Delight in the festive flavors of Frosted Christmas Brownies! These rich, fudgy brownies are topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and adorned with colorful sprinkles, making them an ideal treat for your holiday gatherings. Not only do they bring joy to Christmas celebrations, but their delightful combination of chocolate and peppermint will impress family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and peppermint creates a deliciously indulgent treat.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these brownies are perfect for bakers of any skill level.
- Festive Presentation: The colorful sprinkles on top make these brownies a visually appealing addition to any holiday dessert table.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares for easy serving, making them great for parties or gift giving.
- Versatile Treat: These brownies can be enjoyed at various occasions beyond Christmas, such as birthdays or family gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious Frosted Christmas Brownies, you will need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures that the process goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Sifter
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 8×8 inch baking pan: This size is perfect for achieving that ideal brownie thickness.
- Mixing bowls: Multiple bowls help keep wet and dry ingredients separate until the right time.
- Whisk or electric mixer: Ensures that ingredients are well combined for a smooth batter.
- Sifter: Helps to aerate dry ingredients like flour and cocoa powder, leading to a lighter texture.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
For the Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration
How to Make Frosted Christmas Brownies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your 8×8 inch baking pan by greasing it.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
1. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract.
2. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together:
1. Cocoa powder,
2. Flour,
3. Salt,
4. Baking powder.
Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. If desired, add the optional peppermint extract for an extra festive flavor.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow cooling completely in the pan.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
1. Gradually add powdered sugar,
2. Heavy cream,
3. Vanilla extract,
4. Peppermint extract.
Mix until smooth and fluffy.
Step 7: Frost the Brownies
Once cooled, spread the peppermint frosting over the brownies using a spatula.
Step 8: Decorate
Sprinkle red and green sprinkles generously on top for that festive touch.
Step 9: Cut and Serve
Slice into squares and serve at your holiday gatherings! Enjoy every bite of this delightful treat!
How to Serve Frosted Christmas Brownies
Frosted Christmas Brownies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether at a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, these brownies bring festive cheer to any occasion.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate flavor beautifully.
- Peppermint Ice Cream: For an extra holiday twist, serve with peppermint ice cream for a refreshing contrast.
Coffee or Hot Chocolate
- Fresh Brewed Coffee: The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the brownies, making it a perfect pairing.
- Rich Hot Chocolate: Enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for ultimate indulgence.
Festive Platter
- Dessert Platter: Arrange your frosted brownies alongside other Christmas treats like cookies and candies for a colorful dessert spread.
- Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries and oranges add a refreshing touch to counter the richness of the brownies.
Gift Giving
- Holiday Boxes: Package brownies in decorative boxes as gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
- Potluck Contribution: Bring these brownies to potlucks or gatherings; they are sure to impress everyone!
How to Perfect Frosted Christmas Brownies
Making the perfect Frosted Christmas Brownies involves paying attention to details. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve brownie perfection every time.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for richer flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on your oven; baking times may vary. Use a toothpick to check doneness.
- Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool fully before frosting; this prevents melting and ensures neat slices.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add crushed candy canes or nuts for added texture and flavor on top of the frosting.
Best Side Dishes for Frosted Christmas Brownies
Frosted Christmas Brownies can be enhanced by serving them alongside complementary side dishes. Here are some ideas to make your dessert table even more delightful.
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses pairs wonderfully with the sweet brownies, offering a savory contrast.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These add freshness and a pop of color that goes well with the rich flavors of the brownies.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer an assortment of mini cupcakes in festive flavors like red velvet or gingerbread for variety.
- Candy Canes: Individual candy canes not only look festive but also provide a crunchy texture when paired with soft brownies.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the brownies nicely.
- Eggnog: Serve glasses of eggnog as a classic holiday drink that complements the flavors beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking frosted Christmas brownies can be a joy, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough brownies. Fold the ingredients until just combined for a fudgy texture.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Cutting into warm brownies can ruin their texture. Allow them to cool completely before frosting or slicing.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use precise measurements for each ingredient to ensure consistent results. Invest in a kitchen scale if needed.
- Ignoring Oven Temperatures: Oven temperatures can vary. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if necessary for accuracy.
- Using Substitutes Unwisely: Not all substitutes work well in baking. Stick to recommended ingredients, especially for critical elements like butter and eggs.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store frosted Christmas brownies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Place parchment paper between layers of brownies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Frosted Christmas Brownies
- Cut brownies into squares before freezing for easy serving.
- Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Frosted Christmas Brownies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat brownies on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual squares on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place a brownie in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid. Heat slowly until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Frosted Christmas Brownies special?
Frosted Christmas brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with peppermint frosting, making them perfect for holiday celebrations.
Can I customize my Frosted Christmas Brownies?
Yes! You can add nuts, use different types of chocolate chips, or even swap the frosting flavor to suit your taste.
How should I store my Frosted Christmas Brownies?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake them a day or two in advance and frost them just before serving.
Are there any alternatives for frosting?
Yes! You can use cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache as delicious alternatives to peppermint frosting.
Final Thoughts
Frosted Christmas brownies are not only delightful but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. The rich chocolate base paired with creamy peppermint frosting creates a charming holiday treat that everyone will love. Feel free to customize these brownies with your favorite toppings or flavors and share them with loved ones this season!
Frosted Christmas Brownies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive delight of Frosted Christmas Brownies! These rich, fudgy brownies are elevated with creamy peppermint frosting and a sprinkle of colorful decorations, making them the perfect treat for holiday gatherings. The joyous blend of chocolate and mint captures the spirit of the season, promising to impress your family and friends. With easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is suitable for bakers of all skill levels. Share these delightful squares at parties or package them as gifts; they are sure to spread cheer wherever they go!
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting)
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- In another bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently stir in chocolate chips and optional peppermint extract.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan; bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Allow cooling completely.
- For frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Spread frosting over cooled brownies, top with sprinkles, slice into squares, and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (50g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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