Christmas Brownies are a delightful holiday treat that everyone will love. These rich, fudgy brownies combine the classic flavor of chocolate with a festive twist of peppermint, making them a perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup. They are easy to whip up, and their enticing aroma will fill your home with the warm scents of the season. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday party or wrapping them up as gifts, these brownies will surely bring joy to everyone who tastes them.
Why Make This Christmas Brownies
These Christmas Brownies are not just any brownies; they are a holiday tradition waiting to happen! The combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint creates a flavor profile that perfectly captures the essence of the season. Each bite is soft and fudgy, topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar that resembles freshly fallen snow. They are a festive treat that caters to chocoholics and mint lovers alike, making them a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they are ridiculously easy to make, ensuring you will have more time to enjoy the festivities!
How to Make Christmas Brownies
Making these Christmas Brownies is a straightforward process that even novice bakers can master. With just a few simple steps, you will have a batch of delicious brownies ready to enjoy. The magic lies in melting the butter and blending it with the sugar, which creates that signature moist texture. Don’t forget to fold in those chocolate chips for an extra gooey surprise. Once baked, let them cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and you have a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes!
Ingredients:
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter and stir in the granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl and gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before dusting with powdered sugar and cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 brownie, assuming 12 brownies):
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 3g
How to Serve Christmas Brownies
These Christmas Brownies can be served in various ways! For a festive touch, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve them warm for a cozy dessert or let them cool for a delightful afternoon snack. They are also great for potlucks, holiday parties, or as a sweet gift to friends and family. Don’t forget to decorate your serving platter with some holiday sprigs or candy canes for an extra festive flair!
How to Store Christmas Brownies
To keep your Christmas Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, these brownies freeze exceptionally well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and they will stay delicious for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Brownies
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Carefully measure your flour and cocoa powder for accurate results; too much can lead to dry brownies.
- For added flavor, experiment with different extracts or try adding crushed candy canes on top after baking.
- Make sure to bake the brownies until just set; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should have moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Delicious Variations
- Peppermint Patty Brownies: Add chopped peppermint patties to the batter for extra minty goodness.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle walnuts or pecans on top of the brownies before baking for a delightful crunch.
- Fudge Swirl: Create swirls with cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of flavor.
- S’mores Brownies: Top with mini marshmallows and a drizzle of chocolate for a s’mores-style treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
2. How can I make these brownies less sweet?
To cut down on sweetness, reduce the amount of sugar slightly and consider omitting the chocolate chips or using dark chocolate which tends to be less sweet.
3. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
These Christmas Brownies are a festive, delicious, and easy-to-make treat that will impress anyone this holiday season. They combine rich chocolate flavor with a refreshing hint of peppermint, and their soft, fudgy texture will keep everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re baking for a party, as gifts, or just for yourself, these brownies are sure to become a cherished holiday favorite. So gather your ingredients, put on some holiday tunes, and enjoy baking these delightful brownies! Feel free to share your results or variations with loved ones; we’d love to hear how they turn out!
Christmas Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter and stir in the granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl and gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before dusting with powdered sugar and cutting into squares. Enjoy!