Brownie Christmas
If you’re searching for a festive dessert that’s both indulgent and easy to make, look no further than Brownie Christmas. These rich, fudgy treats are the perfect addition to any holiday gathering, combining the classic warm flavors of brownies with a colorful, festive twist. Whether you’re craving something chocolatey with a hint of holiday magic or want an impressive dessert that takes no time to prepare, Brownie Christmas offers all that and more. Get ready to delight your family and friends with every bite of these scrumptious brownie Christmas treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Fudginess: Every bite melts in your mouth thanks to the perfect balance of chocolate and moisture.
- Festive Appearance: Sprinkles and holiday-themed toppings create a vibrant look that captures Christmas spirit.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you probably already have, making it easy to whip up last minute.
- Versatile Flavors: You can customize with nuts, peppermint, or caramel to fit any taste preference.
- All Occasion Friendly: Great for family dinners, office parties, gift boxes, or cookie exchanges.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Brownie Christmas recipes shine because they rely on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a rich, satisfying texture and deep chocolate flavor, while festive toppings add that special holiday crunch and color.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor without excess sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives brownies their chewy texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and moistness for that fudgy consistency.
- Sugar: Balances the cocoa bitterness and ensures sweetness.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and create structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor and warmth.
- Salt: A pinch boosts flavor and balances sweetness.
- Festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes: For that joyful holiday decoration and extra texture.
Variations for Brownie Christmas
One of the best parts about Brownie Christmas is how easy it is to customize the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you want it nut-free, extra chocolaty, or festive with new flavors, adapting this recipe is quick and fun.
- Peppermint swirl: Add crushed candy canes or peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
- Nutty delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Gluten-free version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with sensitivities.
- Salted caramel topping: Drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt for a sophisticated flavor.
- White chocolate chip inclusion: Toss in white chocolate chips to brighten the brownie Christmas flavor.
How to Make Brownie Christmas
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder if using. Set this aside so your dry ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to getting that tender crumb and fudgy center in your brownie Christmas.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they’re well combined before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract, which boosts the warm holiday aroma.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the brownies.
Step 6: Add Festive Toppings
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and sprinkle your choice of festive decorations, like colorful sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or chocolate chips evenly over the surface.
Step 7: Bake Until Gooey
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs—this ensures gooey, fudgy brownies every time.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow your brownie Christmas to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares, so the texture firms up slightly for perfect portions.
Pro Tips for Making Brownie Christmas
- Use high-quality cocoa: The richer the cocoa, the deeper the chocolate flavor in every bite.
- Don’t overmix: Mixing just until combined keeps the brownies tender instead of cakey.
- Line your pan: Parchment paper ensures easy removal and clean edges.
- Test for doneness early: Start checking brownies around 18 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Let them cool fully: Cooling helps brownies set, making cleaner slices possible and enhancing texture.
How to Serve Brownie Christmas
Garnishes
Top your brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar, extra sprinkles, or festive candy pieces to add that final festive flair that makes them irresistible on any holiday dessert table.
Side Dishes
Pair your brownie Christmas treats with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce, or even a cup of peppermint hot chocolate to elevate the festive experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange brownies on a holiday-themed platter accompanied by fresh cranberries or holly leaves, or stack them in a cute mason jar gift for charming edible presents.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them moist and fresh.
Freezing
Wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or container to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Warm brownies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven to restore their gooey texture and bring out the fresh-baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I make Brownie Christmas gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that measures cup-for-cup for best results.
What’s the best way to achieve fudgy brownies?
Using more butter and less flour while avoiding overbaking ensures your brownies stay rich and fudgy rather than cakey.
Can I add nuts to the Brownie Christmas?
Yes, chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top for added texture and flavor.
How do I prevent brownies from drying out?
Store them properly in an airtight container and avoid overbaking; removing them from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs helps keep them moist.
Can Brownie Christmas be made vegan?
With modifications like using vegan butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate, you can create a delicious vegan-friendly version of this festive treat.
Final Thoughts
Brownie Christmas is a holiday treat that truly brings joy with its rich flavor, festive look, and easy preparation. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is sure to become a treasured part of your holiday traditions. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and dive into the warm, chocolaty goodness of Brownie Christmas today—your sweet tooth will thank you!
Related Posts
- Chinese Jian Dui (Crispy Sesame Balls)
- Chocolate Chow Mein Cookie Clusters
- Chinese New Year Chocolate Coins
Brownie Christmas
Brownie Christmas is a rich, fudgy holiday dessert that combines classic chocolate brownie flavors with festive toppings like sprinkles and crushed candy canes. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for holiday gatherings, offering customizable variations such as nuts, peppermint, and caramel, while delivering a delightful moist texture and vibrant appearance that captures the Christmas spirit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitution)
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking mix for gluten-free version)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 tsp baking powder (if desired for slight rise)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Festive Toppings
- Festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes
- Optional: chopped walnuts, pecans, or white chocolate chips for variation
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), salt, and optional baking powder. Set aside to ensure the dry ingredients are well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is key to achieving a tender crumb and fudgy center.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract to enrich the flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the brownies tough.
- Add Festive Toppings: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and evenly sprinkle your choice of festive decorations, such as colorful sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or chocolate chips, over the surface.
- Bake Until Gooey: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs to ensure gooey, fudgy brownies.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This helps them set for clean portions and enhances the fudgy texture.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies tender rather than cakey.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
- Check the brownies starting at 18 minutes to prevent overbaking and drying out.
- Let brownies cool fully before slicing to allow proper setting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (1/16th of the recipe)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: brownies, Christmas dessert, festive brownies, holiday treats, fudgy brownies, peppermint brownies, gluten free brownies, easy holiday dessert
