Frosted Christmas Brownies
The scent of warm chocolate wafting through the house is one of the true delights of the holiday season. As the brownies bake, the rich chocolate aroma mingles with memories of cozy nights spent with loved ones. Picture this: a cold winter evening, bundled up on the couch, and enjoying a festive movie while indulging in a sweet holiday treat. That’s the magic of Frosted Christmas Brownies. These delightful treats transform ordinary brownies into a festive feast for both the eyes and the palate.
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Growing up, my family had a special tradition of baking together during the holidays, filling the kitchen with laughter and, of course, delicious aromas. My favorite was when we made these Frosted Christmas Brownies — simple to create, yet bursting with cheer. With just a few steps, you can create a batch that’s perfect for a party, a cozy night in, or a holiday gathering. I can’t wait for you to try making them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: These brownies come together swiftly, taking about an hour from mixing to serving.
- Irresistible Flavor: Picture decadent chocolate layers topped with creamy, sweet frosting — they’re pure bliss!
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Fun decorations and vibrant colors make these brownies a hit at parties.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for dessert or a festive snack, they’ll bring joy to any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easy variations can make these gluten-free or vegan too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Brownie Mix (2 Boxes or Double Batch Homemade): Opt for your favorite brand — this makes it quicker. You can even make from scratch if you prefer a homemade touch.
- White Frosting (1-3 jars): Use store-bought or homemade. A thick frosting helps decorations stick better.
- Edible Gel Food Coloring: Choose red and green for festive hues. No artificial options available? Look for natural alternatives like beet juice or spirulina.
- Edible Gold Stars: They add a bit of sparkle, making your brownies stand out.
- White Pearl Sprinkles: These give a charming look reminiscent of snow.
- Icing Bags & Frosting Tips (Large Star 1M): Use these for easy decorating; a star tip will create beautiful swirls.
How to Make Frosted Christmas Brownies
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven according to the brownie mix instructions, typically around 350°F. While it heats, grab a 9-inch springform pan and generously spray it with cooking oil to ensure your brownies release easily later on. This initial step is vital to prevent sticking and allows for the perfect presentation!
Mix and Pour: In a large bowl, combine both boxes of brownie mix with water, eggs, and oil as per package instructions. Stir until smooth, avoiding lumpy batter for that fudgy texture everyone loves. Pour the batter into your prepared springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking. This ensures your brownies bake uniformly without any raised spots.
Bake: Pop your brownie-filled pan into the preheated oven. Bake according to the packaging instructions, typically around 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Look for slightly crispy edges and a soft center to achieve that perfect fudgy finish. The sweet scent filling your kitchen will be utterly enticing!
Cool and Cut: Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan, and then carefully remove them. Place the brownie slab on a cutting board, and with a sharp knife, slice it into 8 triangles. This shape mimics charming Christmas trees and jolly Santa hats, perfect for festive gatherings!
Frost Away: In small bowls, mix your white frosting with red and green gel food colorings. Make them vibrant and fun! Next, transfer each colored frosting into separate icing bags fitted with decorating tips. Get creative! Use the green frosting to outline delightful Christmas trees and add white pearl sprinkles and edible gold stars for a twinkling touch. For Santa hats, a mix of red and white will do beautifully. It’s all about letting your imagination soar!
Serve and Enjoy!: Once decorated to your heart’s content, these stunning Frosted Christmas Brownies are ready to shine at your holiday festivities. Plate them up, and watch as everyone dives in, unable to resist the festive charm. These brownies not only taste heavenly but also create cheerful memories for years to come.
Storing & Reheating
To store your Frosted Christmas Brownies, keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you want to maintain their freshness longer, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in the refrigerator can extend their life to a week. For longer-term storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. When you’re ready to savor them, thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, noting that frosting may soften a bit over time.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid an overly sticky mess by ensuring your brownies are completely cool before frosting.
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of espresso powder to your brownie mix.
- Experiment with different food coloring combinations. Consider adding a touch of gold for an elegant twist!
- Opt for high-quality dark chocolate brownie mix for a richer taste that pairs wonderfully with sweet frosting.
- Make ahead of time! You can bake your brownies a day or two before you need them; just frost them the day you plan to serve.
Enjoy creating your own magical memories while making these charming treats — they truly bring a festive spirit to any holiday table!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie recipe instead of pre-packaged mix?
Absolutely! A homemade brownie mix can add your personal touch to these Frosted Christmas Brownies. Just ensure the texture remains dense and fudgy for the best results!
How long can I store frosted brownies?
Frosted brownies can be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for about 4 days. In the fridge, they last about a week, but they may dry out a bit. Just be sure to consume frozen ones within three months for the best quality!
What can I use for a healthy alternative to frosting?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional frosting, consider using a blend of Greek yogurt with honey or maple syrup, along with vanilla extract. It gives a sweet tanginess that complements chocolate well.
Can I make these brownies dairy-free?
Definitely! Use dairy-free brownie mixes and vegan frosting. There are great options available that retain the delicious flavors while being dairy-free.
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
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📖 Recipe Card
Frosted Christmas Brownies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Frosted Christmas Brownies are a delightful holiday treat with rich chocolate flavors topped with creamy, colorful frosting. They’re easy to make and perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- Brownie Mix (2 Boxes or Double Batch Homemade)
- White Frosting (1-3 jars)
- Edible Gel Food Coloring (Red and Green)
- Edible Gold Stars
- White Pearl Sprinkles
- Icing Bags & Frosting Tips (Large Star 1M)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven according to brownie mix instructions.
- Prepare a 9-inch springform pan with cooking oil to ensure easy release of brownies.
- Combine both boxes of brownie mix with water, eggs, and oil in a large bowl and stir until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top.
- Bake according to package instructions for 30-35 minutes.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely, then cut into triangles.
- Frost with colored frosting designs and decorate with sprinkles and edible stars.
- Serve and enjoy your festive brownies!
Notes
Ensure brownies are completely cool before frosting to avoid melting.
Store frosted brownies in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just separate layers with parchment paper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
