Introduction to Candy Cane Brownie Bombs
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself craving treats that capture the spirit of joy and warmth. That’s where my Candy Cane Brownie Bombs come in! These delightful bites are not just brownies; they’re an explosion of holiday flavor that brings a smile to everyone’s face. Perfect for busy moms like us, this recipe is quick and easy, making it a fantastic solution for last-minute gatherings or cozy family nights. Trust me, your loved ones will be impressed, and you’ll feel like a holiday hero in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Brownie Bombs
These Candy Cane Brownie Bombs are a dream come true for busy schedules. They come together in just 40 minutes, making them a quick and delightful treat. The rich brownie flavor combined with refreshing peppermint creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing at holiday parties or cozy family gatherings. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how much joy they bring!
Ingredients for Candy Cane Brownie Bombs
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these festive treats. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Brownie mix: The base of our delicious bombs. Choose your favorite brand for a rich flavor.
- Vegetable oil: This adds moisture and helps create that fudgy texture we all love.
- Large eggs: They bind everything together and give the brownies a lovely lift.
- Crushed candy canes: The star of the show! They add a delightful crunch and a burst of peppermint flavor.
- White chocolate chips: These sweet morsels melt beautifully, adding creaminess to balance the peppermint.
- Peppermint extract: A little goes a long way in enhancing that holiday flavor. Adjust to your taste!
- Powdered sugar: This is for the glaze, giving it that sweet, smooth finish.
For those who want to get creative, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty twist. You can also swap the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate if you prefer a richer taste. Remember, the exact quantities are listed at the bottom of the article for easy printing!
How to Make Candy Cane Brownie Bombs
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these Candy Cane Brownie Bombs! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a festive treat that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures even baking. If you skip this step, your brownies might end up unevenly cooked. Trust me, no one wants a gooey center when they’re expecting a fudgy delight!
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use a whisk or a spatula to blend everything until it’s smooth and well combined. You want to make sure there are no dry patches left. This is where the magic begins, so mix it up with enthusiasm!
Step 3: Add the Festive Touch
Now, it’s time to add that festive flair! Gently fold in the crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix; you want those candy canes to stay crunchy. The combination of peppermint and chocolate is what makes these brownie bombs truly special!
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie mixture into a greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. This helps them bake uniformly. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when they’re done. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste!
Step 5: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This is important because cutting them too soon can lead to a crumbly mess. After they’ve cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into bite-sized squares. You’ll want to make them small enough for easy snacking!
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar and peppermint extract to create a smooth glaze. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash of water or milk to reach your desired consistency. This glaze is the finishing touch that adds sweetness and a lovely shine to your brownie bombs!
Step 7: Drizzle and Decorate
Finally, drizzle the glaze over the cooled brownie squares. Don’t be shy—let it flow! For an extra festive touch, sprinkle additional crushed candy canes on top. This not only looks beautiful but adds a delightful crunch. Allow the glaze to set before serving, and then enjoy the explosion of holiday flavor!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Use a non-stick spray or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it can make the brownies tough.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting for clean edges.
- Experiment with different toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles for variety.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl works best; you can use a stand mixer if you have one.
- Whisk or spatula: Either will do for mixing; a spatula is great for folding in ingredients.
- Baking pan: A 9×9 inch pan is ideal; you can use a larger one for thinner brownies.
- Sharp knife: For cutting the brownies into squares; a pizza cutter can work too!
- Measuring cups: Essential for accuracy; you can use a kitchen scale if you prefer.
Variations of Candy Cane Brownie Bombs
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free brownie mix to make these treats suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Vegan Twist: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use a plant-based brownie mix.
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Add a handful of mint chocolate chips along with the white chocolate for an extra minty flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the soft brownies.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of a glaze, melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over the brownies for a rich finish.
Serving Suggestions for Candy Cane Brownie Bombs
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.
- Serve alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream.
- Present on a festive platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
- Offer a selection of holiday-themed sprinkles for a fun, customizable touch.
FAQs about Candy Cane Brownie Bombs
Can I make Candy Cane Brownie Bombs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these delightful treats a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They taste even better after the flavors have had time to meld!
How do I store leftover Candy Cane Brownie Bombs?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw them before serving!
Can I use a different type of chocolate in the recipe?
Yes! Feel free to swap the white chocolate chips for dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips. This will give your Candy Cane Brownie Bombs a richer flavor that pairs beautifully with the peppermint.
What can I do if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If you’re out of peppermint extract, you can use mint extract as a substitute. Just remember, mint extract is stronger, so use it sparingly. A little goes a long way!
Are Candy Cane Brownie Bombs suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free brownie mix, and you’ll have a delicious treat that everyone can enjoy. These festive bites are perfect for sharing with friends and family, regardless of dietary restrictions!
Final Thoughts
Creating Candy Cane Brownie Bombs is more than just baking; it’s about sharing joy and warmth during the holiday season. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor that brings back cherished memories of festive gatherings. I love how these treats can brighten up any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family night or a lively holiday party. Plus, they’re so easy to make that even the busiest of moms can whip them up in no time. So, gather your loved ones, indulge in these sweet bites, and let the holiday spirit fill your home!
Print
Candy Cane Brownie Bombs: Discover the Holiday Flavor Explosion!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownie bombs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Candy Cane Brownie Bombs are a delightful holiday treat that combines rich brownie flavor with the refreshing taste of peppermint, creating an explosion of festive flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 box of brownie mix
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of crushed candy canes
- 1 cup of white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup of peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, vegetable oil, and eggs until well blended.
- Fold in the crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into bite-sized squares.
- In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar and peppermint extract to create a glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled brownie squares and top with additional crushed candy canes.
- Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the amount of peppermint extract.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
- These can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie bomb
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg