Christmas Present Brownies

Indulging in the Holiday Spirit with Christmas Present Brownies

There’s something magical about the holiday season that invites indulgence and creativity in the kitchen, and what better way to celebrate than with Christmas Present Brownies? These delightful treats are not just a visual feast but also a fudgy, chocolatey delight that embodies the spirit of giving. Imagine a plate of luscious brownies wrapped in colorful candy melts, resembling festive gift boxes. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, office parties, or as a whimsical treat for family and friends. Don’t be surprised if they become the highlight of your dessert table!

Why you’ll love this dish

Christmas Present Brownies are more than just dessert; they are a celebration in themselves! With their rich chocolate flavor and festive presentation, they evoke a sense of joy and togetherness. Here are a few reasons why you should whip up a batch:

• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these brownies come together quickly, making them ideal for last-minute holiday events.
• Customizable: You can personalize them with your choice of candy melts and decorations, so feel free to let your creativity shine.
• Kid-Approved: Kids love to help with the decorating, making this a fun family activity that fosters memories and laughter.

“These brownies were a hit at our holiday party! The kids absolutely loved the festive decorations, and they disappeared in no time!” – A happy home baker.

Preparing Christmas Present Brownies

Ready to create these festive treats? The process is straightforward and satisfying. You’ll melt the ingredients to create a rich base, combine them to achieve that perfect fudgy texture, and finish with colorful decorations. Let’s break down the steps before getting into the ingredients.

What you’ll need

To make your Christmas Present Brownies, gather up these essential ingredients:

• 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!)

Feel free to substitute ingredients where necessary. For example, you can use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version or swap out cocoa powder for carob powder if desired.

Directions to follow

Step 1: Prepare the brownie batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
4. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the sugar until smooth and shiny. Let cool slightly.
5. Stir in the eggs and vanilla, whisking continuously until the mixture looks thick and glossy.

Step 2: Add the dry ingredients

6. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
7. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Stir until well combined but avoid overmixing.
8. For a gooey upgrade, fold in chocolate chips if desired.

Step 3: Bake and cool

9. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
11. Allow to cool completely in the pan before decorating.

Step 4: Decorate like gifts

12. Lift the brownies out using the parchment paper and cut them into squares.
13. Melt the candy melts in separate bowls and drizzle over each brownie in crisscross patterns to mimic ribbons.
14. Top with mini bows or festive sprinkles for an extra touch.

Step 5: Set the decorations

15. Let the candy decorations set at room temperature or speed it up by refrigerating for 10-15 minutes.

Now your Christmas Present Brownies are ready to be enjoyed!

Best ways to enjoy it

When it comes to serving Christmas Present Brownies, think festive! Arrange them on a colorful platter for visual appeal or place them in a charming gift box lined with parchment paper. For an extra treat, serve alongside whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They could also pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot cocoa or coffee, making your holiday dessert spread even more enticing.

Keeping leftovers fresh

If you end up with brownie leftovers (though we doubt that!), it’s essential to store them properly. Let the brownies cool completely, then cover them with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for a week or freeze them for up to three months. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper for easy access!

Helpful cooking tips

To ensure your brownies come out perfectly fudgy every time, remember the following tips:

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the brownies as they bake; they continue to cook in the pan even after you take them out.
• Cool completely: Allow the brownies to cool fully before decorating for better presentation and to prevent the decorations from melting.
• Make it a family affair: Involve kids in the decorating process. It’s a fun and interactive way to spend time together during the holidays.

Creative twists

While the Christmas Present Brownies are wonderful as-is, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on them. Here are a few ideas:

• Add flavor: Infuse your batter with peppermint extract for a holiday twist or even orange zest for a unique flavor combination.
• Change the toppings: Use different colored candy melts or other festive toppings like crushed candy canes or colored sprinkles for different occasions.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Your questions answered

What is the prep time for Christmas Present Brownies?

The prep time is about 15 minutes, while baking takes 30–35 minutes. So in total, you’ll spend around 50 minutes to an hour before they’re ready to serve!

Can I substitute the butter in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use coconut oil or even a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version of these brownies.

How should I store the brownies?

Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen for three months.

With this festive recipe in hand, you’re set to spread joy and deliciousness this holiday season. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Christmas Present Brownies

Delightful fudgy brownies decorated to resemble festive gift boxes, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Dessert, Treat

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Brownie Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter Can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour blend.
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Can be swapped with carob powder if desired.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Optional for extra fudginess.

Decorations

• Red, green, and white as needed candy melts For decorating.
• as needed mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles Optional but festive!

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
4. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the sugar until smooth and shiny. Let cool slightly.
5. Stir in the eggs and vanilla, whisking continuously until the mixture looks thick and glossy.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Stir until well combined but avoid overmixing.
3. For a gooey upgrade, fold in chocolate chips if desired.

Baking

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
3. Allow to cool completely in the pan before decorating.

Decorating

1. Lift the brownies out using the parchment paper and cut them into squares.
2. Melt the candy melts in separate bowls and drizzle over each brownie in crisscross patterns to mimic ribbons.
3. Top with mini bows or festive sprinkles for an extra touch.

Setting Decorations

1. Let the candy decorations set at room temperature or speed it up by refrigerating for 10-15 minutes.

Notes

For serving, arrange on a colorful platter or place in a gift box. They can be enjoyed with whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.