These Peppermint Candy Cane Swirl Brownies are the ultimate holiday treat! They start with a rich, chocolate base and get a festive upgrade with a creamy peppermint cheesecake swirl and a shower of crushed candy canes on top. Every bite combines the best of the season with cool peppermint, luscious chocolate, and that irresistible cream cheese swirl. Perfect for Christmas parties, cookie trays, or cozy nights in with a cup of hot cocoa!
Why you'll love this recipe
Classic with something extra. If you love a classic brownie but crave something extra special for the holidays, these peppermint cheesecake swirled brownies check every box.
Tastes like it's made from scratch. They're made with simple ingredients, but the result looks like something straight from a bakery case. You get the ease of a box mix with the decadence of a from-scratch dessert thanks to that creamy swirl.
Super simple recipe. This recipe is super easy to make, requires just a little prep, and looks so festive with the red and white candy cane bits on top.
Easy to customize. Use your favorite brownie mix, play with the level of peppermint flavor, or change up the toppings to make it uniquely yours.
Christmas in every bite. These brownies with peppermint cheesecake and crushed candy canes add the perfect touch to holiday gatherings.
Ingredients and their part in the brownies
These brownies come together with pantry staples and a few festive touches. Here's what each ingredient brings to the mix.
For the brownies:
- Brownie Mix - Start with your favorite boxed mix for a no-fuss base. Ghirardelli Chocolate Supreme is a favorite for its rich flavor and chewy texture.
- Oil, Water, and Egg - The essentials that bring the batter together and keep the brownies moist.
- Espresso Powder (optional) - Deepens the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
- Candy Canes - Crushed and sprinkled on top for a sweet, minty crunch and festive look.
For the peppermint cheesecake swirl:
- Cream Cheese - The creamy base that contrasts perfectly with rich chocolate.
- Sour Cream - adds a little tang and keeps the cheesecake portion moist.
- Sugar - Sweetens the filling.
- Peppermint Extract - Gives that cool, refreshing holiday flavor.
- Vanilla Extract - Rounds out the flavor.
- Salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate.
- Egg - Adds structure to the swirl so it bakes up smooth.
- Red Food Coloring - Just a drop or two creates that pretty pink swirl.
How to make peppermint candy cane swirl brownies
Whipping up these Christmas peppermint brownies couldn't be easier. Here's what to do:
- In a large bowl of an electric mixer, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, peppermint and vanilla extract, salt, large egg, and 2 drops of red food coloring.
- Mix until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Fold in sour cream.
- Make brownies according to package directions, adding espresso powder, if desired. Prep pan by lining with parchment paper all the way up sides so you have handles to grab to lift brownies out cleanly.
- Pour about ⅔ of brownie batter into prepared pan. Dollop the peppermint cream cheese on top.
- Scoop the remaining brownie batter on top of the peppermint cream cheese.
- Swirl with a sharp knife or skewer.
- Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes. You will know they're done when a toothpick inserted in the brownie portion comes out clean.
- Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
- Let cool then place in the refrigerator to chill prior to cutting.
Recipe tips for success
Getting that perfect swirl and clean slice is easy with these helpful tips.
Don't overmix the brownie batter. Overmixing can make brownies tough and dense.
Make the cheesecake swirl before the brownie batter so it's ready to dollop as soon as the brownies are mixed.
When crushing candy canes, place them in a zip-top bag and crush gently with a rolling pin or mallet. Smaller bits melt slightly for a pretty pink glaze; larger chunks add crunch.
Avoid cutting while warm or the swirl may smear. Letting them cool completely helps the swirl set for that perfect marbled look.
For clean, beautiful slices, chill the brownies before cutting, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
Recipe variations to make them your own
Once you've mastered the basic peppermint swirl, have some fun with it!
- Brownie Mix - Use dark chocolate for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Peppermint - For an extra burst of cool mint, add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the brownie batter.
- Chocolate Frosted - Skip adding just the candy on top and spread chocolate frosting or ganache over cooled brownies instead, then sprinkle candy on top.
- White Chocolate Frosted - Pour melted white chocolate or white chocolate frosting over the cooled brownies, then top with crushed candy canes.
- Shape - Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut festive shapes for cookie trays or gifts.
How to store and freeze
Let brownies cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. The candy topping may soften slightly over time, but they'll still taste delicious.
To freeze, wrap cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They'll keep up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving.
More peppermint recipes for Christmas
Get into the holiday spirit with more peppermint goodies! (Can't ya just tell I love peppermint?!)
Chocolate Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies: Easy, chewy cookies loaded with chocolate and mint.
Chocolate Peppermint Chip Cookies: Soft cookies bursting with peppermint chips for a festive twist.
Chocolate Peppermint Sandwich Cookies: Chocolate cookies filled with creamy peppermint frosting.
Double Chocolate Mint Cookies: Rich, chewy, and packed with two kinds of chocolate.
Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies: Swirled pink and white peppermint cookies that look as festive as they taste.
White Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies: Soft, buttery cookies topped with a peppermint-striped Hershey's Kiss.
Find lots of easy Christmas recipes right here on 2 Cookin' Mamas!
Peppermint Candy Cane Swirl Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix Ghirardelli Chocolate Supreme recommended
- ⅓ cup oil (or as stated on package)
- ¼ cup water (or as stated on package)
- 1 large egg (or as stated on package)
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- 3-4 peppermint candy canes crushed for topping
Peppermint Cheesecake Swirl
- 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ¼ teaspoon clear vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 drops red food coloring (you want the filling to be pink)
- ¼ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8" or 9" square pan with parchment paper all the way up sides to make handles for easier removal. Spray it with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Place all ingredients for peppermint cheesecake filling, except sour cream, in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes. Fold in sour cream.
- Prepare brownie mix according to recipe on box, adding the espresso powder, if desired. Set aside.
- Pour ⅔ brownie batter into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Dollop peppermint cheesecake batter on top of brownie batter. Dollop remaining brownie mix on top of peppermint cheesecake dollops. Take a knife and lightly swirl the mixture. Try not to touch the bottom of the dish. Do not swirl too much as you want to see the marbled effect.
- Bake 35-45 minutes. You can tell when the brownies are done when toothpick in the brownie area (not the cheesecake) comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle immediately with crushed candy canes.
- Let cool completely in pan. I like to chill mine in the refrigerator before cutting. Lift out by grabbing the edges of the parchment paper and place on a cutting board. Cut into squares.
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