Indulging in Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season! These rich, fudgy brownies topped with creamy peppermint frosting are perfect for family gatherings and festive celebrations. With their vibrant red and green sprinkles, they add a touch of joy to any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply treating yourself, these brownies are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich cocoa and refreshing peppermint creates a unique taste that captures the essence of the holidays.
- Easy to Make: This recipe features simple steps and common ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Festive Presentation: Topped with crushed candy canes and colorful sprinkles, these brownies look as good as they taste.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 24 servings, these brownies are great for parties, potlucks, or gifting to friends and family.
- Versatile Treat: While perfect for Christmas, their delicious flavor makes them suitable for any festive occasion.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing your Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies is simple when you have the right tools at hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking Pan: A 9×13 inch pan ensures even baking and easy slicing of brownies.
- Electric Mixer: Saves time and energy when beating the frosting to a fluffy consistency.
- Rubber Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of mixing bowls and spreading frosting evenly.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup crushed candy canes (for topping)
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles (red and green)
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- A few drops of red food coloring (optional)
How to Make Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix well until combined.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
3. Stir in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure fudgy brownies.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan:
1. Spread it evenly across the pan.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
3. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
4. Allow brownies to cool completely on a wire rack in the pan.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
In a large bowl:
1. Beat softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing well.
3. Pour in heavy cream and peppermint extract; continue beating until smooth and fluffy.
4. If desired, add red food coloring for a marbled effect.
Step 6: Frost the Brownies
Once cooled:
1. Spread peppermint frosting evenly over the top of the brownies.
2. Sprinkle crushed candy canes and holiday sprinkles generously over the frosting.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Cut into squares:
Serve on a festive platter and enjoy these delicious holiday treats!
How to Serve Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies
Serving Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies can elevate any holiday gathering. These rich and colorful treats are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a perfect centerpiece for your dessert table.
Individual Portions
- Brownie Squares: Cut the brownies into small squares for easy serving. This allows guests to enjoy a bite-sized treat without feeling overwhelmed.
Dessert Platter
- Assorted Sweets: Arrange the brownies alongside other festive desserts like cookies and cakes. This creates a colorful and inviting dessert spread that will please everyone.
Holiday Gift Boxes
- Gift-Wrapped Treats: Pack individual brownie squares in decorative boxes or bags. They make excellent homemade gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
Ice Cream Pairing
- Ice Cream Sundae: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream on top. Drizzle with chocolate syrup for an indulgent dessert option.
Coffee and Tea Service
- Cozy Beverage Match: Pair these brownies with hot coffee or tea. The rich chocolate flavor complements warm beverages beautifully, enhancing the overall experience.
How to Perfect Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies
Creating the perfect Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies involves attention to detail at every step. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out deliciously every time.
- Use Quality Cocoa Powder: Opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor in your brownies.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until ingredients are just combined to keep your brownies fudgy and soft.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow brownies to cool fully in the pan; this prevents the frosting from melting off when applied.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or different sprinkles for added texture and flavor variations.
- Store Properly: Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
Best Side Dishes for Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies
Pairing side dishes with your Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies can enhance your holiday feast. Here are some delightful options to consider:
- Peppermint Bark: A classic holiday treat made from layers of chocolate and crushed candy canes that perfectly complements the brownie flavors.
- Fruit Tart: A fresh fruit tart adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the brownies, providing a light option alongside the dessert.
- Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses that can balance out the sweetness of brownies, such as sharp cheddar or creamy brie.
- Holiday Cookies: Classic sugar cookies or gingerbread men make wonderful companions, rounding out your dessert offerings with familiar favorites.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a festive hot chocolate station that invites guests to customize their drinks while enjoying brownies at the same time.
- Nut Mixes: Provide bowls of spiced nuts or candied pecans for guests who might want something crunchy and savory alongside their sweet treats.
- Pumpkin Pie: For a seasonal touch, serve slices of pumpkin pie as another traditional holiday favorite that pairs well with chocolate desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies can be a joyful experience, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined to keep them fudgy.
- Skipping the cooling step: If you frost warm brownies, the frosting may melt. Allow them to cool completely before adding frosting.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts to ensure consistent results.
- Using low-quality cocoa powder: A good cocoa powder enhances flavor. Choose high-quality cocoa for the best taste in your brownies.
- Ignoring oven temperature: An inaccurate oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat and use an oven thermometer if needed.
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store your Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- item They will stay fresh for about 5-7 days when properly stored.
Freezing Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies
- item These brownies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- item Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Warm individual squares on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place a brownie in a skillet over low heat with a lid for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies?
These are rich, fudgy brownies topped with creamy peppermint frosting and festive decorations, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Can I customize the toppings on my brownies?
Absolutely! You can use different toppings like chocolate chips, nuts, or seasonal sprinkles to make your brownies unique.
How should I store leftover Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for delicious gluten-free Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies.
What should I serve with my brownies?
Pair these festive treats with ice cream or hot cocoa for a delightful dessert experience!
Final Thoughts
These Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies are not just delicious; they bring joy and cheer to any holiday gathering. Their rich flavor combined with creamy peppermint frosting makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize your toppings or adjust the frosting flavors according to your preferences—your creativity can make this recipe even more special!
Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies! These rich, fudgy brownies are crowned with a luscious peppermint frosting and adorned with vibrant red and green sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply treating yourself during the cozy winter season, they are sure to impress both family and friends. The irresistible flavor of chocolate combined with refreshing peppermint captures the essence of the holidays in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup crushed candy canes (for topping)
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles (red and green)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually combine with the wet ingredients without overmixing.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Allow cooling completely on a wire rack.
- For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy, add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in heavy cream and peppermint extract until fluffy.
- Frost cooled brownies, then sprinkle with crushed candy canes and holiday sprinkles.
- Cut into squares and serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie square (50g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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