Christmas Present Brownies

If you’re looking for the perfect treat to bring a little joy to your holiday gatherings, let me introduce you to my Christmas Present Brownies! These delightful fudgy squares are not just a dessert; they’re a charming gift that adds a festive touch to any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family get-together or need something sweet for a busy weeknight, these brownies will surely bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Plus, they look like adorable presents!

What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to prepare. You’ll find that the warm chocolate aroma fills your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for the holidays. Let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with these Christmas Present Brownies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of brownies in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves brownies! They’re a great way to get the kids involved in baking.
• Customizable Decor: The fun decorating options make these brownies perfect for any holiday celebration.
• Make-Ahead Option: Bake them in advance, then decorate just before serving to save time!
• Deliciously Fudgy: The rich chocolate flavor will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Christmas Present Brownies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Gather the following:

For the Brownie Batter

• 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)

For Decoration

• Red, green, and white candy melts (for decoration)
• Mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles (optional but festive!)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Change Up the Chocolate: Use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter flavor.
• Try Different Sprinkles: Use themed sprinkles based on other holidays or occasions!
• Make It Minty: Add peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a refreshing 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, letting it hang over the edges. This little trick helps with easy removal later! In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, take it off the heat and whisk in the sugar until it’s smooth and shiny. Allow it to cool slightly before adding the eggs and vanilla extract—whisk continuously until it looks thick and glossy.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients using a rubber spatula. Stir gently until everything is well combined and smooth—this helps keep your brownies chewy! If you’re feeling indulgent, fold in those chocolate chips for an extra gooey bite.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top with your spatula. Bake them for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center has a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Remember not to overbake; your brownies will continue cooking even after you’ve taken them out of the oven! Allow them to cool completely in the pan before moving on.

Step 4: Cut and Decorate Like Gifts

Once cooled, lift your brownies out of the pan using that handy parchment paper and place them on a cutting board. Cut into even squares—these are going to be your “presents.” Melt your red, green, and white candy melts in separate bowls using short bursts in the microwave (15 seconds at a time), stirring between each burst until smooth. Drizzle or pipe this melted candy over each brownie in crisscross patterns resembling ribbons. Don’t forget those mini bows or festive sprinkles on top!

Step 5: Let the Decorations Set

Allow your candy decorations to harden naturally at room temperature or speed up this process by putting them in the fridge for about 10–15 minutes. Once set, arrange your Christmas Present Brownies on a platter or pop them into gift boxes lined with parchment paper—they’re not just delicious; they also look adorable!

Enjoy sharing these delightful treats with friends and family this holiday season!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Present Brownies

Baking can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few handy tips up your sleeve to make your brownies even more scrumptious!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter and sugar blend more smoothly, resulting in a richer flavor and better texture. It’s an easy way to elevate your brownies from good to great!
• Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until combined for that perfect chewy brownie texture. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough brownies instead of the soft, fudgy treats we all love.
• Check for doneness early: Ovens can vary, so start checking your brownies around the 25-minute mark. You want them to be set but still moist—trust me, they’ll continue cooking as they cool.
• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or even different types of chocolate chips. This can add a unique twist and personalize your brownies to suit your taste.
• Store properly for freshness: Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—or freeze them for longer storage. This way, you can enjoy your festive treats anytime!

How to Serve Christmas Present Brownies

Presenting your Christmas Present Brownies can be just as fun as baking them! Here are some delightful ways to serve these festive treats.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a snowy touch perfect for the holiday season.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of this creamy topping brings extra richness and pairs beautifully with the chocolatey flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the rich flavors of the brownies perfectly.
• Fresh berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast and a burst of color—plus, they’re healthy!
• Hot cocoa: Serve alongside a cozy mug of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows for an indulgent dessert experience during chilly nights.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate and provide a fresh note against the richness of the brownies.

With these tips and serving ideas, your Christmas Present Brownies will not only impress but also bring joy and warmth to everyone who indulges in them. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Christmas Present Brownies are not only festive but also a fantastic choice for meal prep. You can whip up a batch ahead of time for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply to enjoy throughout the season!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the brownies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer them chilled, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the brownies into squares before freezing for easier portions.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy brownies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the brownies on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil.
• Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual squares for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common inquiries about these delightful Christmas Present Brownies!

Can I make Christmas Present Brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the brownie batter and bake them a day in advance. Just store them properly and decorate right before serving.

What can I use instead of candy melts for decorating Christmas Present Brownies?

If you can’t find candy melts, you can use white chocolate chips melted with a bit of coconut oil as an alternative. It will give your decorations a lovely sheen!

How do I ensure my Christmas Present Brownies stay fudgy?

To keep your brownies fudgy, be careful not to overbake them. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs rather than clean when testing for doneness.

What size pan should I use for Christmas Present Brownies?

A 9×13-inch baking pan works perfectly for this recipe, allowing the brownies to bake evenly and get that nice chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these charming Christmas Present Brownies! They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a sweet treat during the holiday season. Remember, baking is all about love and creativity—so have fun with it! Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth and deliciousness!