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A close-up shot of a rich, fudgy square of Ultimate Festive Brownie adorned with colorful sprinkles and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Ultimate Festive Brownie

Indulge in the rich, fudgy goodness of these Ultimate Festive Brownies, loaded with chocolate chips and crowned with a delightful white chocolate drizzle and crunchy candy cane pieces for a perfect holiday treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 48 minutes
Servings: 16 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Ultimate Festive Brownies
  • 1 cup unsalted butter 226g, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar 400g
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 90g, Dutch-processed for darker color
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 125g
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 170g
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips 85g
  • 1/2 tsp peppermint extract optional, for festive flavor
For the Festive Topping
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate 85g, chopped or white chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening 15ml, for melting white chocolate
  • 1/4 cup crushed candy canes approx 2-3 candy canes
  • 2 tbsp festive sprinkles optional

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Medium Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Rubber Spatula
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
  • Small Bowl

Method
 

Prepare for Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk thoroughly for about 1-2 minutes until well combined and slightly cooled.
Mix the Brownie Batter
  1. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and optional peppermint extract. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
  2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
  4. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Bake the Brownies
  1. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking for fudgier brownies.
  3. Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before topping, about 1-2 hours. This is crucial for fudginess and clean cuts.
Add Festive Topping
  1. Once the brownies are completely cool, prepare the white chocolate drizzle. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped white chocolate (or chips) and coconut oil/shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt over a double boiler.
  2. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the cooled brownies using a spoon or by transferring the chocolate to a piping bag (or a small Ziploc bag with a snipped corner).
  3. Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes and festive sprinkles over the white chocolate drizzle before it sets.
  4. Let the white chocolate set for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or briefly in the refrigerator, before lifting the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
  5. Slice into 16-20 squares and serve.

Notes

For the fudgiest brownies, do not overbake. They may seem slightly undercooked in the center, but they will continue to set as they cool. Store Ultimate Festive Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They are also freezer-friendly for longer storage.