As the holiday season unfurls its festive magic, there's nothing quite like the intoxicating aroma of warm, freshly baked brownies drifting through the house. These Frosted Christmas Brownies are an easy way to bring cheer to your baking, blending the delightful richness of chocolate with a light, fluffy peppermint frosting that feels like a cozy hug in dessert form.
I discovered this festive treat while searching for something quick, yet special-perfect for impromptu gatherings or when I simply needed a little sweet therapy after a long day. With just a little over an hour of your time, you'll transform kitchen staples into a delectable dessert that'll wow family and friends.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, allowing for both from-scratch baking and the convenient option of using a boxed brownie mix. So, whether you're a seasoned home baker or just looking for an easy way to celebrate, these brownies are bound to bring smiles all around this holiday season!
Why Choose the Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe?
Indulgent, these brownies are a festive delight that perfectly balance chocolate and peppermint for a delectable holiday treat. Quick to prepare, they take just 1 hour and 25 minutes, making them ideal for busy bakers. Versatile options ensure that whether you prefer from-scratch or boxed mix, you'll achieve mouthwatering results. Crowd-pleasing aesthetics come from a fluffy, decorative frosting topped with cheerful sprinkles, adding visual appeal to your holiday gatherings. Plus, with their rich, fudgy texture, these brownies are guaranteed to make the season's celebrations even sweeter!
Frosted Christmas Brownies Ingredients
For the Brownie Base
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup) - Provides richness and moisture to the brownie base.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup) - Sweetens the brownie, contributing to its fudginess.
- Large Eggs (2) - Acts as a binder and moisture agent, creating a cakey texture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) - Enhances flavor and adds aroma.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (⅓ cup) - Essential for the rich chocolate flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (½ cup) - Provides structure to the brownies.
- Salt (¼ tsp) - Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
- Baking Powder (¼ tsp) - Leavening agent to help brownies rise slightly.
For the Frosting
- Unsalted Butter, softened (½ cup) - Key fat for the frosting, which contributes to its smoothness.
- Powdered Sugar (1 ½ cups) - Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Milk (1 ½ tbsp) - Adjusts consistency of frosting for spreadability.
- Vanilla Extract (½ tsp) - Enhances frosting flavor.
These Frosted Christmas Brownies are just begging to be baked-who could resist a bite of chocolatey goodness with that peppermint twist?
How to Make Frosted Christmas Brownies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab an 8x8 inch baking pan. Grease and flour it well to ensure your brownies come out easily once baked.
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Melt the first measure of unsalted butter in a heatproof bowl. Once melted, mix in the granulated sugar, large eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and glossy.
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Gradually beat in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended, ensuring there are no lumps.
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Spread the brownie batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, being careful not to overbake; the edges should be set while the center remains fudgy.
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Cream together softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl to make the frosting. Mix until it's fluffy and smooth, perfect for spreading.
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Wait until the brownies are completely cool before frosting them. Once cooled, spread the prepared frosting generously over the top and finish with festive red and green sprinkles for that holiday cheer.
Optional: Add a tiny candy cane on each brownie square for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Frosted Christmas Brownies?
These delightful treats are not only delicious, but they also offer endless opportunities for pairing, making your holiday table even more festive.
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Hot Cocoa: The rich, creamy taste of hot cocoa perfectly complements the fudgy brownies, creating a cozy winter pairing.
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Peppermint Tea: The refreshing minty notes of peppermint tea balance the sweetness of the brownies, making for a soothing afternoon treat.
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Spiced Cider: Warm spiced apple cider adds a delightful tang to the rich chocolate flavor, evoking the essence of the holiday season.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the brownies' fudginess.
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Chocolate Milk: For a childhood favorite, serve with a chilled glass of chocolate milk; it's a sweet finish to the chocolate extravaganza.
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Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream provides a luscious topping that enhances the peppermint frosting beautifully.
Pairing with these delightful options ensures that your Frosted Christmas Brownies take center stage while adding to the joy of your holiday celebrations.
Make Ahead Options
These Frosted Christmas Brownies are a fantastic treat that can save you time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the brownie base up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake the brownies, let them cool completely, and then cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. The frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before spreading for the best texture. When ready to serve, frost the cooled brownies and add festive sprinkles for a delightful holiday touch. Enjoy these brownies that are just as delicious, made with minimal effort!
Storage Tips for Frosted Christmas Brownies
Room Temperature: Keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their fudgy texture and flavor.
Fridge: You can refrigerate the brownies for up to 5 days. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent any drying out and to keep them fresh.
Freezer: Unfrosted brownies can be frozen for up to 2 months, while frosted brownies are best consumed within 1 month in the freezer. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for optimal freshness.
Reheating: To enjoy the brownies warm, take them out of the fridge or freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes, then microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.
Frosted Christmas Brownies Variations
Feel free to customize these brownies and make them uniquely yours with these fun twists!
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Minty Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the brownie batter for an extra punch of holiday flavor. This will harmonize beautifully with the frosting.
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Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans before baking for a lovely crunch that complements the softness of the brownies. The nuts add depth and a satisfying texture.
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Peppermint Bark Crunch: Crush up some peppermint bark candy and sprinkle it into the batter or on top of the frosting for an extra festive flair. It'll offer a delightful surprise in every bite!
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the brownie mix for a warm, spicy twist that pairs surprisingly well with chocolate.
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Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk for the frosting. These modifications make the brownies suitable for those with dairy sensitivities.
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Caramel Swirl: Before baking, drizzle caramel sauce on top of the brownie batter and swirl it in with a knife for a sweet, gooey surprise that elevates the dessert.
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Chocolate Chip Boost: Stir in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an even more indulgent treat. The melty chips create a rich, gooey interior that is hard to resist.
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Fruit Twist: Top your brownies with fresh raspberries or strawberries before serving to add a tart flavor contrast and a burst of color that screams festive cheer!
With these variations, your Frosted Christmas Brownies are bound to become a family favorite with each holiday season!
Tips for the Best Frosted Christmas Brownies
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Cool It Down: Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to achieve the best texture and prevent melting.
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Sift the Sugar: Sift your powdered sugar before mixing for a smooth frosting, avoiding any unpleasant lumps in your peppermint topping.
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Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to test the center of the brownies-it should come out with a few moist crumbs for that perfect fudgy consistency.
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Frosting Flexibility: Don't hesitate to adjust the milk in your frosting. If it's too thick, add a little more milk for an easy spreadable consistency.
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Festive Touch: Elevate your holiday presentation by using fun cookie cutters for shapes, or adding peppermint pieces as garnish to enhance both flavor and visual appeal.
These tips will make your festive baking experience with Frosted Christmas Brownies truly delightful!
Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for the brownie base?
I recommend using unsalted butter for the brownie base as it provides richness and moisture without adding extra saltiness. If you don't have unsalted butter, margarine can be used in a pinch, but the flavor might differ slightly.
How do I know if my brownies are baked properly?
To check if your brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. If it's clean, the brownies may be overbaked. For a fudgy texture, aim for the slightly moist crumb sample!
How should I store my frosted brownies?
Keep your frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to enjoy their rich, fudgy goodness. If you need longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days, ensuring they're well-wrapped to retain moisture.
Can I freeze frosted brownies?
Absolutely! To freeze frosted brownies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for ultimate freshness. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. If you prefer freezing unfrosted brownies, they can last up to 2 months!
What should I do if my brownies turn out too cakey?
If your brownies end up too cakey, it could be due to overbaking or too much flour. To prevent this in the future, ensure that you're not mixing in too much flour and keep a close eye on the baking time-20 to 25 minutes should be sufficient for a fudgy texture. If you notice dark spots all over, that means you might need to check your ingredients for freshness!
Are there any dietary considerations for these brownies?
Yes! If you're baking for someone with dietary restrictions, consider using flax eggs instead of traditional eggs for a vegan option. For gluten-free brownies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens, especially in the frosting, where powdered sugar and butter are staples.
Indulgent Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe for Festive Joy
Equipment
- 8x8 inch baking pan
- heatproof bowl
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter Provides richness and moisture to the brownie base.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the brownie, contributing to its fudginess.
- 2 large Eggs Acts as a binder and moisture agent, creating a cakey texture.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Enhances flavor and adds aroma.
- ⅓ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Essential for the rich chocolate flavor.
- ½ cup All-Purpose Flour Provides structure to the brownies.
- ¼ tsp Salt Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
- ¼ tsp Baking Powder Leavening agent to help brownies rise slightly.
For the Frosting
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter, softened Key fat for the frosting, which contributes to its smoothness.
- 1 ½ cups Powdered Sugar Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1 ½ tbsp Milk Adjusts consistency of frosting for spreadability.
- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract Enhances frosting flavor.
Instructions
Brownie Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab an 8x8 inch baking pan. Grease and flour it well to ensure your brownies come out easily once baked.
- Melt the first measure of unsalted butter in a heatproof bowl. Once melted, mix in the granulated sugar, large eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and glossy.
- Gradually beat in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, being careful not to overbake; the edges should be set while the center remains fudgy.
Frosting Preparation
- Cream together softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl to make the frosting. Mix until it's fluffy and smooth, perfect for spreading.
- Wait until the brownies are completely cool before frosting them. Once cooled, spread the prepared frosting generously over the top and finish with festive red and green sprinkles for that holiday cheer.
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