Candy Cane Frosted Brownies

A stack of frosted peppermint brownies on a plate.

5 from 1 vote

Chocolate and peppermint come together for a delightful holiday treat in these Frosted Peppermint Brownies that have crushed candy canes mixed right into the frosting!

Prep Time15

Cook Time27

Total Time42

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: brownies

Calories: 464kcal

Author: Amy Nash

Ingredients

Brownies

1 cup salted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup chopped pecans or semisweet chocolate chips
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Frosting

2 cups powdered sugar
½ cup salted butter, softened
4 Tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
½ cup crushed candy canes + more for decorating

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with a parchment paper sling.
In a large bowl, whisk or beat the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extracts until combined.
Stir in flour and cocoa powder by hand using a spatula or wooden spoon. Gently stir in pecans or chocolate chips. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs clinging to it. Let the brownies cool completely.
While the brownies cool, make the frosting by beating softened butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar in a large bowl until creamy and light, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the crushed candy canes toward the end.
Frost the cooled brownies with the peppermint frosting and sprinkle with some additional crushed candy cane pieces on top. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Candy canes: If you buy crushed candy canes at the store, you get mostly small pieces that stand out really nicely in your white icing. If you crush your own candy canes, some of them tend to get powdery, which can turn your icing a really nice pink when you mix them in.
Semi-homemade version: You can opt to use a 16-ounce boxed brownie mix (we like Ghirardelli best) + ingredients listed on box (typically 1-2 eggs, water, and oil) instead of making the brownies from scratch.

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