If you’re searching for the ultimate cute and crowd-pleasing treat this holiday season, look no further than this Santa Hat Brownies Recipe. Mini rounds of rich, fudgy brownie topped with a swirl of fluffy whipped cream and a fresh strawberry “hat” capture everything festive and sweet about the holidays, delivering both big flavor and a show-stopping look. You’ll adore how easy yet impressive these are to whip up for parties, cookie trays, or a family movie night—this is one Christmas dessert that always disappears fast!

Santa Hat Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and some bright, fresh strawberries, you’ll have everything you need to create these merry little bites. Each ingredient plays an essential role—brownie mix brings the fudgy base, cream and sugar give decadence, and strawberries crown each brownie in Santa style. Let’s take a look:

Brownie mix (for a 9×13-inch pan): Your shortcut to a dense, chocolatey base—use your favorite box mix and prepare it as directed.
Eggs, oil, and water (as called for by your brownie mix): These add structure, moisture, and richness to make perfect brownies every time.
12 fresh strawberries (hulled): Juicy, vibrant strawberries are the star “hat” of the show and add both beauty and a little tartness to balance the sweetness.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: For ultra-fluffy, cloud-like whipped cream that can be piped into gorgeous swirls.
3 tablespoons powdered sugar: This sweetens your whipped cream gently, and it helps stabilize the peaks so they stay picture-perfect.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a beautiful, warm aroma and flavor to every bite.

How to Make Santa Hat Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Brownies

Start by preheating your oven and preparing the brownie batter as instructed on your box. Pour it into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan and bake according to the package directions. It’s important to bake just until set for maximum fudginess—no one wants dry brownies! Let the pan cool completely before moving to the next step; this patience really pays off when you’re cutting clean, neat rounds.

Step 2: Cut Out the Brownie Rounds

Once your brownies are totally cool, use a small round cookie cutter or even the rim of a small glass (about 2 inches across) to punch out 12 little brownie circles. It’s easiest to press straight down for a smooth edge, and you can snack on any delicious scraps that are left over!

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream

While the brownies chill out, pour your heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into a mixing bowl. Whip it with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form—this means when you lift the beaters, the cream stands tall and keeps its shape. Scoop the whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip for a professional finish.

Step 4: Decorate with Santa Hats

Pipe a generous ring of whipped cream on top of each brownie round. Place a hulled strawberry—pointy side facing up—right in the center. To create that signature Santa hat, pipe a tiny dollop of whipped cream right on the strawberry’s tip. The result is as adorable as it is delicious!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Once all your brownies are assembled, pop them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This helps the whipped cream hold its shape and keeps everything fresh. Get ready for a flurry of oohs and ahhs when these hit the table!

How to Serve Santa Hat Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

Add a magical touch with a dusting of powdered sugar over the platter, a sprinkle of festive holiday sprinkles, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate. These little details make your Santa Hat Brownies Recipe look like they came straight out of a bakery window.

Side Dishes

Pair these brownies with mugs of hot chocolate, a glass of cold milk, or a bold cup of coffee to balance out the sweetness. If you’re serving a dessert buffet, these brownies pair beautifully with fruit platters or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a touch of something creamy and cool.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your brownies in a Christmas tree shape on a serving board, or line them up on a platter with tiny edible gold stars. For extra cuteness, set each brownie in a festive cupcake liner and tie a little gift tag around the platter—perfect for gifting or family gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Santa Hat Brownies Recipe treats will keep best in an airtight container in the fridge. The whipped cream and berries are freshest for up to two days, so enjoy them while they look their best!

Freezing

If you want to work ahead, freeze just the undecorated brownie rounds wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready, thaw, decorate with the strawberries and cream, and serve—freshness and presentation are guaranteed!

Reheating

Skip reheating after decorating, as the cream and strawberries don’t like heat. If you want to warm the brownies on their own, just microwave a round or two for a few seconds before decorating (but be sure they’ve returned to room temperature first so your whipped cream won’t melt).

FAQs

Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! If you have a homemade brownie recipe that you love, go ahead and use it. Just bake in a 9×13-inch pan and follow the rest of the Santa Hat Brownies Recipe instructions for cute and tasty results.

How do I keep the whipped cream stable for longer?

To help the whipped cream hold its shape, use heavy cream straight from the fridge and beat until stiff peaks form. If you’re making these ahead for a party, consider using stabilized whipped cream or even store-bought whipped topping.

What’s the best way to cut the brownies neatly?

Always make sure your brownies are completely cool before cutting, and use a metal round cutter or a sharp-edged glass. Wipe the cutter between each round for the cleanest edges in your Santa Hat Brownies Recipe.

Can I make these gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes! Choose your favorite gluten-free brownie mix and swap the whipped cream for a non-dairy alternative like coconut whipped topping. The rest of the process remains the same so everyone can join the holiday fun.

Why do my strawberries slip off or the whipped cream melt?

This usually means the brownies were still a little warm, or the cream wasn’t whipped quite enough. Cool your brownies completely and whip your cream until very stiff to keep the Santa hats in place.

Final Thoughts

This Santa Hat Brownies Recipe is the ultimate festive treat—simple to assemble, completely adorable, and just the right balance of chocolate, cream, and fresh berry flavor. Whether you’re making a batch for a holiday gathering or a cozy family night, each “Santa hat” promises big smiles and delicious holiday memories. Give them a try and see for yourself how quickly they become everyone’s favorite holiday sweet!

Santa Hat Brownies Recipe

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4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus cooling time)
Yield: 12 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Santa Hat Brownies are a festive and fun holiday dessert that will delight both kids and adults. Rich, chocolaty brownie rounds are topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh strawberries to create adorable Santa hat treats. Perfect for Christmas parties or as a sweet surprise for Santa!

Ingredients

Scale

Brownies:

1 box brownie mix (for a 9×13-inch pan), plus ingredients listed on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water)

Topping:

12 fresh strawberries (hulled)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven and prepare the brownie batter according to the package instructions. Bake in a 9×13-inch pan and let cool.
Cut Brownies: Cut the cooled brownies into 12 round pieces using a cookie cutter or glass.
Make Whipped Cream: Beat whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Assemble Santa Hats: Pipe whipped cream on the brownie rounds, place a strawberry upside down in the center, and top with a small dot of cream.
Refrigerate: Chill until ready to serve.