There’s something truly magical about the holidays, and my Christmas brownies capture that festive spirit perfectly! These brownies are rich, chocolatey, and just bursting with warm flavors that remind me of cozy family gatherings around the fireplace. Every year, my family and I whip these up as part of our holiday tradition, filling the kitchen with the most delightful aroma. Trust me, the moment you take a bite, you’ll be transported to a winter wonderland of sweet indulgence! They’re not just a dessert; they’re a delicious way to celebrate the season with loved ones. Get ready to make some memories!

Ingredients List

1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark, your choice)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but adds a lovely crunch!)

How to Prepare Christmas Brownies

Making these Christmas brownies is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through every delightful step! Let’s get started on this chocolatey journey that’s sure to impress everyone during the holiday season.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy!
While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. You can use butter or non-stick spray—just make sure it’s ready for all that deliciousness!
Now, let’s melt the butter. In a saucepan over low heat, melt your unsalted butter until it’s nice and liquid. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t brown! Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and let it cool for a minute.
In the same saucepan, stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth. You don’t need a mixer; a good old whisk will do the trick!
Next, gently fold in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing here—this keeps your brownies nice and chewy!
Now it’s time for the fun part! Fold in those chocolate chips and walnuts if you’re using them. Yum!
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. It’s okay if it’s a bit thick; that’s how you get those rich brownies!
Pop them in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should look set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Once they’re done, let them cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. This is the hardest part—waiting for that sweet aroma to fill your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make—perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
Rich, fudgy chocolate flavor that melts in your mouth
Ideal for holiday gatherings—everyone will ask for the recipe!
Customizable with your favorite toppings like peppermint chips or festive sprinkles
Easy to store and freeze, so you can enjoy them for weeks
Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry
Great for sharing—wrap them up as gifts for friends and family!

Tips for Success

Getting the perfect batch of Christmas brownies is a joyful experience, and I’ve got some pro tips to make sure yours turn out absolutely divine!

Baking Time: Every oven is a bit different, so start checking your brownies at the 25-minute mark. If you like them gooey, pull them out when a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. For firmer brownies, let them bake a few extra minutes—just don’t let them dry out!
Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re out of butter, you can substitute with equal parts coconut oil or vegetable oil for a slightly different flavor. Want to make them gluten-free? Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend—just make sure it’s one that works well in baking!
Check for Doneness: Besides the toothpick test, gently press the center of the brownies with your finger. If it springs back, they’re ready! If it leaves an indent, they might need a minute or two more in the oven.
Add More Flavor: For a festive twist, consider adding a teaspoon of peppermint extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter. It’ll elevate those holiday vibes!
Cooling Time: Patience is key! Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting. This helps them set and makes for cleaner slices.
Storage Tips: If you’ve got leftovers (though I doubt it!), store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Or freeze them for later enjoyment—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap!

With these handy tips, you’ll be a brownie-making pro in no time! Enjoy the process, and happy baking!

Variations on Christmas Brownies

One of the best things about these Christmas brownies is how easily you can customize them to suit your taste or the holiday spirit! Here are some fun variations to consider:

Peppermint Crunch: Add 1 cup of crushed peppermint candies or peppermint chips into the batter for a refreshing twist! You’ll get that delightful minty flavor that screams holiday cheer.
Nutty Delight: Swap out walnuts for pecans or hazelnuts, or mix in a combination for a unique crunch. Toasted nuts bring an extra depth of flavor, making each bite even more satisfying.
Spiced Cocoa: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spicy flavor. This gives your brownies a cozy, festive touch that’s reminiscent of holiday baking.
Marshmallow Swirl: Before baking, drop dollops of mini marshmallows on top of the batter and gently swirl them in with a knife. They’ll melt and create a gooey, delicious topping!
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cooled brownies for an indulgent treat. It adds a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
Double Chocolate: For chocolate lovers, add an extra 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chunks to the batter. You can even use white chocolate chips for a beautiful contrast!
Fruit Fusion: Fold in dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity pop. The tartness balances the sweetness beautifully, making each bite a delightful surprise.

So, don’t be afraid to get creative! These variations can transform your Christmas brownies into something uniquely yours, making them even more special for the holidays. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one delicious Christmas brownie. Keep in mind, these values are based on typical ingredients and serving sizes, so they may vary a bit depending on how you make them!

Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 3g

These brownies are a delightful treat, perfect for indulging during the holidays. Enjoy every scrumptious bite while keeping these numbers in mind! Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Christmas brownies properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once they’ve cooled completely, I recommend placing them in an airtight container. This helps seal in that delightful fudginess and prevents them from drying out. They can stay at room temperature for about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long—they’re just too irresistible!

If you happen to have leftovers (or want to save some for later), you can absolutely freeze them. Just wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or leave them out at room temperature for a few hours. No need to reheat, but if you want a warm, gooey treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it—nobody wants a dry brownie!

With these simple storage tips, you can enjoy your festive brownies for weeks to come. Happy indulging!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making these Christmas brownies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my helpful answers.

Can I use a different type of sugar?
Absolutely! You can swap granulated sugar for brown sugar for a deeper flavor and chewier texture. Just keep in mind that brown sugar will add a hint of caramel taste, which is delightful!

What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
No problem! You can chop up a chocolate bar or even use cocoa nibs for a different texture. If you want to keep it simple, just leave them out and enjoy the rich chocolate flavor from the cocoa powder.

How do I know when my brownies are done?
The best way to check is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect! If it’s wet with batter, give them a few more minutes. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool!

Can I add frosting on top?
Of course! A light dusting of powdered sugar is lovely, but if you’re feeling indulgent, a rich chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting would take them to the next level of decadence. Yum!

Are there any good gluten-free options?
Definitely! You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s one that’s good for baking. Your brownies will still be delicious and fudgy!

How should I serve them?
These brownies are great on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for extra flair!

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! They’re perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and let the flavors meld together. They might even taste better the next day!

What can I do if my brownies are too fudgy?
If you find your brownies a bit too fudgy for your taste, it might be that they were underbaked. Make sure to check the baking time, and if you prefer a cakier texture, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour next time.

With these FAQs, you’re all set to tackle any brownie-making adventure this holiday season. Happy baking, and enjoy those scrumptious Christmas brownies!

Christmas Brownies: 7 Magical Ways to Indulge This Season

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious Christmas brownies with festive flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Mix in flour, cocoa, and salt until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Let cool before cutting into squares.

Notes

Store brownies in an airtight container.
They freeze well for up to 3 months.
Top with powdered sugar for decoration.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Christmas brownies, holiday dessert, chocolate brownies

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