Christmas Brownies

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Plate of festive Christmas brownies decorated with red and green sprinkles
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Christmas Brownies

Indulge in the festive spirit with these rich and fudgy Christmas brownies that are sure to spread holiday cheer. With their delightful blend of chocolate and seasonal spices, they become a favorite for gatherings or cozy nights at home. As a passionate baker, I’ve crafted and fine-tuned this recipe over the years, ensuring it’s both delicious and straightforward for even the busiest home cooks.

Why Make This Recipe

  1. Decadent Flavor: These brownies are deeply chocolatey with hints of peppermint or cinnamon, making them a perfect holiday treat.
  2. Simple Ingredients: You likely already have the essential ingredients at home, such as butter, sugar, and cocoa powder.
  3. Quick to Prepare: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you’re only about 30 minutes away from warm, gooey brownies.
  4. Customizable: You can easily add your favorite nuts or candies for a personalized touch.
  5. Perfect for Sharing: These brownies are great for holiday parties or as homemade gifts, which is one of the reasons I love making them during the season.

Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 12 brownies
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
    This recipe involves melting, mixing, and baking, which makes it perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

My Experience Making This Recipe

When I first tested this recipe, I struggled a bit with the baking time, as every oven heats differently. Eventually, I discovered that keeping an eye on the brownies in the last few minutes was key to achieving the perfect fudgy texture. The aroma wafting through my kitchen was nothing short of magical, making all the effort worthwhile.

How to Make Christmas Brownies

To create these brownies, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt butter and chocolate together until smooth, then whisk in sugar and eggs. Finally, stir in the dry ingredients. Expect a rich, gooey batter that’s perfect for thick, fudgy brownies. Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes—this patience pays off with a better texture.

Expert Tips for Success

  1. Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semisweet or dark chocolate for richer flavor.
  2. Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the brownies fudgy; overmixing can lead to a cakey texture.
  3. Check for Doneness Early: Start checking for doneness around 18 minutes; the brownies should be set at the edges but slightly soft in the center.
  4. Let Them Cool: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting to help them set perfectly.
  5. Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper makes it much easier to remove the brownies after baking.

How to Serve Christmas Brownies

You can serve these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dust them with powdered sugar for a festive touch. For a holiday gathering, pair them with peppermint hot chocolate or coffee. A sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top adds a cute and seasonal twist.

Storage and Reheating Guide

Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat for a few seconds in the microwave.

Recipe Variations

  1. Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-friendly option.
  2. Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and dark chocolate for a dairy-free treat.
  3. Minty Twist: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter for an extra holiday flavor.
  4. Nutty Addition: Stir in a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and nutty flavor.

Nutritional Highlights

These brownies contain antioxidants from the cocoa and can provide a touch of energy, thanks to their sugar content. Keep in mind they’re best enjoyed in moderation. They contain gluten and dairy, so those with allergies should opt for the variations suggested.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  1. Brownies are Dry: This typically happens from overbaking. Keep an eye on them in the oven; underbaking is often more forgiving.
  2. Brownies Stick to the Pan: Always line your pan with parchment paper or grease it well to avoid this issue.
  3. Brownies are Too Gooey: If the center doesn’t set, it may need a few more minutes in the oven; cover with foil to prevent overbaking the edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes! Just make sure to use a larger pan and adjust the baking time accordingly. Monitor closely for doneness.

  2. What’s the best way to cut brownies?
    For neat edges, use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts. You can also chill the brownies briefly to help set them before cutting.

  3. Can I add frosting?
    While these brownies are delicious on their own, you can certainly top them with a chocolate ganache or buttercream for an indulgent touch.

  4. How do I know when they are done?
    The edges should look set while the center remains slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean.

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Christmas Brownies

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  • Author: nevaeh-hall
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 brownies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with these rich and fudgy Christmas brownies that are sure to spread holiday cheer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • Optional: crushed candy canes for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Melt the butter and chocolate together until smooth.
  3. Whisk in the sugar and eggs until combined.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture until just combined.
  7. Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes, checking for doneness.
  9. Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting.

Notes

For a festive touch, serve warm with vanilla ice cream or dust with powdered sugar.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 brownie
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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