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–+ servings
A stack of frosted peppermint brownies on a plate.
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5 from 1 vote

Candy Cane Frosted Brownies

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 minutes
Cook Time27 minutes
Total Time42 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 15 brownies
Author: Amy Nash

Equipment

Ingredients

Brownies

  • 1 cup salted butter melted
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups (212g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Frosting

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup salted butter softened
  • 4 Tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/2 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.
    1 cup salted butter, 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar, 4 large eggs
  • 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.
    1 1/2 cups (212g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup chopped pecans, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 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.
    2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup salted butter, 4 Tablespoons heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 464kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 165mg | Potassium: 115mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 694IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg

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