Name: Festive Chocolate Brownie Gifts Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); Red, green, and white candy melts; Mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles (optional, for festive finishing touches)

If you’re looking for a holiday treat that’s as charming as it is delicious, you’re going to fall head over heels for my Festive Chocolate Brownie Gifts Recipe. These brownies aren’t just any brownies—they’re dressed up like little Christmas presents, making them perfect for gifting, parties, or just indulging yourself with something festive and fabulous. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so your brownies come out looking gorgeous and tasting out of this world.

🤍

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delightfully Festive: These brownies are decorated like mini presents, making them perfect for holiday gifting and parties.
Rich and Fudgy Texture: Thanks to melted butter and chocolate chips, each bite is decadently chewy and moist.
Easy to Personalize: From candy melts to sprinkles, you can dress them up your way to fit your holiday style.
No Casein or Nuts: Simple pantry ingredients keep this treat allergy-friendly for most, so you can share without worries.

The image shows a white plate full of square chocolate brownies, each decorated like a gift box with colorful icing ribbons and bows on top. There are three layers visible on each brownie: the dark brown, slightly cracked top layer with a shiny, chocolatey texture; the thick, moist, and dense chocolate middle layer inside; and the smooth, vibrant icing layer on top shaped into red, green, and white bows and ribbons crossing the brownies. One brownie in the center is tilted to show the soft, rich inside texture. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Festive Chocolate Brownie Gifts, holiday brownie gifts, Christmas brownie treats, holiday dessert ideas, festive baking recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Festive Chocolate Brownie Gifts Recipe, you’ll want good-quality basics that work in harmony for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. I always grab unsalted butter to control the salt, and cocoa powder that’s rich but not bitter.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with unsalted butter sticks, a simple white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, four whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl with vanilla extract, a white ceramic bowl holding all-purpose flour, another white ceramic bowl with unsweetened cocoa powder, a tiny white ceramic bowl containing baking powder, a tiny white ceramic bowl with salt, a white ceramic bowl of semi-sweet chocolate chips, three small white ceramic bowls each with red, green, and white melted candy, and a few mini candy bows and festive sprinkles arranged neatly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Festive Chocolate Brownie Gifts, holiday brownie gifts, Christmas brownie treats, holiday dessert ideas, festive baking recipes

Unsalted Butter: Melting it gently creates that luscious, fudgy crumb I adore.
Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness and shiny texture when mixed with butter.
Large Eggs: They help bind everything together and add to the brownie’s richness.
Vanilla Extract: A splash amps up the chocolate flavor beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to give structure without making it cakey.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The heart of any good chocolate brownie — deep and intense.
Baking Powder: Just a pinch to lift slightly without losing the dense texture.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all chocolate notes.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Optional but oh-so-worth-it for extra gooey pockets.
Red, Green, and White Candy Melts: These make decorating these festive brownie gifts fun and colorful.
Mini Candy Bows and Holiday Sprinkles: For that final sprinkle of holiday magic and charm.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Festive Chocolate Brownie Gifts Recipe is—you can tweak it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get creative with what you have!

Nutty Upgrade: I sometimes stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch, and my family goes crazy for that texture contrast.
Gluten-Free: Swapping all-purpose flour for a good gluten-free blend worked like a charm when I tried it for a friend with allergies.
Vegan Version: Using coconut oil instead of butter, flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and dairy-free chocolate chips can keep the festive spirit going dairy-free.
Spiced Brownies: Adding a pinch of cinnamon and a dash of chili powder gives a warm twist that surprised me in the best way!

How to Make Festive Chocolate Brownie Gifts Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Batter Perfect

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper—this little overhang trick is my favorite for letting you lift the brownies out easily later without any sticky mess. Gently melt the butter over low heat, then whisk in the sugar until it shines and feels silky. This is the secret to that rich, fudgy bite. Let it cool just a bit before whisking in eggs and vanilla—they should make the mixture thick and glossy, like chocolate lava.

Step 2: Fold in Your Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this into the buttery chocolate goodness using a rubber spatula. Here’s a handy tip: fold gently and stop mixing as soon as everything comes together, so your brownies stay chewy—not cakey. If you’re a chocolate fanatic like me, stirring in chocolate chips here gives every bite an extra gooey surprise.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes—watch for a toothpick with just a few moist crumbs sticking to it. Overbaking is the enemy here; your brownies should still feel a little soft because they keep cooking in the pan. Once baked, allow them to cool completely so they’re set enough for decorating.

Step 4: Cut & Decorate Like Festive Presents

Lift the cooled brownies out carefully using the parchment paper. Cut into evenly sized squares—the “gift boxes.” Melt your candy melts in red, green, and white separately (microwave in short bursts, stirring between to keep it smooth). Then go wild drizzling or piping ribbon-like crisscross lines over the brownies. Add tiny candy bows or sprinkles for that adorable final touch. Let the candy harden at room temp or pop them in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes—either works well!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Festive Chocolate Brownie Gifts Recipe

Butter & Sugar Whisking: Whisking the melted butter and sugar before adding eggs gives the batter that glossy, fudgy texture I love so much.
Don’t Overmix Dry Ingredients: I learned the hard way that overmixing leads to cakey brownies, so gentle folding keeps them chewy and dense.
Even Baking: If your oven tends to bake unevenly, rotate the pan halfway through for perfectly baked brownies.
Candy Melts Care: Microwave candy melts in short bursts and stir well to avoid burning or clumping — smooth candy ribbons make all the difference.

How to Serve Festive Chocolate Brownie Gifts Recipe

Festive Chocolate Brownie Gifts Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping my brownie gifts with mini candy bows and colorful holiday sprinkles—they add such a festive pop and make each piece look like a handcrafted present. Sometimes I sprinkle tiny edible glitter too, for that extra celebratory sparkle.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, especially if you’ve served them slightly warmed. I also enjoy them alongside a hot cup of coffee or peppermint tea—perfect for cozy winter afternoons.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, I like arranging these brownies in a box lined with festive parchment paper or wrapping them individually with clear cellophane and tying each with a ribbon. If you’re hosting, place the brownies on a tiered dessert stand—it makes the presentation feel extra special and invites guests to grab a “gift” with their own hands.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered with parchment between to keep them from sticking. They generally stay fudgy and delicious for up to 4 days. If your kitchen is on the warmer side, a cool spot or the fridge works just fine too.

Freezing

If you want to make these well ahead, I’ve had great success freezing uncut brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When I’m ready, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and then decorate them fresh. This keeps the candy ribbons super vibrant and prevents them from sweating.

Reheating

To enjoy leftover brownies warm, I gently microwave a square for about 10 seconds—careful not to overdo it or they’ll dry out. You can also let them come to room temp for a few minutes; they stay moist and taste just as amazing.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate instead of candy melts for decorating?

Absolutely! Melting regular chocolate works fine if you temper it properly or mix it with a little vegetable oil to thin it out. Candy melts are easier to handle and harden with a smooth finish, but regular chocolate can give a rich, classic look if you prefer.
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for a toothpick inserted in the center to come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. The edges will pull away slightly from the pan. Remember, brownies will continue to cook a bit after you take them out, so resist the urge to bake until completely dry.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swapping all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend works perfectly. Just make sure your blend includes xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best texture.
What’s the best way to store these brownies if I’m gifting them?

Arrange them in a gift box lined with parchment paper, and keep them in a cool, dry place. If you’re mailing them, consider packing with wax paper between layers and a bit of bubble wrap for protection.

Final Thoughts

This Festive Chocolate Brownie Gifts Recipe holds such a special place in my heart because it combines the joy of baking with the fun of holiday gifting. Every year, I make these for friends, family, and neighbors—and they never fail to bring smiles. The rich, fudgy brownies paired with playful decorations make them a standout treat you’ll want to make again and again. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and create some festive magic in your kitchen, too!