Christmas Present Brownies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that spreads joy and looks festive, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe: Christmas Present Brownies! These delightful brownies are not only rich and fudgy but also incredibly easy to make. They are the kind of dessert that can brighten up any gathering or cozy night in. With their cute gift-like appearance, they make wonderful homemade gifts, too!

This recipe has become a favorite in my home, especially during the holiday season when we gather around with family and friends. Each bite is a little piece of happiness that everyone loves. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up on busy weeknights or for last-minute gatherings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: You won’t spend hours in the kitchen—these brownies come together in just about 20 minutes!
• Family-friendly fun: Kids love helping out with the decorating, making it a great activity for a family baking day.
• Make ahead: Bake them in advance and store them for later; they taste just as delicious after a couple of days!
• Customizable toppings: Use your favorite candies or sprinkles to make these brownies uniquely yours.
• Decadent flavor: Rich, chocolaty goodness that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you need to create these scrumptious Christmas Present Brownies:

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
• Mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles (optional but festive!)

Variations

The beauty of these Christmas Present Brownies is how flexible they are! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
• Try different chocolate types: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or milk chocolate if you prefer.
• Infuse flavors: Add a hint of 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) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. The overhang will help you lift out the brownies later. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, whisk in the sugar until smooth and shiny. Let this mixture cool slightly before adding the eggs and vanilla extract; whisk continuously until 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 mix into your wet ingredients using a rubber spatula. Stir until everything is well combined but be careful not to overmix; this keeps your brownies chewy! If you’re feeling indulgent today, fold in those chocolate chips for an extra gooey texture.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs—not wet batter. Remember not to overbake; brownies will continue cooking slightly once removed from the oven. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before moving on to decorating.

Step 4: Cut and Decorate Like Gifts

Once cooled, carefully lift the brownies out using the parchment paper and place them on a cutting board. Cut into even squares—these lovely pieces will resemble little presents! Melt your red, green, and white candy melts in separate bowls (microwave them in 15-second bursts while stirring). Drizzle or pipe this melted candy over each brownie like ribbons. Add mini bows or festive sprinkles on top for an extra touch of cheer.

Step 5: Let the Decorations Set

Allow your beautiful decorations to harden at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for about 10–15 minutes if you’re eager to enjoy them sooner. Once set, arrange your charming Christmas Present Brownies on a platter or pack them into a gift box lined with parchment paper—they look adorable and taste just as delightful!

Now that you’ve created these delicious Christmas Present Brownies, get ready for compliments from family and friends alike! Enjoy every moment of sharing this treat!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Present Brownies

Making brownies can be a breeze, but a few simple tips can elevate your Christmas Present Brownies from good to absolutely fabulous!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and butter to room temperature helps them mix more thoroughly, leading to a smoother batter and better texture in the brownies.
• Don’t overmix: Gently folding in the dry ingredients until just combined ensures your brownies remain fudgy and chewy, rather than cakey. Overmixing can add too much air to the batter.
• Check for doneness early: Begin checking your brownies a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating they’re perfectly baked.
• Let them cool completely: Allowing the brownies to cool completely before cutting helps them set up nicely and makes for cleaner edges when you slice them into squares.
• Get creative with decorations: Use sprinkles, edible glitter, or even small edible ornaments for a festive touch. The more colorful and fun the presentation, the more inviting they will look on your holiday table!

How to Serve Christmas Present Brownies

These delightful brownies not only taste wonderful but also make for an eye-catching dessert. Here are some creative serving ideas that will impress your guests and spread holiday cheer!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and fluffy touch that complements the rich chocolate flavor beautifully.
• Fresh Berries: A handful of raspberries or strawberries on the side not only brings a pop of color but also balances the sweetness with their tartness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing! The creamy vanilla ice cream melts into the warm brownies, creating a delicious contrast in temperature and texture.
• Holiday Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like pomegranate, oranges, and apples adds brightness to your dessert table and is a healthy complement.
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Serve these brownies alongside steaming mugs of peppermint hot chocolate for a cozy treat that embodies holiday spirit.
• Coffee or Tea: Pairing these brownies with freshly brewed coffee or spiced tea enhances their richness while providing a comforting warmth perfect for chilly evenings.

Now you’re all set to create these festive treats! Enjoy baking, decorating, and sharing your Christmas Present Brownies with family and friends this season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Christmas Present Brownies are perfect for meal prep, making them an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. You can easily whip up a batch in advance and store them until you’re ready to indulge!

Storing Leftovers

• Keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them; they’ll last about a week in the fridge.
• To maintain their fudgy texture, place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing

• Cut the brownies into squares before freezing for easy access.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months—just make sure to label them with the date!

Reheating

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

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious Christmas Present Brownies.

Can I make Christmas Present Brownies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg). This will help maintain the texture of your brownies.

What makes Christmas Present Brownies so special?

These brownies are not only rich and fudgy but also decorated like little gifts, making them a festive treat perfect for any holiday gathering. The combination of chocolate and colorful candy melts adds a delightful twist!

How do I ensure my Christmas Present Brownies stay chewy?

To keep your brownies chewy, avoid overmixing once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet. Also, be mindful of your baking time; they should come out with moist crumbs rather than completely clean toothpicks.

Can I use alternative sweeteners in Christmas Present Brownies?

Absolutely! You can experiment with coconut sugar or other natural sweeteners. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Christmas Present Brownies as much as I do! Their festive appearance combined with that rich chocolate flavor is sure to bring smiles all around. Remember, whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or treating yourself, these delightful treats are bound to create sweet memories. Happy baking!