Christmas is a time for sweet treats and creative baking, and what better way to celebrate than with festive Christmas Ornament Brownies? These delightful confections are not only visually appealing but also a fun activity for the entire family. With their rich chocolate flavor and colorful decorations, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings, classroom snacks, or even as gifts. I remember the first time I made these brownies; my kids were overjoyed to decorate them, and the laughter we shared made the kitchen feel extra warm and inviting. Let’s dive into why you’ll want to whip up a batch of these enchanting brownies this holiday season!
Why you’ll love this dish
Not only are Christmas Ornament Brownies a hit with kids and adults alike, but they also boast a range of benefits that make them easy to love. For starters, they come together quickly, making them a last-minute treat that’s perfect for holiday parties or surprise guests. Using a boxed fudge brownie mix means you save time without sacrificing flavor—who doesn’t appreciate a shortcut during the bustling holiday season?
Moreover, the recipe is highly adaptable. Kids can express their creativity with the decorating process, choosing their favorite colors of frosting and toppings. They also make a great centerpiece for dessert tables, offering both visual flair and delicious gooeyness.
“These brownies were the highlight of our holiday party! Everyone loved customizing their own ornaments.” – A happy home baker
How this recipe comes together
Making Christmas Ornament Brownies is a delightful experience. It starts by mixing a simple brownie batter and baking it to perfection. Once cooled, the fun begins! You’ll cut out circles to resemble ornaments and bring them to life with candy canes, sprinkles, and colorful frosting. The process is straightforward and enjoyable, allowing families to bond over baking and decorating while creating mouthwatering treats.
Gather these items
To make your Christmas Ornament Brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 box fudge brownie mix
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp. water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 6 mini candy canes
- 1 (16 oz.) container of frosting (assorted colors, like white and green)
- 1 (2 oz.) tube of red decorating icing
- 1 cup M&Ms
- 1/2 cup sprinkles
Feel free to mix and match topping choices, though the suggested ingredients bring a festive touch perfect for the holidays!
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the brownie batter: In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Prepare the pan: Line a 9×13 pan with non-stick foil or heavy-duty foil, leaving some overhang to lift the brownies out later. Spraying the foil with cooking oil helps too!
- Pour in the batter: Spread the mixed batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely: Let the brownies cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, or speed up the process by placing them in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Cut out brownies: Lift the cooling brownies out using the foil. Use a cookie cutter to cut out circles for ornaments, and set the scraps aside for snacking.
- Decorate: Gently push mini candy canes into the edge of each circle. Use decoration icing, sprinkles, and M&Ms to embellish as you like.
Best ways to enjoy it
These beautiful brownies shine as the focal point of any dessert table. For an extra touch, serve them on a festive platter adorned with miniature Christmas ornaments or holly. Pair with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or seasonal spiced cider to elevate your holiday treat experience. They also make fantastic gifts—simply package them in a festive box, and you’re good to go!
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your Christmas Ornament Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you’d like to save extras, simply wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. They can last up to three months frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, allow them to thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave.
Helpful cooking tips
- Line the pan: Always use foil or parchment paper to line your baking pan; it makes lifting out the brownies effortless.
- Use the right size cookie cutter: A 2-3 inch round cutter works perfectly for creating ornament shapes without wastage.
- Let the brownies cool: This step is crucial to ensuring the brownies retain their shape when cutting.
Creative twists
Not a fan of traditional chocolate? Swap in a blondie mix for a delightful change. You could also switch up the frosting flavors—think peppermint or vanilla eggnog for a delightful twist. Don’t hesitate to change the toppings; crushed cookies, nuts, or even dried fruits can bring a whole new flavor profile to your ornament brownies!
Your questions answered
How long does it take to make these brownies?
From start to finish, expect to spend about an hour and a half to prepare and cool your brownies before decorating.
Can I use homemade brownie mix?
Absolutely! Just make sure to follow a similar measurements ratio to ensure the texture remains fudgy.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or wrap them and freeze for later enjoyment. Just make sure they’re fully cooled first to maintain their texture!
Enjoy creating your Christmas Ornament Brownies and spreading cheer this holiday season!
Christmas Ornament Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Line a 9x13 pan with non-stick or heavy-duty foil, leaving some overhang to lift the brownies out later.
- Spread the mixed batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, or speed up the process by placing them in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Lift the cooling brownies out using the foil and use a cookie cutter to cut out circles for ornaments, setting aside the scraps for snacking.
- Gently push mini candy canes into the edge of each circle.
- Use decoration icing, sprinkles, and M&Ms to embellish as desired.