If you’re looking for a festive treat that perfectly blends rich chocolatey goodness with holiday cheer, this Christmas Brownie Recipe is your new best friend. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that brings that cozy warmth of the season right to your kitchen, boasting deep cocoa flavor and a fudgy texture that’s simply irresistible. With every bite, you’ll taste the perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of vanilla, making it an ideal centerpiece for your holiday celebrations or a sweet gift for loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step to making these Christmas brownies shine. Each component plays a crucial role in building the rich flavor, tender crumb, and festive spirit you crave.
- Butter: Use 1 cup of butter to add richness and create that delightfully moist texture.
- White sugar: 2 cups of white sugar bring the perfect level of sweetness and help with the chewy crust on top.
- Eggs: 4 eggs bind everything together while giving the brownies structure and a luscious fudgy bite.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon enhances all the chocolate notes with its sweet, aromatic charm.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: 2/3 cup delivers the deep chocolate flavor that’s absolutely essential for these festive brownies.
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup provides just enough body to balance out the moisture without making the brownies cakey.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon cuts through the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate taste.
- Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon helps the brownies rise slightly and keeps them tender.
How to Make Christmas Brownie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper ensures your brownies slide out easily and have those beautiful edges everyone loves.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Gently melt 1 cup of butter over low heat in a medium saucepan. Taking your time here results in a silky base for the batter that ensures every bite is luxuriously smooth.
Step 3: Mix Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla
Remove the butter from heat and whisk in 2 cups of white sugar, 4 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients well creates a glossy, luscious batter that’s ready for the chocolate magic.
Step 4: Add Your Dry Ingredients
Stir in 2/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. Keep mixing until everything is fully combined and the batter looks smooth and inviting.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to guarantee those brownies bake with a uniform texture. Then bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs stuck to it.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let your brownies cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial because it allows them to set perfectly, making the cutting easier and your squares wonderfully neat.
Step 7: Serve and Savor
Slice the brownies into 12 generous squares and get ready to dig in! These festive treats are sure to bring smiles and happy taste buds to any holiday gathering.
How to Serve Christmas Brownie Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Christmas brownies with simple garnishes like a sprinkle of powdered sugar or festive red and green sugar crystals. A dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh cranberries can also add a holiday pop and a lovely contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a cool, creamy balance. Hot cocoa or spiced coffee makes a classic pairing that enhances the warm holiday vibe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Christmas brownie squares on a rustic wooden board decorated with pine sprigs and cinnamon sticks, or wrap individual portions in parchment paper tied with red ribbon for a thoughtful holiday gift anyone would delight in receiving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Christmas brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps them moist and perfectly chewy, just like the day they were baked.
Freezing
If you want to save these festive treats for later, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen brownies stay delightful for up to three months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, warm your brownies in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Serving them slightly warm pairs beautifully with cold ice cream or whipped cream.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
Absolutely! You can substitute melted dark chocolate for cocoa powder, but reduce the butter slightly to balance the fat content. This will give your Christmas Brownie Recipe a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
How do I make these brownies fudgier?
For fudgier brownies, reduce the flour slightly and avoid overbaking. The center should be just set with a few moist crumbs on a toothpick to keep that chewy, gooey texture we love.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Yes, you can fold in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries before baking to add extra texture and festive flair to your Christmas Brownie Recipe.
Is it necessary to use baking powder?
Baking powder adds a slight lift and tenderness, but if you prefer denser brownies, you can omit it. The brownies will still be delicious, just a bit more compact.
What’s the best way to cut brownies cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut to prevent sticking. Cooling the brownies completely before cutting ensures neat edges and less crumble.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Christmas Brownie Recipe that makes it a holiday favorite everyone will treasure. Whether you’re making it for a festive party, a cozy night in, or sharing as a gift, these brownies bring warmth, joy, and a touch of chocolatey bliss. Give it a try and let the delicious memories begin!
Print
Christmas Brownie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Christmas Brownie recipe delivers rich, fudgy brownies with a perfect balance of chocolate flavor and sweetness. Made with simple ingredients and baked to perfection, these brownies are ideal for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Brownie Ingredients
- 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 for easy removal after baking.
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat carefully to avoid burning. Once melted, remove from heat to proceed with mixing.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a rich base for the brownies.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until the batter is fully combined and has a smooth consistency.
- Pour Batter: Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it out to the edges for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, which helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.
- Serve: Cut the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy this classic, chocolaty holiday treat with family and friends!
Notes
- You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the brownies moist and fudgy.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and less mess.
- Store brownies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- For a festive twist, sprinkle powdered sugar or add a peppermint drizzle on top before serving.
