Christmas Brownies are the ultimate indulgent treat, perfect for the holiday season. These rich, fudgy squares are always a hit at festive gatherings. The combination of buttery goodness, chocolate, and a hint of vanilla makes them irresistibly delicious. As someone who enjoys baking during this time, I can attest that the aroma of these brownies filling your kitchen will create a cozy, festive atmosphere, beckoning friends and family to join in the celebration.
Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Brownies are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration on a plate. Here are a few reasons to whip up this delightful recipe.
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Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and takes only about 30 minutes to bake, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
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Kid-Approved: If you’re looking to involve the younger members of your family in holiday baking, they’ll love stirring the batter and adding sprinkles for a personal touch.
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Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients commonly found in most kitchens, these brownies won’t break the bank.
"I made these Christmas Brownies for my family’s holiday party, and they disappeared in minutes! The rich chocolate flavor is perfect for winter." – Satisfied Baker
Preparing Christmas Brownies
Making Christmas Brownies is a gratifying process that anyone can master. You’ll follow a few simple steps that culminate in a rich, chocolatey treat. Expect to melt butter, mix in lots of sugar, and fold in dry ingredients until smooth. Finally, you’ll pour the batter into a baking pan and allow it to come to life in the oven.
Gather These Items
To create your delightful Christmas Brownies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, holiday sprinkles, or chocolate ganache
Feel free to swap unsalted butter with margarine if preferred, or use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose to cater to dietary needs.
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter.
- Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until the mixture is rich and creamy.
- Gradually add in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder, mixing until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool before cutting into squares. Optionally, dust them with powdered sugar or top with holiday sprinkles or ganache before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve your Christmas Brownies fresh from the oven for the best experience. For an extra dash of holiday cheer:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
- Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over each brownie for a richer dessert.
- Pair with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider for a cozy treat.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
These brownies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later. To keep them fresh:
- Allow cooled brownies to sit at room temperature, covered tightly with plastic wrap.
- They can last for up to three days at room temperature.
- For longer storage, place brownies in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months.
Pro Chef Tips
To ensure perfect brownies every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients; this can lead to dense brownies.
- For gooey brownies, be careful not to overbake. The toothpick should have a few moist crumbs for the best texture.
- Experiment with mix-ins! Try adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra flavor.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few creative variations to consider:
- Mint Chocolate Brownies: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a seasonal twist.
- Nutty Brownies: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop tablespoons of peanut butter into the batter and swirl with a knife before baking.
FAQs
Q: How long do the brownies take to prepare?
A: Overall, preparing these brownies takes around 15 minutes, with baking time of 25-30 minutes.
Q: Can I substitute ingredients?
A: Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter or gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days; they can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Savor the taste of the season with these delicious Christmas Brownies. They are easy to make, incredible to share, and sure to bring warmth to your holiday gatherings. For more fantastic holiday treats, feel free to explore our other recipes like Protein Muffins or Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse.
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Christmas Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter Feel free to swap with margarine if preferred.
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Optional Toppings
- powdered sugar, holiday sprinkles, or chocolate ganache Optional toppings.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter.
- Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until the mixture is rich and creamy.
- Gradually add in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder, mixing until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool before cutting into squares. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or top with holiday sprinkles or ganache before serving.