If you’re like me, you always have a ton of candy canes left over after the holidays. Instead of tossing them out this year I thought I would try to incorporate them into a dessert for my family’s Christmas party. We’re known for our brownies in this house so I settled on peppermint brownies (original recipe here).
Ingredients:

*Brownies*

10 Tbs. butter
1¼ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup plus 2 Tbs. cocoa powder
¼ tsp. salt
2 eggs
½ tsp. vanilla
½ cup all-purpose flour

*Icing*

2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 Tbsp milk 
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1-2 drops red or pink food coloring

*Ganache*

3/4 cups chocolate chips
3 Tbsp butter
3 candy canes, roughly chopped 

Steps:

1.) Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a brownie pan with parchment paper so that it hangs over the edge and lightly grease it. Set aside. 

2.) Combine the butter, sugar, cocoa, and salt in a medium bowl.



3.) Melt the mixture in a double boiler, stirring occasionally. Remove from the double boiler and set the bowl aside to cool for a minute.

 

4.) Add the eggs one at a time and beat each one into the mixture. Once fully incorporated, the mixture should go from a grainy paste to a smooth batter. Mix in the vanilla and then add the flour and mix until fully incorporated.



5.) The batter will be kind of thick. Spread it in the prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes until the top is set and springy. A toothpick will not come out completely clean, but they are done. Put the pan into the freezer for about 30 minutes.

 

6.) For the icing, melt the butter in a medium bowl and add milk and peppermint extract. To be honest, I could only find mint extract and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as a substitute.

7.) Whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth then add 1-2 drops of food coloring, just enough to tint the frosting pink.

 

8.) Spread over the brownies in an even layer and let sit until the frosting has crusted, about 10 minutes (it won’t stick to your finger when you touch it).



9.) Melt remaining butter and chocolate chips in a small bowl. 

 

10.) Chop your candy canes into pieces.

11.) Pour the ganache over the frosted brownies and spread evenly, and then sprinkle with the candy pieces.

12.) Refrigerate until set. Cut with a sharp knife, dipping in hot water and wiping dry between cuts for a clean slice. 

 

13.) Enjoy!

-Quen