Christmas brownies are one of the sweetest treats you can prepare for the festive season. These fudgy delights are bursting with rich chocolate flavor and topped with vibrant sprinkles and festive M&Ms, making them the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. Not only are they simple to whip up, but they also bring an inviting aroma to your kitchen that will have everyone eagerly waiting for a taste. The use of butter and unsweetened baking chocolate creates a decadently moist texture that delivers a little piece of heaven in every bite!
One of the best aspects of this Christmas brownie recipe is how versatile it can be. You can easily customize these brownies by adding nuts, swapping for different types of chocolate, or even incorporating different festive toppings to reflect your personality. They make for a delightful treat at holiday parties or a wonderful gift for friends and family. If you’re looking for a way to delight those around you this holiday, these Christmas brownies are sure to impress with their rich flavor and eye-catching presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Brownies
- Festively Delicious: The blend of chocolate and holiday colors makes these brownies both tasty and visually appealing.
- Perfect for Gifting: Slice them up and package them beautifully for friends, family, or neighbors.
- Quick Preparation: With just 50 minutes from start to finish, these brownies are perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings.
- Fudgy Texture: Thanks to the butter and chocolate, each bite is gooey and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the baking process, it’s essential to set up your kitchen for success. Start by gathering all your ingredients to ensure you have everything at hand. You will need a 9×13 inch baking pan lined with foil for easy removal, measuring cups, and spoons, as well as a mixing bowl for blending the ingredients. It is also advantageous to have a rubber spatula and whisk handy for mixing and scraping the bowl clean. Preheating your oven to 350°F ensures that your brownies will bake evenly. Additionally, you can have your nonstick cooking spray ready to prevent your brownies from sticking to the pan too tightly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 4 ounces (113g) unsweetened baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ⅓ cups (162g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup Christmas M&Ms
- ¼ cup Christmas Sprinkles
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
To kick things off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, take your 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with aluminum foil. Ensure to leave some overhang, as this will make it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan later. Once lined, spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray to create a barrier against sticking.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Chocolate
In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter and chopped baking chocolate. Place this mixture in the microwave and heat it on high power for 1 minute. After that, stir the mixture thoroughly. Continue to heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until both the butter and chocolate are fully melted and smoothly combined. This step is crucial as it ensures your brownies have that wonderful rich chocolate flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Sugar and Eggs
Next, add the granulated sugar to the melted chocolate and butter mixture. Mix this in well. To this mixture, crack in the 4 large eggs and add the vanilla extract and salt. Use a whisk to blend everything together until smooth and creamy. The combination of eggs and sugar will help to create that lovely, fudgy texture once baked.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to fold in the dry ingredients. Sprinkle the unsweetened cocoa powder and all-purpose flour over the wet mixture. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies tough. You want the batter to be rich and smooth, with a few flour streaks remaining.
Step 5: Add the Festive Touches
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. To achieve that festive touch, sprinkle the Christmas M&Ms and holiday sprinkles over the top of the batter. This not only adds visual appeal but also provides bursts of sweetness with every bite.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes. The brownies are done when you can insert a toothpick near the edge and it comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before lifting them out using the foil. Once cool, slice them into bars and serve.
Variations
- Protein: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty flavor.
- Vegetables: Incorporate shredded zucchini for added moisture without affecting flavor.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or peppermint extract for a unique twist.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your baking chocolate is of high quality for the best flavor.
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a festive holiday beverage for a delightful dessert experience.
Tips
- For a cleaner cut, let the brownies cool completely before slicing.
- Wrap any leftovers in foil or plastic wrap to keep them fresh for days.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 230 per serving
- Protein: 2.5g
- Sodium: 105mg
FAQs
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These brownies can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Is there a substitute for the butter?
Yes, you can use an equal amount of coconut oil or margarine if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Can I freeze brownies?
Yes! Allow the brownies to cool completely and then wrap them individually. They can be frozen for up to three months.
What can I use instead of M&Ms?
You can opt for chocolate chips, chopped candy bars, or any festive candy you prefer.
Conclusion
These Christmas brownies bring together warmth, festivity, and deliciousness in every bite, making them a must-have dessert for your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re baking for a large gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe offers the perfect combination of flavors and textures. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and let the aroma of chocolate fill your home. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this recipe, your variations, or even your own tips! Feel free to leave a comment below and share your experiences!
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Irresistible Christmas Brownies for the Holiday Season
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Christmas brownies bring together warmth, festivity, and deliciousness in every bite, making them a must-have dessert for your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 4 ounces (113g) unsweetened baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ⅓ cups (162g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup Christmas M&Ms
- ¼ cup Christmas Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan lined with aluminum foil.
- Melt the unsalted butter and chopped baking chocolate in a large mixing bowl in the microwave until fully combined.
- Mix in the granulated sugar, then crack in the eggs and add the vanilla extract and salt, whisking until smooth.
- Sprinkle the cocoa powder and flour over the mixture, folding gently until just combined.
- Spread the batter into the pan and top with Christmas M&Ms and sprinkles.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs and cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
These brownies can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Let them cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Protein: 2.5 g