When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a decadent dessert, and these Frosted Christmas Brownies are a perfect choice. Rich, fudgy brownies topped with creamy frosting bring both joy and nostalgia to your gatherings. Plus, they make a delightful treat to share with friends and family, right when we all wish for a little sweetness in our lives.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick: These brownies come together in no time, even amidst all the holiday hustle.
- Customizable Frosting: Whether you opt for homemade or store-bought frosting, it’s a simple way to elevate your dessert.
- Festive Appearance: With a touch of edible glitter and sprinkles, they’re perfect for adding a festive flair to any gathering.
- Memorable Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and sweet frosting creates a nostalgic taste that feels like a warm hug on a cold winter day.
You’ll Need
- 2 boxes of brownie mix: Using brownie mix simplifies the process, letting you skip measuring ingredients and focus on enjoying the baking.
- White frosting (homemade or store-bought): A fluffy white frosting creates a beautiful contrast against the dark brownies, adding sweetness and creaminess.
- Edible gel food coloring: A few drops can transform your frosting into festive colors, making these brownies visually delightful.
- Edible gold stars: These little gems add a touch of sparkle, making your brownies look extra special.
- White pearl sprinkles: Perfect for giving a holiday vibe, these sprinkles make your brownies feel like festive treats.
- Icing bags and frosting tips (large star – 1M): This will help you create beautifully swirled frosting on top, making your brownies look professional and mouthwatering.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a baking pan.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions and pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- While the brownies bake, prepare the frosting. If you’re making it from scratch, blend butter, powdered sugar, and milk until it’s fluffy. Add vanilla for flavor.
- Once the brownies are cool, generously spread the frosting over the top.
- Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add gel food coloring to create your desired shades.
- Use the icing bags with the star tip to pipe designs over the frosted brownies.
- Finish your creation by sprinkling edible gold stars and white pearl sprinkles on top for that extra special touch.
Helpful Tips & Variations
- If you want to add even more flavor, consider adding a pinch of peppermint extract to your frosting for a festive twist.
- Want a richer taste? Mix in some chocolate chips into the brownie batter before baking.
- If your kids want a hands-on experience, let them help decorate the brownies with frosting and sprinkles; it’s a great way to bond during the holidays.
Frosted Christmas Brownies
Ingredients
For the brownies
- 2 boxes brownie mix Using brownie mix simplifies the process.
For the frosting
- white frosting (homemade or store-bought) Fluffy white frosting adds sweetness and creaminess.
- edible gel food coloring A few drops can create festive colors.
For decoration
- edible gold stars Adds a touch of sparkle.
- white pearl sprinkles Perfect for a holiday vibe.
- 1 large star icing bag and frosting tip (1M) Helps create beautifully swirled frosting.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions and pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- While the brownies bake, prepare the frosting. If making from scratch, blend butter, powdered sugar, and milk until fluffy. Add vanilla for flavor.
Frosting
- Once the brownies are cool, generously spread the frosting over the top.
- Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add gel food coloring to create your desired shades.
Decoration
- Use the icing bags with the star tip to pipe designs over the frosted brownies.
- Finish by sprinkling edible gold stars and white pearl sprinkles on top.
Notes
Serving & Storage
These delightful brownies are perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them to prolong freshness, but make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving again for the best taste.
FAQs
How can I make these brownies healthier?
You could substitute part of the brownie mix with applesauce to cut down on added sugars and fats. Alternatively, consider using a gluten-free brownie mix!
Can I freeze the brownies?
Yes! After frosting the brownies, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They should be good for about 2 to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What’s the best way to frost brownies?
Start with a thin layer of frosting to create a base, then add more frosting as desired. Using a spatula or an icing knife helps achieve a smooth finish. For fun designs, try using a piping bag!
Can I add toppings to my brownies?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or crushed candy canes can be a fun way to personalize your brownies. Just sprinkle them on before the frosting sets for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Baking up a batch of these Frosted Christmas Brownies is more than just following a recipe; it’s about gathering around the warm oven with loved ones and sharing a little holiday cheer. Enjoy the process, and don’t worry if things get a bit messy—those flour-dusted smiles are what make baking so special. Happy Holidays, and remember, simple food, big heart!
