Oh, the joy of Christmas brownies! There’s just something magical about the rich, chocolatey goodness that fills the air during the holiday season. These delicious treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying all by yourself (no judgment here!). When you bite into one of these festive brownies, you’ll experience that gooey, fudgy texture combined with a burst of chocolate chips that’s simply irresistible. Plus, the warm, cozy aroma wafting from your oven is enough to make anyone feel the holiday spirit. Trust me, once you try my Christmas brownies, they’ll become a staple in your festive baking repertoire!
Ingredients for Christmas Brownies
- 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 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How to Prepare Christmas Brownies
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly fudgy. While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well with some butter or cooking spray. This will help your delicious brownies slide right out without any fuss once they’re baked. Trust me, no one likes a stuck brownie!
Mixing the Batter
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making the batter! In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Stir it gently until it’s completely melted and looking all glossy. Once that’s done, remove it from the heat and stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar until it’s combined and starts to look a bit shiny. Next, crack in your 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract; it adds that wonderful warmth to your brownies! After everything is blended, sift in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or you’ll lose that soft texture we love!
Baking Process
Now that your batter is all ready, fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and, if you’re feeling nutty, 1/2 cup of chopped nuts. Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, making sure to get into all the corners. Bake those beauties in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time is essential, as it helps them firm up for easy cutting into those perfect squares. Enjoy the heavenly chocolate aroma filling your kitchen while you wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up in just 45 minutes!
- Rich, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Perfectly balanced chocolate flavor with gooey chocolate chips.
- Festive treat that’s sure to impress family and friends.
- Great for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Customizable with nuts or toppings to suit your taste.
Tips for Success with Christmas Brownies
To make sure your Christmas brownies turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few handy tips that I swear by! First up, remember to not overmix your batter once you add the flour and cocoa powder. You want to gently fold everything together just until it’s combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and we definitely want them to be soft and fudgy!
Next, keep an eye on your baking time. Every oven is a little different, so I recommend checking your brownies a few minutes early. They’re done when the edges look set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs—this means they’ll be perfectly gooey without being undercooked!
Another tip is to let your brownies cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up a bit, making them easier to cut into nice, clean squares. And speaking of cutting, for the best results, use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for those picture-perfect brownie edges.
Finally, if you want to elevate your brownies, don’t hesitate to sprinkle a little sea salt on top right after they come out of the oven. It adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness that is simply divine. Trust me, these little tweaks will take your Christmas brownies from great to unforgettable!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your Christmas brownies (if there are any left!), it’s important to store them properly to keep that deliciousness intact. I like to place the brownies in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to make them last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just remember, they might lose a bit of that fresh-baked texture in the fridge!
If you’re looking to store them for an extended period, these brownies freeze beautifully! Just wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, or you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you’re craving a warm treat right away. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might get a little too gooey!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in my Christmas brownies, knowing the nutritional details can help you enjoy them guilt-free! Here’s an estimated breakdown per brownie (based on a yield of 24 servings):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements. But no matter the numbers, one thing is for sure—these brownies are a delightful treat worth every bite during the festive season!
FAQ About Christmas Brownies
Can I use different types of chocolate in the recipe?
Absolutely! One of the best things about baking brownies is the flexibility with chocolate. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even milk chocolate. Just keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness will vary a bit, so adjust the sugar in your recipe if you choose a sweeter chocolate. You can even mix different types of chocolate for a rich flavor explosion!
How can I make my brownies more festive?
Oh, there are so many fun ways to jazz up your Christmas brownies! One simple way is to drizzle melted chocolate—either white or dark—over the top for a beautiful finish. You could also sprinkle some festive colored sprinkles or crushed candy canes for that holiday flair. If you want to go the extra mile, top your brownies with a layer of cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar to make them look extra special. Trust me, your friends and family will be wowed!
What can I do with leftover brownies?
If you find yourself with leftover brownies (which is a big if because they’re so delicious!), don’t fret! You can crumble them up and use them as a topping for ice cream sundaes or mix them into a milkshake for a decadent treat. You could also make brownie trifle by layering brownie pieces with whipped cream and your favorite fruits in a glass. Or simply reheat them in the microwave for a warm, gooey dessert that feels fresh out of the oven. No brownie should ever go to waste!
Print
Christmas Brownies: 5 Reasons They’ll Melt Your Heart
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate brownies perfect for Christmas.
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 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, cocoa, and salt until well combined.
- Add chocolate chips and nuts, if using.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Top with powdered sugar for decoration.
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: 40mg
Keywords: christmas brownies, chocolate brownies, holiday desserts