Candy Cane Brownies

If you are curious to see how far my blog has come.  You can look back at this post from 4 years ago to just see how much better my photography has gotten at least.  I've updated the recipe a little bit, and I think they are even better now.  I'm using my mom's Chewy Brownie recipe that she's made most of my life.  Why change a tried and true recipe?

I love this holiday take on a classic American dessert. Who doesn't love a chewy, decadent brownie, and topped with Candy Canes, they are even better.

Chewy Brownies
2 cups sugar
1 cup cocoa
1/2 cup butter
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla or peppermint extract
1 cup flour

In a medium sized pan, melt the butter over medium high heat.  Remove the pan from the heat and mix in the sugar and cocoa well.  In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add them to the butter, sugar and cocoa mixture.  When the eggs are mixed in well, add the vanilla and the flour and stir until the batter is smooth.

Pour the batter into a greased 9X13" pan.  Bake at 325F for about 25-30 mins, or till the tops of the brownies are shiny.

Fudge Icing
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup cream or half and half
3 tbsp. cocoa
2 1/4 cups powdered sugar

Crushed candy canes or peppermints

In a small pan, melt the butter, cocoa and cream.  Whisk together until there is no lumps of cocoa. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla and then the powdered sugar. Whisk by hand until smooth. Pour the icing over the warm brownies. Sprinkle crushed candy cane pieces on the freshly iced brownies.  Allow the brownies to cool before cutting.

If you have a Christmas party or get together that requires you bringing a treat, why not bake a pan of these?  I bet you have most of the ingredients already.

And the winner of the Cricut Explore Machine is..........

Kim Coers - she won by following Oleander and Palm on Pinterest.  Check your email Kim!!! Congratulations!