Let’s get real for a second. The holiday season is here and that means two things: the weather is about as cheery as a grumpy cat (seriously, can someone explain why it’s so cold outside?) and we’re all on the lookout for ways to sprinkle some sweetness into our lives. Well, I have just the thing to rescue you from your winter blues without needing to leave the warmth of your kitchen – Chocolate Candy Cane Brownie Bombs. Can we just take a moment to appreciate how divine that sounds?
As a kid, I had this sort of love-hate relationship with Christmas treats. On one hand, I wanted to gobble up everything in sight. On the other, my parents were handing me dry, crumbly gingerbread cookies while discussing how “traditional” they were. Newsflash: if it’s not a gooey chocolate creation, I’m passing. Fast forward a couple of decades, and now I’m all about turning Christmas treats into something you’d want to save for yourself instead of sharing with the kids. Enter these bombs of chocolaty heaven that are bound to make adults swoon and kids wide-eyed with joy. Yeah, I said it.
Seriously though, I made these for the first time last Christmas and they were annihilated before I could even snap a decent photo. It felt like a battle royale in my kitchen, with friends and family reaching for seconds as I marveled at how such divine decadence could have come from my hands. Spoiler alert: they’re easy to whip up, and they look way fancier than they really are. So let’s get down to business – because you need this in your life.
Ingredients, Unfiltered
What’s Really in Chocolate Candy Cane Brownie Bombs
Alright, grab your shopping list or lean in close because I’m about to school you on these glorious ingredients that will change your holiday game.
Brownie Mix: Yes, I’m going there. You can be all gourmet chef if you want, but the truth is, a box mix is just fine. You can choose fudge brownie if you want a major chocolate power-up. Ain’t nobody got time to make brownies from scratch in the chaotic holiday rush.
Eggs: Two of them! They act like the glue in this chocolate wonderland and bring everything together. Make sure they’re room temperature—seriously, nobody wants curdled brownies because you grabbed those eggs straight from the cold abyss of your fridge.
Vegetable Oil: We’re already adding enough chocolatey richness; I’ll skip the butter here. A good pour will help your brownie bombs be moist and decadent, just the way I like my chocolate.
Water: Just follow the back of the brownie mix box for this one. Don’t get tempted to throw in wine or soda (although, if you do, I won’t judge). We’re on a mission to create bombs of cacao goodness here, not cocktails.
Candy Canes: Get ready to bring that festive peppermint twist! I’m talking crushed candy canes, and also yes, I WILL be sprinkling these on top because they’re just too pretty to skip.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate, it’s really up to you. Go wild with the chocolate. Can you ever have too much? I say no; let’s just drown everything in it like it’s a cozy winter night by the fire.
White Chocolate (for the drizzle): Because we’re fancy like that! You’ll need this to drizzle over the brownie bombs for that perfect finishing touch. Plus it creates a delicious contrast with the chocolate. It’s the yin to your yang (or in this case, your sweet to your chocolate).
Let’s Talk Health (or Not)
Is This Even Healthy? Let’s Discuss
I mean, let’s not kid ourselves – we’re making brownie bombs, not health bars. Sure, there’s sugar. Lots of sugar. And yes, I sleep just fine at night. You might not want to consume these as a pre-workout snack—unless you believe in the power of sugar rush – but let’s be real. This time of year is all about enjoying decadent treats and indulging a bit. If you’re going to let loose, let it be these Chocolate Candy Cane Brownie Bombs.
You could try swapping the vegetable oil for apple sauce or using a low-calorie brownie mix, but in my humble opinion, you’d be robbing yourself of the gooey, chocolatey experience you’re setting out to create. Embrace the moment, make the mess, and indulge guilt-free. You can jog it off in January, right?
Your Grocery List
Here’s What You’ll Need
– 1 box of brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup of water
– 1 cup of crushed candy canes (approximately 4-5 candy canes)
– 1 cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
– 1 cup of white chocolate chips (for drizzle)
This recipe makes about 24 brownie bombs, which means you’ll have plenty to share—or hoard—they’re that good.
The Actual Cooking Part
Okay, Let’s Make This
Now onto the fun part! Think of this as your chaotic artistic expression of holiday magic (or stress, if you want to get real). Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty, shall we?
1. **First Things First**: Preheat that oven of yours to 350°F (175°C for my international readers). Mistakes are made during preheat, like forgetting to take off your oven mitts before checking the timer, and we will NOT be making those here!
2. **Prep the Brownie Mix**: In a large mixing bowl, dump your brownie mix in and add the eggs, oil, and water. Using your trusty wooden spoon or hand mixer, aggressively combine those ingredients until just mixed. We’re not trying to make bread—you want to keep those lumps, baby.
3. **Incorporate Your Chocolate Chips**: This is where the magic happens, folks. Fold in the chocolate chips (yes, all of them) until they’re evenly distributed. Try not to eat half of them while you’re mixing. I can’t be held responsible if you dive headfirst into that bowl and start scooping with a spoon.
4. **Prepare the Pan**: Get a muffin tin or, if you’re living on the edge, a silicone muffin mold. Grease them up nice to ensure easy-peasy removal when these beauties are done.
5. **Fill Those Cups**: Scoop that brownie batter into each cup, filling them about 3/4 full. The batter will rise, and we wouldn’t want a brownie overflow situation—unless you’re into that kind of chaos, then by all means, live your best life!
6. **Bake Them Up**: Pop that tray into your preheated oven for about 18-22 minutes. Pro tip: they might look undercooked at first, but resist the urge to overbake! They’ll set up as they cool, so keep an eye on that timer. You’re looking for a toothpick test—if it comes out mostly clean, you’re golden.
7. **Cooling Station**: Once done, take the brownie bombs out and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. They’ll be verbose in their gooeyness, but you don’t want them to attach to your pan like overzealous clingy friends.
8. **Temptation**: While they cool, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl (30 seconds at a time, stirring in between) until smooth. Grab your missed moments of calm before the storm as you visualize your sugary creations coming to life.
9. **Crush Those Candy Canes**: Use a ziplock bag and a rolling pin to obliterate those candy canes into small pieces. Go full Hulk mode—this is therapy. Just don’t let the bag explode. Trust me, vacuuming crushed candy canes is not a pleasant experience.
10. **Drizzle Time**: Once the brownies have cooled and you’ve finally been driven to take a celebratory selfie, pop each one out of the muffin tin. Now, place them on a wire rack (or a plate if you’re still in denial about your baking skills). Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the brownie bombs in whatever pattern makes your heart sing. Pretty is key—this is Instagram gold, folks!
11. **Sprinkle Like You Mean It**: Finally, while the white chocolate is still warm, generously sprinkle those crushed candy canes on top. You’re basically Rudolph leading the way to chocolaty nirvana.
12. **Set and Rest**: Give those bad boys about 30 minutes to set up so you don’t end up with a melty disaster at your holiday gathering.
Side Notes & Sassy Hacks
Bonus Tips You Didn’t Ask For
– **Substitutions**: Don’t have brownie mix? Use cake mix for a fun twist! The consistency will be different, but who doesn’t love spontaneity?
– **Fudge Factor**: Want to crank up the next-level gooeyness? Add a scoop of chocolate fudge in the center before baking for a molten surprise.
– **Boosting Your Brownies**: I once added espresso powder for that deep, rich chocolate flavor, and whoa—game changer! Just a teaspoon will elevate your brownies from good to “Oh-my-gosh-I-can’t-stop-eating-these.”
– **Flavor Bombs**: Experiment with different mix-ins. I’ve tossed in chopped walnuts once, but let’s be honest: they’re more a distraction than anything else.
– **Cute Presentation**: Grab some cheerful holiday gift bags, stash a few bomb bombs inside, and give them out as sweet treats. You’ll basically be the Santa of baked goods.
Final Words of (Culinary) Wisdom
In November, these babies are like little bursts of happiness waiting to bless your holiday gatherings. Make them ahead of time, and trust me when I say you’ll be asked to bring them to every single family dinner or workplace potluck from henceforth. They’re chocolate, they’re festive, and they’re super easy to make—I mean, is there really anything better?
So if you try these Chocolate Candy Cane Brownie Bombs (and I sincerely hope you do), tag me! Share those mouthwatering pics, or just send me a mental high-five from wherever you are. I’m all about that community love when it comes to food, and I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you. Now go forth and bake the world a little sweeter!
