Candy Cane Brownies

Name: Candy Cane Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 18.3 ounce box dark chocolate brownie mix; 2 large eggs; ½ cup vegetable oil; ¼ cup heavy cream; ¾ cup mint fudge flavored baking chips; ⅔ cup candy canes (crushed and divided)

Candy Cane Brownies are a fun and festive way to dress up a boring box of brownie mix for the Christmas holiday season.

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This easy Candy Cane Brownies recipe is decadent, fudgy, and filled with a double dose of mint flavor, these semi-homemade desserts are a delicious way to dress a basic batch of brownies for Christmas.

These chewy brownies are prepared in 10 minutes using only a box of brownie mix combined with 4 ingredients plus crushed peppermint candy cane pieces swirled into the batter and then more sprinkled on top.

Christmas Brownies With Crushed Candy Canes

Crushed Candy Cane Brownies are a semi-homemade holiday treat that transforms a box of brownie mix into the best batch of Christmas brownies that taste like you made them from scratch.

This simple brownie recipe begins with a shortcut one-bowl batter, made from a mix, oil, heavy cream, mint fudge-flavored baking chips, and candy canes.

The secret to my Christmas mint brownies that make them taste so much better is swapping out the water and using heavy cream instead – who knew a simple switch could provide such an upgrade to make peppermint brownies seem homemade?

These holiday brownies are filled with mint and chocolate flavors, both inside and out; not only are there mint fudge-flavored baking chips folded into the batter but there are also crushed candy canes baked into and sprinkled on top of these festive brownies.

Why We Love This Candy Cane Brownies Recipe

Quick and easy to make with a simple shortcut.
Only uses 5 ingredients plus a box of brownie mix.
Fudgy, decadent, delicious brownies that taste homemade but made without the hassle!
Box mix Christmas brownie recipes are the best for days when you are busy or lack the time to bake peppermint brownies from scratch.
Perfect for Christmas parties, dessert platters, cookie exchanges, and holiday gatherings.

More Easy Christmas Dessert Recipes

Candy Cane Dip

Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups – the best Christmas Cookie Recipe!

Christmas Mints

Reindeer Chow Chex Mix

Ingredients

Dark chocolate brownie mix: You can use any chocolate brownie mix for this recipe.
Eggs
Vegetable oil: You can use melted butter if you prefer.
Heavy cream
Mint fudge flavored baking chips
Candy canes

Substitutions and Additions

Make It with Milk: You can substitute milk or half and half for the heavy cream.
Choose Your Chip: Feel free to use white, dark, or milk chocolate chips if you prefer.
Create Some Crunch: Add in chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds for an extra bit of crunch.
Tasty Toppings: Top your candy cane brownies with chocolate ganache or make your brownies with peppermint frosting on top.

Recommended Tools

9×13 inch baking pan
Parchment paper or cooking spray
Large mixing bowl

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How to Make Candy Cane Brownies

Make The Brownie Mixture: Mix together the brownie mix, eggs, oil and heavy cream and then fold in the baking chips.
Pour Into The Pan: Spread the brownie batter the baking pan. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top and then swirl them into the batter.
Pro Tip: The candy does not need to be completely mixed in, just slightly swirled into the top.
Bake: Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-35 minutes, remove from the oven, and immediately top with crushed candy canes.
Serve: Cool for 15 minutes before cutting. Serve warm or cool. Enjoy!

Tip From Our Recipe Developer

If you make these brownies during a season when candy canes aren’t available, you can crush pieces of peppermint candy instead.
DO NOT follow the directions on the back of the box of brownie mix! Many times, the box mix will call for 3 eggs which will make more cakey brownies. We want a gooey, fudgy texture in this recipe!
I like to line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Once the brownies have cooled, you can lift the whole batch right out of the pan using the paper.
Let your brownies cool completely before cutting them to get clean cuts.

Storage

To Store: Candy Cane Brownies can be covered and stored at room temperature for 4-5 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
To Freeze: You can freeze your brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

candy cane brownies with candy cane topping

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store Candy Cane Brownies?

These Candy Cane Brownies should be covered and stored at room temperature for 4-5 days. If you would like to store them longer, you can place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing them individually so that you can remove and thaw them individually. They should be thawed before serving and they can also be warmed in the microwave for 10-30 seconds for a fresh from the oven gooeyness.

Can I add frosting to the top of my brownies?

You can absolutely add frosting to the top of your brownies. My favorite peppermint frosting, which adds a bit more elegance and mint to these brownies. Simply mix extra crushed candy cane with white frosting for an easy topping with extra minty flavor.

Which brownie mix is best for this recipe?

My favorite brownie mixes are Betty Crocker Dark Chocolate Brownie Mix, Pillsbury Dark Chocolate Brownie Mix, and Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Supreme Brownie Mix. However, any mix will work–use your favorite.

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5 from 3 votes