If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that’s both indulgent and filled with holiday cheer, this Christmas Brownie Recipe is here to steal the show. Imagine rich, fudgy brownies with just the right hint of cocoa, baked to perfection and ready to bring smiles at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re making these for a cozy family night or a bustling Christmas party, this recipe combines simplicity with that magical Christmas spirit in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, but each one plays an important role in creating the classic fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor that makes this Christmas Brownie Recipe so irresistible.
- 1 cup butter: Provides a rich, creamy base that makes the brownies decadently moist.
- 2 cups white sugar: Balances bitterness from the cocoa and adds necessary sweetness.
- 4 eggs: Bind everything together and add structure without compromising softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the brownies their vibrant chocolate color and deep, bold taste.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect amount of body so the brownies hold together just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the chocolate flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a subtle lift, keeping the brownies tender but not cakey.
How to Make Christmas Brownie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This step makes sure your brownies will come out cleanly and with perfect edges every time.
Step 2: Melt Your Butter
Gently melt 1 cup of butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Melting it slowly keeps the butter smooth and helps prevent it from burning, setting a silky base for your batter.
Step 3: Mix Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 cups of white sugar, 4 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mixing these while the butter is still warm helps dissolve the sugar and creates a luscious, glossy mixture that forms the heart of your brownies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Next, add 2/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Stir everything together until the batter is fully combined and smooth, making sure not to overmix to keep that perfect fudgy texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. This is where patience pays off: your brownies should be fudgy, not dry.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This cooling step ensures clean cuts and lets the flavors settle beautifully, ready for that first blissful bite.
How to Serve Christmas Brownie Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Christmas Brownie Recipe by topping each square with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or festive red and green sprinkles. For a more decadent touch, drizzle melted white chocolate or add a dollop of whipped cream. It’s these little finishes that make your brownies truly sparkle at holiday gatherings.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of rich peppermint frosting. The contrast between warm brownie and cold ice cream creates a magical flavor experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Christmas Brownie Recipe into a centerpiece by stacking the brownies into a festive pyramid or cutting them into fun shapes using holiday-themed cookie cutters. Placing them on a bright, decorative platter adds extra holiday cheer to your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your delicious brownies will keep beautifully for up to four days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This means you can prepare them ahead of time and still enjoy that perfectly moist texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. They thaw quickly and maintain their fudgy goodness, perfect for unexpected holiday guests.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your Christmas Brownie Recipe warm again, simply microwave a piece for about 15 seconds or pop it in a low oven for a few minutes. Pair with a scoop of ice cream for an instant holiday indulgence.
FAQs
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Absolutely! Using dark brown sugar will add a slight caramel note and extra moisture, which can make the brownies a bit richer and chewier. Just keep in mind it might subtly change the flavor profile.
Is it okay to use baking soda instead of baking powder?
While baking soda can be used in some brownie recipes, this Christmas Brownie Recipe specifically calls for baking powder to achieve the right balance of tenderness and slight lift. Substituting may affect texture, so if you use baking soda, consider adding an acid like vinegar or lemon juice.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Toss in chopped walnuts, pecans, or your favorite chocolate chips before baking to add delightful texture and bursts of flavor. They perfectly complement the rich chocolate base of the brownies.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures the brownies are fudgy and not overbaked.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. This way, you get the same delicious texture without any gluten concerns.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Brownie Recipe is a must-have in your holiday dessert arsenal. It’s straightforward to make, incredibly satisfying, and brings a warmth that only a homemade chocolate treat can offer. There’s something so heartwarming about sharing these fudgy bites with loved ones—so don’t wait, get baking and let the festive magic begin!
Print
Christmas Brownie Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This classic Christmas Brownie recipe delivers rich, fudgy brownies perfect for holiday celebrations. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and eggs, these brownies are easy to prepare and bake to perfection with a moist and decadent texture.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the brownies evenly.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the brownies from sticking and to make removal easier.
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat carefully to avoid burning.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the white sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing until the batter is fully combined and silky smooth without lumps.
- Pour Batter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake Brownies: Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, ensuring they stay fudgy.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares to help them set and hold their shape.
- Serve: Serve the brownies as a delightful holiday treat and enjoy their rich chocolate flavor.
Notes
- For an extra festive touch, add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep brownies moist and fudgy.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner edges.
- Store brownies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
