Candy Cane Brownie Bombs Chocolatey

Y’all, Christmas just ain’t Christmas without a little bit of peppermint, am I right? Last year, I was wracking my brain trying to come up with a fun, festive treat to take to the kids’ school party. Regular cookies were just… boring. Then, inspiration struck – Candy Cane Brownie Bombs! These little balls of chocolatey peppermint goodness are the perfect poppable treat. I’ve made these at least a dozen times in my kitchen, and every time they disappear faster than you can say “Merry Christmas!” This recipe promises you a simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dessert that will make you the star of any holiday gathering.

Why This Recipe Works

Let’s be honest, as a busy mom, I need recipes that are quick, easy, and require minimal cleanup. These Candy Cane Brownie Bombs Chocolatey check all the boxes! Here’s why they’re a winner:

• Easy Peasy: This recipe uses store-bought brownie mix to save time, so even beginner bakers can whip these up with confidence.
• Kid-Approved: My kids absolutely adore these! The combination of chocolate and peppermint is a guaranteed hit.
• Perfectly Portable: These brownie bombs are ideal for parties, potlucks, or even just a fun family night in.

Ingredients

• 1 box (13×9-inch size) brownie mix, plus ingredients called for on the box
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes, plus more for rolling
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Ingredient Notes

The quality of your brownie mix does matter! I prefer a fudgy mix for these brownie bombs, as it helps with the overall texture and holds the candy canes better. Any brand will work, but I find Ghirardelli gives the best results. As for the candy canes, I usually buy the generic ones, but feel free to splurge on a gourmet peppermint candy if you’re feeling fancy. The cream cheese is crucial for the creamy filling, so don’t skip it!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Brownies. Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. Before baking, stir in ½ cup of crushed candy canes. This will infuse the brownies with peppermint flavor from the very beginning! Bake as directed. I usually check mine a few minutes early, because slightly underbaked brownies are perfect for these bombs.

Step 2: Cool Completely. This is crucial! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. I usually pop them in the fridge for an hour to speed up the process. Trust me, trying to work with warm brownies is a sticky, messy nightmare.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This is the sweet and tangy center that makes these brownie bombs so irresistible. Don’t overbeat, or it will become too runny.

Step 4: Crumble the Brownies. Once the brownies are completely cooled, crumble them into a large bowl. I use my hands for this, but you can also use a fork. Make sure there aren’t any large chunks left.

Step 5: Combine and Roll. Add the cream cheese mixture to the crumbled brownies and mix until well combined. The mixture should be moist and slightly sticky. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. This is where the fun begins! If the mixture is too sticky, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before rolling.

Step 6: Coat in Candy Canes. Roll each brownie ball in crushed candy canes until fully coated. The candy canes add a festive crunch and a burst of peppermint flavor. Place the coated brownie bombs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Chill and Serve. Refrigerate the brownie bombs for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help them firm up and prevent them from being too messy. These are best served cold!

Storage & Meal Prep

These Candy Cane Brownie Bombs Chocolatey are perfect for making ahead of time! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply place them in the refrigerator overnight. For meal prep, you can bake the brownies and make the cream cheese filling a day in advance. Store them separately and combine them the next day. Rolling and coating can be done ahead as well, just store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to change things up a bit? Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free brownie mix to make these brownie bombs gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and a dairy-free brownie mix. Be sure to check the candy canes to make sure they are dairy-free as well.
• Chocolate Chips: Add mini chocolate chips to the brownie mixture for an extra chocolatey kick.
• Different Coatings: Instead of candy canes, try rolling the brownie bombs in sprinkles, cocoa powder, or chopped nuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! These brownie bombs are perfect for making ahead. You can bake the brownies and make the cream cheese filling a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them the next day. The rolled and coated brownie bombs can also be stored in the fridge for a day or two before serving.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake them, as this will make them dry and crumbly.

Can I use a different type of candy?

Sure! If you’re not a fan of peppermint, you can use other types of candy, such as crushed Oreos, peanut butter cups, or even toffee bits. Just make sure the candy is crushed into small pieces.

How do I store leftover brownie bombs?

Store leftover brownie bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply place them in the refrigerator overnight.

Are these kid-friendly?

Definitely! My kids love these brownie bombs. They’re a fun and festive treat that’s perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings. Just be prepared for a little bit of a mess when the little ones help with rolling!

Serving Suggestions

These Candy Cane Brownie Bombs Chocolatey are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other desserts. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They’re also a great addition to a holiday dessert platter. For a festive touch, garnish with a few extra crushed candy canes or a sprig of fresh mint.

Well, there you have it, y’all! My go-to recipe for Candy Cane Brownie Bombs Chocolatey. It’s a recipe that brings a little bit of Christmas magic to our kitchen every year. I hope you give it a try and share the results with your loved ones. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out in the comments below! And if you’re looking for more family-friendly recipes, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Happy baking, y’all!

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