Rich, fudgy, and sparkling with holiday spirit, this Christmas Brownie recipe is the ultimate treat to sweeten up your festive season. Imagine a decadent chocolate base studded with melty chocolate chips, swirled with the cool crunch of peppermint, and crowned with a flurry of sprinkles—every bite feels like Christmas morning. Whether you’re sharing them at a cookie swap, packing them as edible gifts, or simply enjoying them with a mug of cocoa, these brownies bring together the best flavors of the holidays in every square. Trust me, if there’s one dessert you make this December, let it be the unforgettable Christmas Brownie!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Christmas Brownie lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a special role, from the rich cocoa powder to the festive peppermint, ensuring every bite is a burst of holiday joy. Gather these pantry staples and a few seasonal touches for brownies that are impossible to resist!
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Melted butter creates that classic fudgy texture and adds a rich, buttery depth to the brownies.
- Granulated sugar (1 ¼ cups): Sweetens the brownies and helps achieve that shiny, crackly top everyone loves.
- Packed brown sugar (¾ cup): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note for extra flavor complexity.
- Large eggs (4): Bind everything together and give the brownies structure without making them cakey.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances the chocolate flavor and brings warmth to the brownies.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Just the right amount to hold the brownies together while keeping them fudgy.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 cup): Delivers deep, chocolatey richness without too much sweetness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and sharpens the overall flavor.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a bit of lift, resulting in that perfect brownie crumb.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Pockets of gooey chocolate make every bite melty and indulgent.
- White chocolate chips (½ cup): Lend creamy sweetness and a pop of festive color on top.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (½ cup): Infuse the brownies with a cool, minty crunch that just screams holiday cheer.
- Festive sprinkles (optional): Bring that playful, party-ready finish to your Christmas Brownie tray.
How to Make Christmas Brownie
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy brownie removal later. This step makes your life so much easier and ensures your Christmas Brownie comes out in perfect squares every time!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. One at a time, add the eggs, beating well after each addition to create a thick, creamy base. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds that irresistible bakery aroma and flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Sifting helps avoid lumps and ensures these dry ingredients blend seamlessly into your batter, resulting in a perfectly even Christmas Brownie texture.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix—just a few turns of the spatula will do. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and half of the crushed peppermint candies for pockets of chocolate and bursts of mint in every bite.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with white chocolate chips, the remaining crushed peppermint, and festive sprinkles if you’re feeling extra celebratory. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 28–32 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter!). This is the secret to that luxurious fudgy center every Christmas Brownie deserves.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan—this patience pays off by making slicing easier and preventing messy edges. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into 16 generous squares. If you want, drizzle a little melted white chocolate over the top for that extra wow factor.
How to Serve Christmas Brownie
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or a handful of extra crushed peppermint for a burst of color and crunch. Festive sprinkles and a sprig of fresh mint turn each Christmas Brownie into a showstopper on your holiday dessert table.
Side Dishes
For a cozy dessert spread, serve your Christmas Brownies alongside mugs of peppermint hot chocolate, creamy eggnog, or even vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm brownies and cold ice cream is pure holiday magic, and a dollop of whipped cream makes them extra special for kids and adults alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative with your presentation! Stack brownies in a tree shape and dust with powdered sugar for a centerpiece, or wrap individual squares in festive cellophane bags for delicious edible gifts. You can even use cookie cutters to cut brownies into stars or Christmas tree shapes—perfect for parties and cookie swaps.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Christmas Brownie batch has cooled and been sliced, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. They’ll stay fudgy and delicious, and some say they’re even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead on your holiday baking, these brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature whenever you need a sweet holiday fix.
Reheating
To bring that fresh-baked magic back, simply pop a Christmas Brownie square in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The chocolate chips get melty, the peppermint aroma fills the air, and it tastes like it just came out of the oven all over again.
FAQs
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the regular all-purpose flour. The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still get a rich and fudgy Christmas Brownie everyone can enjoy.
What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?
Place the candies or candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush them gently with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. You want a mix of small shards and powder for both crunch and flavor.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Of course! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even pistachios add a lovely crunch and a little extra holiday flair. Fold in up to one cup with the chocolate chips for a nutty twist on the classic Christmas Brownie.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Check at the 28-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect. Overbaking will make them dry, so err on the side of fudgy!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can! Use two 9×13-inch pans or bake in a larger sheet pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as thicker brownies may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Final Thoughts
Baking a batch of Christmas Brownie is like wrapping up the joy of the holidays in a single, chocolatey bite. Whether you’re a longtime brownie lover or just looking for a new festive favorite, these treats never fail to delight. Gather your ingredients, turn up your favorite holiday tunes, and bake some memories you’ll crave all year long!
Print
Christmas Brownie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the festive spirit with these Christmas Brownies, rich, fudgy, and infused with peppermint flavor that perfectly balances chocolate and holiday cheer. This easy-to-make holiday dessert features a chewy texture from semi-sweet chocolate chips and a refreshing crunch from crushed peppermint candies, topped with white chocolate and colorful sprinkles for a merry presentation.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Add-ins & Toppings
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Festive sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring easy removal of brownies after baking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This creates a rich base for the brownie batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth, uniform mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Sifting removes lumps and helps with even distribution.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, gently mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make brownies tough.
- Fold in Chocolate and Peppermint: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and half of the crushed peppermint candies, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for delightful bursts of flavor.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the white chocolate chips, remaining crushed peppermint candies, and optional festive sprinkles evenly over the top for an eye-catching festive look.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 28–32 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into 16 squares. This helps them set and makes slicing cleaner and easier.
Notes
- For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake and let them cool in the pan before cutting.
- Consider drizzling melted white chocolate on top for an extra decorative touch and added richness.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Crushed peppermint candies add a refreshing holiday twist; substitute with crushed candy canes if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
