It seems like Nick’s entire family was born in December! In the first two weeks of this month, we celebrated 5 family birthdays– including Nick’s. That’s a lot of partying.
Nick’s grandma was celebrating a milestone birthday this year– 80 years young!– so the family arranged a big party for her and all her friends. A few of us were in charge of the dessert table, and we decided on a red and white theme. There were a lot of red velvet ideas being thrown around, so I decided to mix it up a bit and take the peppermint route!
Not only was peppermint perfect for the red and white theme, but it’s also perfect for the holiday season! Peppermint is by far my favorite holiday flavor. It definitely beats eggnog and even–dare I say– pumpkin.
Exhibit A: Candy Cane Hershey Kisses. Seriously. Have you had these? They are my favorite thing ever. White chocolate peppermint– like the best part of the peppermint bark. I love them. Love love love them. So much in fact, that I’ve already bought 4 bags this year (which doesn’t include the ones we have at the office, which I have obviously partaken of).
In an effort to introduce others to these little morsels of heaven, I decided to shove them in my baked goods. And on top. Because you can never have too many Candy Cane Kisses!
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1½ sticks butter, divided, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 2 cups roughly chopped Candy Cane Hershey Kisses, divided
- FOR THE FROSTING:
- 1 stick butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 x 13 inch pan with foil, then spray with nonstick spray and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, salt and baking soda.
- In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), beat together butter and sugars with an electric (or stand) mixer. Once combined, add the eggs and peppermint extract and beat together.
- Add half the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until incorporated, then add the other half and mix until combined.
- Fold in 1¼ cups of the candy cane kisses.
- Spread the batter evenly in the pan.
- Bake about 24 minutes, until edges are golden. Remove from oven and let cool in pan about 15 minutes. Then, with the help of the foil, remove from pan. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- To make the frosting, whip the butter with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add half the powdered sugar and beat until incorporated. Add the remaining sugar, milk and peppermint extract. Beat until fluffy.
- Frost the blondies, then sprinkle the remaining candy cane kisses over top. Cut and serve!
These blondies were melt in your mouth delicious and super decadent with the thick layer of frosting. To be honest, the blondies would be perfectly sweet and delicious naked, without the frosting. But… ’tis the season of desserts and diet-busters, so… why not?
They were a huge hit, too! I was super disappointed that there weren’t any leftovers for me to take home. Guess that just means I’ll have to make another batch! 😉
For more candy cane fun, check out these Candy Cane Cookies I made a couple years ago!
And if you love peppermint as much as I do and need even more inspiration, check out some of these other great recipes from some of my favorite bloggers!
White Chocolate Candy Cane Popcorn from Pumpkin ‘N Spice
Peppermint Fudge from Live Well Bake Often
Frosted Peppermint Gingerbread Bars from The Food Charlatan
Danielle says
December 22, 2014 at 5:25 pmFive birthdays in one month?! That’s a lot! I have to say I think peppermint is one of my top favorite holiday flavors too. I love the all of the frosting on the blondies too, so fun and festive.
Kelly @ Trial and Eater says
December 23, 2014 at 5:08 pmI love those little peppermint kisses! I don’t allow myself to buy them much because they are gone in no time, so I am impressed you had enough leftover to use in these blondies. Perfect for the hoidays (and birthdays!)
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
December 23, 2014 at 5:26 pmCandy cane hershey kisses are my weakness, Jess! They are so addicting that I just can’t keep them in the house! These blondies look amazing! I’m loving that thick frosting on top. Such a delicious dessert! Pinned! And hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
marcie says
December 23, 2014 at 6:00 pmThat is a lot of partying, but it sure sounds fun! I love those peppermint kisses, too — they’re addicting! Using them to top blondies was a delicious idea — these look incredible! Merry Christmas, Jess! 🙂
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
December 23, 2014 at 9:21 pmI love those Candy Cane Hershey Kisses, Jess! I’m with you – I could eat a dozen bags of these! And these blondies look like the perfect thing to put them on! Have a very Merry Christmas!
Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven says
December 24, 2014 at 5:17 amThese blondies look perfect, Jess! I absolutely love all the crushed candy canes on top—so gorgeous!
jessfuel says
January 6, 2015 at 1:02 pmSo gorgeous and so YUMMY!! 🙂 Thanks!
Emily @ Life on Food says
December 26, 2014 at 7:41 amHow fun for the season to pick red and white. These look so fun! I bet everyone enjoyed them.
Nora @ Savory Nothings says
December 30, 2014 at 10:41 amOooh I wish we had those cute Candy Cane Kisses here! They look amazing! And WOW, so many birthdays to celebrate right before Christmas, that’s a month pretty big on the parties 🙂 Love those bars, they look so delicious Jess! I hope you had a lovely Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you and your family!
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
January 5, 2015 at 5:26 pmEven thought Christmas is over I can absolutely enjoy a few of these. Yummy. Happy New Year
jessfuel says
January 6, 2015 at 1:00 pmTotally!! I will definitely be making another batch before next Christmas! 🙂
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
January 6, 2015 at 9:09 amThese blondies look AMAZING! Love the candy cane flavour, so delicious with the frosting! Bookmarking to try next year! 😀
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
January 9, 2015 at 8:59 pmNot only are these festive for the holidays but they are yummy year round! Wish I had one right now! 😉