s a hard choice between these brownies and my peanut butter cheesecake brownies recipe—we typically make both! I love the brownies with the candy cane topping because you can use any kind of frosting, and the combination of mint and chocolate is simply spectacular.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

Sugar: I use just a little white granulated sugar to give these peppermint brownies just enough sweetness. You can try making these brownies with brown sugar for extra moist flavors.
Butter: Softened salted butter is creamed with sugar until fluffy and creamy. It’s the perfect base for fudgy brownies!
Eggs: Two large eggs are used to bind the brownies together and ensure their perfect consistency!
Flour: All-purpose flour is easy to use and versatile in all baking recipes. Feel free to substitute with gluten-free flour in a 1:1 ratio.
Cocoa: I use cocoa powder for these brownies, but cacao powder works.
Salt: What is a dessert recipe with a tiny amount of salt? Sea salt brings everything together and aids in the baking process, too.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are perfect for these brownies, but feel free to use dairy-free chocolate chips or your favorite sugar-free, chopped dark chocolate bar.
Candy Canes: For these brownies, crush some mini or regular-sized candy canes. You can also use crushed peppermint!

How to Make Candy Cane Brownies

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or oil. This prevents the brownies from sticking to the pan.
Cream the sugar and butter together for about two minutes until fluffy using a stand or handheld electric mixer at medium speed. Avoid over-mixing, or there will be too much air in the butter.
Slowly beat in the eggs, one at a time. This prevents the batter from being overmixed.
Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in another bowl until well combined.
Stir the wet ingredients until the dry ingredients are just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar.
Spread the brownie batter into the greased pan with a rubber spatula. Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. The cooking time will vary with each oven.
Test the baked brownies by sticking a toothpick in their center to see if only a few crumbs stick to it.
Remove the brownies from the oven, allow them to cool, then evenly frost them using a spatula or knife. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes or peppermint on top of the frosting.

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Variations and Substitutions

Use white chocolate chips for white chocolate, peppermint holiday brownies.
You can make your own frosting or use store-bought. I like to use chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter, etc.
Use coconut sugar, dark chocolate chips, and sugar-free candy canes for refined sugar-free brownies.
Gluten-free brownies will use a gluten-free baking blend with a 1:1 ratio.
Top the brownies with crushed pretzels, chocolate bars, nuts, or sprinkles instead of candy canes.

Storage Instructions

Store the leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for four days. Chill them in the refrigerator for up to one week.

How Can I Make Them Extra Fudgy

If you want fudgier brownies, use a higher fat ratio and add plenty of butter!

Is Oil or Butter Better for Fudgy Brownies?

Both options are great for creating fudgy brownies! I like these brownies to rise a little more, so I use butter. If you want denser brownies, then you can use vegetable oil.

How to Tell When They Are Done

The tops of the brownies will start to form little cracks, and the centers will no longer be jiggly. You can test the crumb level by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center of the baked brownies.

A piece of the recipe on a plate with a bite out of it.

What to Serve with Them

This holiday brownie recipe is perfect served with milk, Reese’s ice cream, vanilla bean ice cream, whipped cream, other desserts, warm steamers, coffee, tea, and much more!

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