Name: Frosted Christmas Brownies - Festive & Easy Treat
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 24 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Red and green food coloring (optional); Christmas sprinkles (optional)

Frosted Christmas Brownies are more than just a holiday treat; they’re a warm hug in edible form, a nostalgic whisper of childhood Christmases, and quite frankly, the undisputed champions of any festive dessert table. We all have that one go-to recipe that instantly transports us to a cozy wonderland, and for many, these rich, decadent brownies are it. The magic lies in the perfect balance: a deeply chocolatey, fudgy brownie base that melts in your mouth, topped with a generous swirl of creamy, sweet frosting that screams holiday cheer. This isn’t just about the intense chocolate flavor, though that’s certainly a huge part of the allure. It’s about the visual appeal too – the glistening frosting, perhaps adorned with festive sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar, that makes them look as beautiful as they taste. Get ready to bake up a batch of pure joy that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red and green food coloring (optional)
Christmas sprinkles (optional)

Making the Frosted Christmas Brownies: Rich and Fudgy Base

First things first, let’s preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking and achieving that perfect fudgy texture we’re aiming for. Next, generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter. For an extra layer of non-stick insurance and easier removal, I like to line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This “sling” makes lifting the cooled brownies out of the pan a breeze.

Now, in a large microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler set over simmering water, melt the 1 cup of unsalted butter. Once it’s completely liquid and smooth, remove it from the heat. We want it just melted, not scorching hot. Stir in the 2 cups of granulated sugar until well combined. This sugar will contribute to the wonderfully crisp exterior and chewy interior of our Frosted Christmas Brownies.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add the egg mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, whisking continuously until everything is smooth and emulsified. Don’t rush this step; a good whisking here helps develop the texture. You should have a glossy, rich base at this point, which is a fantastic sign that your brownies are going to be decadent.

Now, it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, sift together the 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sifting is a small but mighty step that prevents clumps and ensures a uniform texture throughout your brownies. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; overmixing can lead to tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay; they’ll disappear during baking. Finally, gently fold in the 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. These little pockets of melted chocolate are what make these brownies truly irresistible.

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out, ensuring an even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter. We’re going for fudgy, not cakey, so a little bit of moist crumb is exactly what we want. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling period is crucial for them to set properly before frosting. Trying to frost warm brownies is a recipe for a melted mess!

Creating the Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies Topping

While your brownies are cooling, let’s whip up the festive cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Softened butter and cream cheese are key here for a smooth, lump-free frosting. Gradually add the 3 cups of powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, beating well after each addition. The frosting will become quite thick.

Once the powdered sugar is incorporated, add the 1/4 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If it seems too thick, add another tablespoon of milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Now for the fun, festive part! If you want to create a classic Christmas look for your Frosted Christmas Brownies, divide the frosting into two or three portions. Leave one portion white, and tint the others with red and green food coloring. You can do this by adding a drop or two of food coloring and mixing until you achieve your desired shades. To frost, you can either swirl the different colored frostings together with a spatula for a marbled effect, or you can layer them on top of each other. For a more polished look, use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.

Finishing Touches for Your Frosted Christmas Brownies

Once the frosting is applied, it’s time to add those final festive touches that truly make these Frosted Christmas Brownies special. Generously sprinkle your favorite Christmas sprinkles over the top of the frosting. Think red and green jimmies, festive shapes, or even edible glitter for extra sparkle. You can also use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to create decorative borders or swirls with the colored frostings. For a simpler yet still beautiful presentation, just a dusting of powdered sugar can be lovely too.

Once decorated, refrigerate the Frosted Christmas Brownies for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before cutting them into squares. This will give you clean, sharp cuts and make them easier to serve. These Frosted Christmas Brownies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply as a delightful treat to enjoy during the festive season. They are rich, decadent, and bursting with festive cheer.

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve enjoyed this delightful recipe for Frosted Christmas Brownies! We’ve walked through creating these rich, fudgy brownies from scratch and then topping them with a festive and delicious frosting that truly captures the spirit of the season. These brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a centerpiece for any holiday gathering, a perfect treat to share with loved ones, or even a thoughtful homemade gift. Their decadent chocolate base combined with the sweet, creamy frosting makes for an unforgettable experience.

For serving, consider presenting these frosted masterpieces on a festive platter alongside other holiday cookies and treats. They pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of hot chocolate. If you’re feeling adventurous, try drizzling a little extra melted chocolate over the top for an even more indulgent finish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! You can add a pinch of peppermint extract to the brownie batter for a minty twist, or incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture. For the frosting, consider using different food coloring or adding a touch of cinnamon for a unique flavor profile. So go ahead, bake up a batch of these Frosted Christmas Brownies and spread some holiday cheer!

Frequently Asked Questions:

How far in advance can I make these Frosted Christmas Brownies?

You can bake the brownies themselves up to 2-3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best to frost them the day you plan to serve them for the freshest frosting texture. However, if you need to frost them a day ahead, they will still be delicious, though the frosting might soften slightly.

Can I use store-bought brownie mix?

Absolutely! While homemade brownies offer a superior flavor and texture, a good quality store-bought brownie mix can be a convenient shortcut. Just follow the package instructions for baking, and then proceed with the frosting recipe as outlined. The festive frosting will still make them look and taste special for the holidays!