Candy Cane Kiss Brownie Bites That Guests Fight Over

 

Ever crave a treat that’s festive, chocolatey, and utterly irresistible? These Candy Cane Kiss Brownie Bites are the answer! Silky smooth brownies meet the cool, refreshing crunch of candy canes. Perfect for holiday parties or a cozy night in. Let’s unwrap this magical recipe!

Why You’ll Love These Candy Cane Kiss Brownie Bites

These brownie bites are the perfect holiday treat. They’re easy to make, festive, and delicious! Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Effortless Baking: Ready in under an hour.
• Festive Flavors: Chocolate and peppermint, a classic combo.
• Perfectly Portioned: Individual bites for easy serving.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Guests will devour them!
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, readily available ingredients.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun baking project for the whole family.
• Irresistible Texture: Fudgy brownies with a candy crunch.
• Simple Enough: Even baking beginners can ace this.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful brownie bites. Plus, find tips on choosing the best ingredients for an even tastier treat.

For the Brownies:

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour

For the Topping:

• 36 Candy Cane Kisses, unwrapped
• 1/4 cup crushed candy canes

Ingredient Tips:

• Butter: Using a good quality butter will enhance the flavor of the brownies.
• Cocoa Powder: Opt for Dutch-processed cocoa for a richer chocolate flavor.
• Candy Canes: Crush your own for the freshest flavor, or buy pre-crushed.

Essential Equipment List

Make sure you have these tools on hand before you begin baking. Having the right equipment makes all the difference!

• • Essential: 13×9 inch baking pan for perfectly sized brownies.
  • Essential: Parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy removal.
  • Essential: Large bowl and whisk for mixing the batter.
  • Essential: Cutting board and knife for slicing the brownies.
  • Optional: Food processor for quickly crushing candy canes.

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Recipe Details

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 36 bites
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of irresistible Candy Cane Kiss Brownie Bites. Get ready for some festive baking fun!

Step 1: Get Started

First, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 13×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! This step is crucial for uniform baking.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly creamy. Proper mixing at this stage ensures a tender brownie texture.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Add the cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the bowl. Whisk until everything is evenly incorporated. This step evenly distributes the dry ingredients, preventing lumps and ensuring a consistent flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Mixing well after each egg ensures proper emulsification, which contributes to a fudgy texture. Vanilla extract enhances the chocolate flavor.

Step 5: Add Flour

Gradually add the flour to the bowl, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough brownies. Mix until the flour disappears.

Step 6: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Keep a close eye on the brownies to prevent overbaking!

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the brownies out of the pan and place them on a cutting board. Cooling completely prevents the brownies from crumbling when cut.

Step 8: Add the Kisses

Cut the brownies into 36 equal squares. Immediately press a Candy Cane Kiss into the center of each brownie square. The warmth of the brownies will help the Kisses adhere.

Step 9: Sprinkle and Set

Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the tops of the brownies. Let the brownies sit for a few minutes to allow the Kisses to set. This ensures the Kisses stay in place.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve and watch your guests fight over them! These brownie bites are best enjoyed fresh.

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Tips for Success

Follow these tips for guaranteed brownie bite perfection. Baking is both a science and an art, so a little extra knowledge goes a long way!

• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked brownies are dry and crumbly. Aim for moist crumbs on the toothpick.
• Use Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature eggs emulsify better, leading to a smoother batter.
• Melt Butter Carefully: Avoid browning the butter, as it can affect the flavor.
• Evenly Distribute Toppings: Ensure each brownie bite gets its fair share of candy cane crunch.
• Cool Completely: Resist the urge to cut warm brownies, or they’ll crumble.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to put your own spin on these brownie bites? Here are some fun variations and substitutions to try.

• Different Kisses: Use dark chocolate or caramel-filled Kisses for a twist.
• Nutty Brownies: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Mint Extract: Add a few drops of mint extract to the batter for extra peppermint flavor.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Candy Cane Kiss Brownie Bites

Elevate your brownie bite experience with these delightful serving suggestions and pairings.

• Warm Drinks: Pair with hot cocoa or a festive spiced tea.
• Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream.
• Holiday Platter: Include these brownie bites on a holiday dessert platter with other festive treats.
• Gift Giving: Package them in a decorative box for a sweet holiday gift.

Health Benefits

While these brownie bites are a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits. Here’s a quick peek at what they offer.

• Cocoa Powder: Contains antioxidants that may help protect against cell damage.
• Energy Boost: Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates and sugars.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to keep your Candy Cane Kiss Brownie Bites fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: These brownie bites are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled.
• Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller pans may require longer baking times, while larger pans may require shorter times.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! These brownie bites can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate, to suit your preferences.

How do I prevent the candy canes from melting?

Add the crushed candy canes after the brownies have cooled slightly to prevent them from melting.

Can I add other toppings?

Of course! Get creative with your toppings. Try adding chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

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Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 brownie bite
• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 70mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 20g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 2g

Exact nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more festive treats? Check out these other delicious recipes!

• Peppermint Snowball Cookies – These cookies are like a winter wonderland in every bite!
• Chocolate Peppermint Swirl Cookies – The perfect holiday treat for any party!
• Jam Thumbprint Cookies – A holiday classic with a buttery and tender shortbread base.

Conclusion

These Candy Cane Kiss Brownie Bites are fast, festive, and guaranteed to be a hit! Whip them up for your next holiday gathering and watch them disappear. Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking! Let us know how they turn out in the comments below!

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