The scent of peppermint always takes me back to childhood Christmases, filled with twinkling lights and the warmth of the oven. This year, I’m putting a fun twist on a classic treat with these easy Candy Cane Brownie Bombs! Perfect for busy families, these little bites of holiday cheer take about an hour and a half from start to finish (including baking and cooling time!), and are sure to become a festive favorite.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Candy Cane Brownie Bombs
These Candy Cane Brownie Bombs are so delicious. They’re the perfect combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make with minimal ingredients, meaning cleanup is a breeze. And the best part? Kids absolutely love helping to crush the candy canes and roll the brownie balls!
What are Candy Cane Brownie Bombs?
Candy Cane Brownie Bombs are decadent brownie truffles with a delightful peppermint twist. These treats are especially popular during the holiday season, where the combination of chocolate and peppermint is synonymous with festive cheer. They’re perfect for gifting, parties, or simply enjoying a sweet moment during the busy holiday season, perhaps alongside a comforting homemade chai concentrate.
Ingredients for Candy Cane Brownie Bombs
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these festive treats:
- 1 box brownie mix ( + ingredients on back of box)
- 1/2 cup chocolate frosting
- 8 oz Ghiradelli melting chocolate
- 1 cup candy canes (crushed)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Candy Cane Brownie Bombs
- Preheat oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13″ baking pan with non-stick spray. This will prevent the brownies from sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Prepare brownie batter according to directions on box and pour into prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, then remove from oven and allow to cool completely. It’s crucial that the brownies are completely cool before crumbling, or they’ll be too sticky to handle.
- Once cooled, scoop brownies into a large mixing bowl and use your hands to crumble them into smaller pieces.
- Scoop chocolate frosting into the bowl of brownies and mix together until you have a thick dough-like consistency. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!
- Mix in 1/4 cup of finely crushed candy canes. This adds a burst of peppermint flavor and a festive touch to the brownie mixture.
- Using a cookie scooper, portion out dough and roll into balls. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the brownie mixture for 15 minutes for easier rolling, if needed.
- Heat chocolate chips or wafers in a microwave safe bowl, in 20 second increments. Stir in between heatings, until chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, or it will seize.
- Dip brownie balls into melted chocolate and roll to coat them completely. Place brownie balls back on the cookie sheet.
- While chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle the top of brownies balls with remaining crushed peppermints.
- Allow coating to set before serving or storing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Candy Cane Brownie Bombs
One common issue is chocolate seizing while melting. To prevent this, microwave the chocolate in short intervals, stirring in between, and avoid getting any water into the chocolate. If the brownie balls are too sticky to roll, try chilling the brownie mixture in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before rolling.
Variations for Candy Cane Brownie Bombs
| Variation | Ingredient Swap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gingerbread Brownie Bombs | Crushed Gingerbread Cookies | Substitute candy canes for crushed gingerbread cookies in the brownie mixture and as a topping. |
| White Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Bombs | White Chocolate Melts | Use white chocolate melts instead of dark chocolate for dipping. Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate. |
Serving Suggestions for Candy Cane Brownie Bombs
These Candy Cane Brownie Bombs are perfect on their own, but they also pair well with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and can be complemented by a variety of delicious drinks recipes. For a festive presentation, arrange them on a holiday-themed platter, perhaps with a nourishing golden milk recipe.
How to Store Candy Cane Brownie Bombs
To keep your Candy Cane Brownie Bombs fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months; just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Easy Candy Cane Brownie Bombs Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13″ baking pan with non-stick spray. This will prevent the brownies from sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Prepare brownie batter according to directions on box and pour into prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, then remove from oven and allow to cool completely. It’s crucial that the brownies are completely cool before crumbling, or they’ll be too sticky to handle.
- Once cooled, scoop brownies into a large mixing bowl and use your hands to crumble them into smaller pieces.
- Scoop chocolate frosting into the bowl of brownies and mix together until you have a thick dough-like consistency. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!
- Mix in 1/4 cup of finely crushed candy canes. This adds a burst of peppermint flavor and a festive touch to the brownie mixture.
- Using a cookie scooper, portion out dough and roll into balls. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the brownie mixture for 15 minutes for easier rolling, if needed.
- Heat chocolate chips or wafers in a microwave safe bowl, in 20 second increments. Stir in between heatings, until chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, or it will seize.
- Dip brownie balls into melted chocolate and roll to coat them completely. Place brownie balls back on the cookie sheet.
- While chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle the top of brownies balls with remaining crushed peppermints.
- Allow coating to set before serving or storing.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do brownie truffles last?
Brownie truffles will stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
How do you keep brownie balls from falling apart?
Make sure your brownie mixture is firm enough by chilling it for a bit before rolling.
Can you freeze brownie truffles?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I use a different type of brownie mix (e.g., gluten-free)?
Absolutely! Use any brownie mix you prefer.
What is the best way to melt the chocolate for dipping?
Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid burning.
How do I prevent the candy canes from melting into the chocolate?
Sprinkle the crushed candy canes on the chocolate while it’s still wet.
Can I freeze these brownie bombs?
Yes, they freeze well.
Conclusion
I hope these Candy Cane Brownie Bombs bring a little extra sweetness and joy to your holiday season. They’re so easy to make and are sure to be a hit with everyone. Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite holiday treats? Share your thoughts and baking adventures in the comments below, and don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions. Happy baking!
