Christmas Present Brownies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holidays, you’ve found it with these Christmas Present Brownies! This recipe is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home. The rich chocolate flavor paired with colorful decorations brings joy to everyone who tastes them. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up even on busy weeknights!

These brownies are my go-to dessert during the holiday season. They make wonderful gifts when wrapped up in pretty boxes and are always a hit at parties. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to share this recipe with friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple steps.
• Fun for the family: Get the kids involved! Decorating these brownies is a fun activity everyone will enjoy.
• Make ahead: Bake these brownies in advance and store them for when guests arrive or for last-minute sweet cravings.
• Customizable: You can easily add your favorite toppings or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these Christmas Present Brownies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need to create this delicious treat:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional for extra fudginess)
• Red, green, and white candy melts (for decoration)
• Mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles (optional but festive!)

Variations

One of the best things about this brownie recipe is how flexible it is! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Mix in different chocolates: Use milk chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips for a different taste experience.
• Try different decorations: Swap out the candy melts for colored icing or melted chocolate to create your own unique designs.
• Infuse flavors: Add a touch of peppermint extract along with the vanilla for a refreshing holiday twist.

How to Make Christmas Present Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift out the brownies later! Melt the butter over low heat in a medium saucepan. Once it’s melted, remove it from heat and whisk in the sugar until smooth and shiny. Let it cool slightly before adding the eggs and vanilla extract—this helps keep everything nice and glossy.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Be gentle here—overmixing can lead to tough brownies! If you’re feeling indulgent, now’s the time to add those chocolate chips for an extra fudgy texture.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Pour that luscious batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top with your spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30–35 minutes. Keep an eye on them! A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter—when they’re ready. Remember, they’ll continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven.

Step 4: Cut and Decorate Like Gifts

Once cooled completely in the pan, lift out those brownies using the parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board and cut into even squares—these will be your presents! Melt your red, green, and white candy melts separately in bowls using microwave bursts of 15 seconds each until smooth. Drizzle or pipe over each brownie like ribbons on a gift. Top them off with mini bows or festive sprinkles if you’re feeling extra cheerful!

Step 5: Let the Decorations Set

Allow your decorated brownies to harden at room temperature—or speed things up by popping them into the fridge for about 10–15 minutes. Once set, arrange your Christmas Present Brownies on a lovely platter or pack them into gift boxes lined with parchment paper for sharing. They’re sure to spread joy wherever they go!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Present Brownies

Making brownies can be incredibly rewarding, and with these simple tips, you’ll elevate your Christmas Present Brownies to the next level!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and butter to room temperature helps them combine more easily, resulting in a smoother batter that bakes evenly.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gentle folding of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture will keep your brownies chewy and fudgy. Overmixing can lead to a cake-like texture, which is not what we’re aiming for!

• Check for doneness: To avoid overbaking, start checking your brownies a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs for that perfect fudgy finish.

• Let them cool completely: Patience is key! Allowing the brownies to cool fully before cutting ensures clean lines and prevents them from crumbling apart.

• Experiment with toppings: Don’t hesitate to get creative with decorations! Different colored candy melts or sprinkles can add festive flair that makes your brownies even more appealing.

How to Serve Christmas Present Brownies

Presenting your Christmas Present Brownies can turn a simple dessert into a festive centerpiece. Here are some fun ideas to make your treats shine!

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream provides a light and airy contrast that complements the rich chocolate flavor.

• Crushed peppermint candies: Sprinkling crushed peppermint on top adds a refreshing crunch and delightful holiday flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic combination! A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside warm brownies creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

• Fresh berries: Serving fresh raspberries or strawberries adds a burst of juicy sweetness that balances the richness of the brownies perfectly.

• Chocolate sauce: Drizzling some chocolate sauce over your brownies enhances their chocolaty goodness and makes them even more indulgent.

• Coffee or tea: Pairing these brownies with a steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea provides a cozy finish to any meal or gathering. The warmth will complement the sweetness beautifully!

Now you’re all set to make, serve, and enjoy your Christmas Present Brownies! Whether it’s for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home, these treats will surely be a hit. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Christmas Present Brownies are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent treat to have on hand during the busy holiday season. You can easily whip up a batch in advance and store them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow brownies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut brownies into individual squares before freezing for easy access.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They will keep well frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, allow frozen brownies to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• To reheat, place a brownie on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Enjoy them as is or with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Christmas Present Brownies.

Can I make Christmas Present Brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these brownies in advance and store them either at room temperature or in the fridge. They also freeze beautifully, so you can make a big batch ahead of time for holiday gatherings!

What makes these Christmas Present Brownies special?

These brownies are not only rich and fudgy but also decorated to resemble festive presents. The addition of colorful candy melts transforms them into a delightful treat that’s perfect for any holiday celebration!

Can I substitute other ingredients in the Christmas Present Brownies?

Yes! If you’re looking for alternatives, feel free to use vegan butter instead of regular butter or swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dairy-free options. Get creative with your decorations too!

How long do Christmas Present Brownies last?

When stored properly, these brownies can last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. If you freeze them, they can be enjoyed for about 3 months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Christmas Present Brownies as much as I do! They’re not just delicious treats but also beautiful gifts that spread holiday cheer. Whether you share them with friends and family or enjoy them yourself, I’m sure they’ll bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with sweet moments!