Every holiday season, I find myself searching for that perfect sweet treat to share with friends and family. This year, my culinary journey led me to create these delightful Christmas Present Brownies, a festive dessert that captures the spirit of giving in both flavor and presentation. With a fudgy chocolate base and bright, colorful frosting, these brownies are not only simple to make, but they also look stunning on any holiday table.
The best part? You don’t need to be a baking pro to whip these up! Using a trusted boxed brownie mix as a base, I’ve added a personal touch with cheerful decorating techniques that make these brownies genuinely special—perfect for cookie exchanges or as thoughtful homemade gifts. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want a sweet escape during the busy holiday hustle, these Christmas Present Brownies provide both joy and ease in every bite. Let’s dive into the festive fun!
Why Choose Christmas Present Brownies?
Simplicity at Its Best: These brownies come together quickly using a boxed brownie mix, making them a great choice for bakers of all skill levels.
Festive Presentation: The vibrant frosting and adorable icing ribbons make these treats a visual delight, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Flavorful Indulgence: Each bite delivers a fudgy chocolate experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Switch up the frosting colors for different holidays or personalize with add-ins like nuts or crushed candy canes!
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These brownies are sure to steal the show at any party or festive dessert table.
Make-Ahead Option: Bake them two days in advance, frosting right before serving ensures they stay fresh! Try this delightful recipe and watch them disappear!
Christmas Present Brownies Ingredients
Note: Get ready to make the simplest yet festive treat with these Christmas Present Brownies!
For the Brownie Base
• Brownie Mix – Use any trusted boxed brownie mix for convenience and a rich flavor.
• Eggs – Adds moisture and helps bind the brownie; follow the mix’s instructions.
• Oil – Contributes to a fudgy texture; check the package for the recommended type.
• Water – Required for mixing; make sure to follow the package instructions.
• Chocolate Chips (optional) – Enhance the chocolate richness; feel free to swap for any favorite variety.For the Frosting and Decoration
• Buttercream Frosting – Use store-bought for ease, or make homemade for added love.
• Food Coloring (red, green, white) – Create festive colors to mimic gift wraps; gel colors work best for vibrant results.
• Piping Bags/Ziploc Bags – Essential for decorating; cut ZIP bags to create your piping bags.
• Sprinkles/Mini Candy Canes/Edible Glitter (optional) – Add fun and color to your creations!
These delightful Christmas Present Brownies are an easy way to spread festive cheer during the holidays.
How to Make Christmas Present Brownies
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to the temperature indicated on your brownie mix package. This ensures your brownies bake perfectly!
Prepare Brownies: In a mixing bowl, combine your brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water as instructed on the box. Pour the batter into a parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan, spreading evenly.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs—a sign of fudgy perfection!
Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This step is essential for preventing them from tearing and crumbling when you cut them.
Cut Brownies: Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan and slice them into squares or rectangles. Aim for bite-sized pieces that are easy to grab.
Frosting Prep: Take your buttercream frosting and divide it into bowls. Use food coloring to create vibrant holiday hues that will add festive flair to your brownies.
Decorate: Spread a layer of colored frosting on each brownie square. Get creative with contrasting colors and finish with sprinkles for extra sparkle!
Serve: Arrange the beautifully decorated brownies on a festive platter or wrap them lovingly to share with family and friends.
Optional: For a fun twist, sprinkle crushed peppermint on top for a holiday-inspired crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Christmas Present Brownies
• Cool Completely: Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to avoid tearing and crumbling; this ensures a smoother finish.
• Frosting Fix: If your frosting is too stiff for easy spreading, microwave it for a few seconds to achieve a silky consistency for your Christmas Present Brownies.
• Storage Solutions: Store unfrosted brownies at room temperature for up to 3 days; frost them on the day of serving to keep the flavors fresh and delightful.
• Mixing Method: Avoid overmixing the brownie batter to achieve a fudgy texture; gently mix just until combined for the best results.
• Decorate with Love: Get creative when decorating! Use contrasting colors and fun sprinkles or mini candy canes to make your brownies pop and share holiday cheer.
Variations & Substitutions for Christmas Present Brownies
Customize your brownies with these fun ideas that bring festive flair to your holiday baking!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the buttercream with dairy-free frosting or coconut cream for a creamy alternative.
- Minty Twist: Add crushed peppermint candies to the brownie mix or as a topping for a refreshing flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie mix for added texture and taste.
- Spicy Surprise: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for a warm, unexpected kick in each bite.
- Flavor Infusion: Swap out water for brewed coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor of your brownies.
- Seasonal Sprinkles: Use themed sprinkles for other holidays, like pastel colors for Easter or red, white, and blue for Fourth of July.
- Fruity Variations: Fold in dried cranberries or cherries to the brownie batter for a burst of tartness.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free brownie mix to cater to gluten-sensitive guests while keeping that fudgy goodness.
What to Serve with Christmas Present Brownies?
These delightful treats are the perfect centerpiece for your holiday gatherings, enveloping your senses in joy and sweetness.
Cold Milk: A classic pairing, the rich chocolate flavor of brownies shines alongside a refreshing glass of milk.
Hot Cocoa: Elevate the indulgence with warm cocoa, creating a comforting combo that delights during chilly evenings.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream beautifully complements the fudgy texture, adding a delightful contrast to each bite.
Festive Cookies: Mix it up with assorted holiday cookies for a variety of sweet options that will charm your guests and encourage sharing.
Sparkling Water: A bubbly drink adds a touch of brightness and cleanse the palate, allowing the intense chocolate flavor to be fully appreciated.
Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavors of coffee balance the sweetness, making for an elevated experience with your brownies as dessert after dinner.
Fruit Plate: Fresh fruit, like strawberries or mandarin oranges, provides a refreshing contrast that brightens the indulgence of the brownies.
Each of these delightful pairings enhances the holiday spirit, offering a feast that will warmly fill your home with joy and laughter!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Present Brownies
• Room Temperature: Store decorated brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place a layer of parchment between stacked brownies to prevent sticking.
• Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate the brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Be sure they’re fully wrapped to keep them moist.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Serving: Frosted brownies are best enjoyed fresh; frost them on the day of serving for optimal flavor and festive appeal with these Christmas Present Brownies!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Present Brownies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can bake and cool the brownies up to 2 days in advance, allowing you to focus on last-minute details before your gathering. Simply store the unfrosted brownies at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain their fudginess. On the day of serving, prepare your frosting and decorate the brownies with vibrant colors and fun toppings right before presenting them for that fresh look. This way, you’ll have a festive treat ready to impress, saving time and ensuring your brownies are just as delicious!
Christmas Present Brownies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right brownie mix for optimal fudge texture?
Absolutely! Choose a brownie mix that specifies “fudgy” on the packaging. These tend to have additional fat content, creating that deliciously dense flavor. Always check the ingredients to ensure it’s a quality mix, and feel free to select your favorite brand—homemade vibes don’t have to start from scratch!
What’s the best way to store Christmas Present Brownies?
For decorated brownies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you stack them, I recommend placing a layer of parchment paper between each because it prevents them from sticking together! If you’re planning to wait longer, consider refrigerating them for up to 5 days for a firmer texture.
Can I freeze Christmas Present Brownies?
Certainly! If you want to freeze the brownies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to protect them from freezer burn. They can be frozen unfrosted for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature and frost them fresh for the best flavor!
What should I do if my brownie batter seems too thick?
Very! If your brownie mix appears too thick, add a tiny bit of water or oil—about a tablespoon at a time—until you reach the desired consistency. Remember, each mix can be a little different, so rather than panic, just adjust according to what looks right. You want it thick but pourable!
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap your regular brownie mix for a gluten-free version. Many brands offer delicious alternatives that still deliver similar fudgy textures. Just check the box for any special instructions to ensure they maximize on flavor and consistency!
Festive Joy: Easy Christmas Present Brownies for Everyone
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on your brownie mix package.
- In a mixing bowl, combine your brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water as instructed on the box. Pour the batter into a parchment-lined 9x13 inch pan, spreading evenly.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
- Lift the brownies out of the pan and slice into squares.
- Divide your buttercream frosting into bowls and color with food coloring.
- Spread a layer of colored frosting on each brownie square and decorate with sprinkles.
- Arrange the beautifully decorated brownies on a platter or wrap them to share.
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