Description
Christmas Present Brownies are a festive dessert perfect for the holiday season. These rich, fudgy brownies are decorated like wrapped gifts with colorful candy melts and festive sprinkles, making them a delightful treat to share or gift. The recipe combines classic chocolate brownie ingredients with fun holiday decorations to create an eye-catching and delicious dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Decoration
- Red, green, and white candy melts
- Mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles (optional, for festive finishing touches)
Instructions
- Prepare the brownie batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the brownies out easily later. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove it from heat and whisk in the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly before whisking in the eggs and vanilla extract continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
- Add the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula, mixing until smooth and well combined but avoiding overmixing to maintain chewy brownies. If desired, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for added richness.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Avoid overbaking as the brownies will continue cooking slightly after removal. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before decorating.
- Cut and decorate like gifts: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the cooled brownies out of the pan and place them on a cutting board. Cut into even squares to form your “presents.” Melt the red, green, and white candy melts separately by microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Drizzle or pipe the melted candy over each brownie in crisscross lines to mimic gift ribbons. Add mini candy bows or festive sprinkles on top to enhance the holiday look.
- Let the decorations set: Allow the candy melt decorations to harden at room temperature or speed up the process by refrigerating the brownies for 10–15 minutes. Once set, arrange the Christmas Present Brownies on a platter or gift box lined with parchment paper. Serve and enjoy your festive, delicious treats!
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain chewy, fudgy brownies.
- Do not overbake; brownies should be slightly underdone for the best texture.
- The parchment paper overhang simplifies removal of brownies from the pan.
- Use separate bowls to melt candy melts to avoid color mixing.
- These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Add chocolate chips for extra chocolaty, gooey bites, or omit for a simpler brownie.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx. 70g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
