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There is something truly magical about the holidays, and nothing captures that warm, joyful spirit quite like the Irresistibly Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe. Picture rich, fudgy brownies with a heavenly, creamy frosting that’s just begging to be decorated in bright colors or festive sprinkles. These brownies aren’t just a dessert; they’re a celebration wrapped up in every bite, perfectly balancing deep chocolate flavor with the sweet, silky frosting that makes holiday gatherings unforgettable.

Irresistibly Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this ingredient list—each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect combination of texture, flavor, and festive cheer. From the melty richness of butter to the velvety smooth cocoa, every component is essential.

  • 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings a subtle caramel depth, enhancing the moistness of the brownies.
  • 1/2 cup butter (melted): Gives the brownies a rich, buttery texture and balances flavors beautifully.
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder: The star ingredient delivering deep chocolatey goodness.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the brownies soft and chewy.
  • 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for that perfect fudgy bite.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a warm, aromatic note.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate’s richness.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting): Creates the luscious, silky frosting that crowns the brownies.
  • 2 tablespoons milk: Makes the frosting creamy and spreadable to perfection.
  • Food coloring (optional): Adds a playful, festive touch, making these brownies holiday-ready!

How to Make Irresistibly Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly heated oven ensures your brownies bake evenly, developing a tender crust and moist center that’s simply irresistible.

Step 2: Mix Sugars and Butter

In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this forms the luscious base for your brownie batter.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully blended. This step infuses the batter with a beautiful shine and richness that makes every bite melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir just until combined—you want to keep the batter tender and avoid overmixing, which can make brownies tough.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Pan

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, giving your brownies a smooth surface that bakes up perfectly.

Step 6: Bake Until Just Right

Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The telltale sign they’re done? A toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Step 7: Cool Before Frosting

Let your brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key to preventing your frosting from melting away.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

In a bowl, blend powdered sugar and milk until silky and smooth. For an extra festive sparkle, mix in your favorite food coloring—whether it’s bright red, green, or a swirl of both!

Step 9: Frost Your Brownies

Generously spread the frosting over the cooled brownies, covering every inch with sweet, creamy goodness. This frosting takes these brownies from delicious to downright irresistible.

Step 10: Cut and Serve

Slice your brownies into 12 festive squares. Serve them warm to enjoy gooey richness or chilled for a firmer, fudgier texture that holds beautifully.

How to Serve Irresistibly Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe

Irresistibly Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Take your Irresistibly Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe to the next level by topping them with holiday sprinkles, crushed peppermint candies, or mini chocolate chips. These little touches add texture, color, and that extra festive flair everyone will adore.

Side Dishes

Serve these brownies alongside rich hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm drinks or creamy ice cream balance the rich chocolate and sweet frosting perfectly, making your dessert table a holiday hit.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun holiday twist, stack the brownies into a festive “Christmas tree” tower or place them on a decorative platter with holly leaves and berries. Wrapping individual brownies in clear cellophane with a ribbon makes for an adorable edible gift that friends and family will treasure.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the frosting silky and the brownies perfectly moist—ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving to preserve that delicious texture and frosting.

Reheating

If you prefer warm brownies, gently reheat them for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. This will soften the frosting slightly and bring out the gooey wonderfulness that makes this recipe so beloved.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for the perfect fudgy texture in this recipe. Using alternative flours might change the crumb and moisture level, but you can experiment if needed, just keep an eye on baking time.

Is it okay to skip the frosting?

Absolutely! The brownies are delicious on their own for those who prefer less sweetness. But the frosting adds that iconic festive glam and extra richness that makes them so special.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Be sure to check that your cocoa powder and other ingredients are gluten-free too for safe enjoyment.

What’s the best way to add festive colors?

Food coloring mixed into the frosting is the easiest way—just a few drops and a little stirring transform your frosting into holiday red, green, or any merry hue you love.

How do I tell when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Check by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This ensures they’re fudgy but fully cooked through.

Final Thoughts

Nothing says holiday joy quite like indulging in these Irresistibly Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe delights. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a festive party, this recipe guarantees smiles and happy hearts with every bite. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated Christmas without them!

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Irresistibly Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 37 reviews
  • Author: Melanie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Irresistibly Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with a smooth, sweet frosting that can be customized with colorful food coloring to brighten up your holiday celebrations. Perfectly balanced with cocoa and a blend of sugars, these brownies bake up moist and tender with a glossy vanilla-infused frosting that makes them truly festive and delightful for any Christmas party or cozy winter treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup butter (melted)
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • Food coloring (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot while you prepare your batter.
  2. Mix Sugars and Butter: In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, bringing a lovely shine to the mix.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Mix until just combined — be careful not to overmix to keep brownies tender.
  5. Prepare Pan and Transfer Batter: Transfer the brownie batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
  6. Bake Brownies: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool Brownies: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, blend powdered sugar with milk until silky smooth. Add food coloring if desired to give a festive look.
  9. Frost the Brownies: Generously coat the cooled brownies with the frosting, covering every inch for a sweet finish.
  10. Serve: Cut the brownies into squares and serve warm for a gooey texture, or chill them for a firmer, sliceable treat.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter once you add dry ingredients to keep brownies tender.
  • If you prefer fudgier brownies, bake closer to 20 minutes; for more cakey texture, bake for 25 minutes.
  • Feel free to add festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes on the frosting for extra holiday cheer.
  • Brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature or refrigerated for a week.
  • Allow frosting to set for 15 minutes before slicing to prevent smudging.

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