Decadent Fudgy Christmas Brownies: Your Ultimate Holiday Treat

Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make baking simple and fun! Get ready to spread some serious holiday cheer with these incredible Fudgy christmas brownies. This recipe delivers everything you crave in a festive dessert: rich, fudgy chocolate goodness packed into perfect squares. They are the ideal treat for holiday parties, cozy nights in, or a thoughtful gift. With their irresistible flavor and easy preparation, these are sure to be your go-to seasonal bake. You’ll love bringing these cheerful, chocolatey bites to any gathering.

Why You’ll Love These Fudgy Christmas Brownies

These festive treats are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful experience. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe year after year for many reasons:

• Rich and Fudgy Perfection: Every bite of these christmas brownies offers an intense chocolate flavor and an incredibly moist, dense texture.
• Quick and Simple to Prepare: You don’t need to be an expert baker to achieve delicious results with this straightforward recipe.
• Versatile for Festive Customization: Easily adapt them with your favorite holiday toppings, making each batch unique.
• Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: These holiday brownies are always a crowd-pleaser, disappearing quickly from any dessert table.
• A Comforting, Nostalgic Treat: Their classic appeal brings back warm memories and creates new ones.
• Impressive with Minimal Effort: Achieve bakery-quality results without spending hours in the kitchen, perfect for busy parents.

Ingredients

Gather your kitchen essentials to create these delightful christmas brownies. Good quality ingredients make all the difference in flavor and texture.

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional: festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes, for decoration

Notes & Substitutions

• Butter: If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon.
• Sugar: You can substitute light brown sugar for some or all of the granulated sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
• Flour: Measure flour correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off. This prevents dry, cakey brownies.
• Cocoa Powder: Dutch-processed cocoa powder creates a darker, less bitter brownie.The King Arthur Baking Company offers a comprehensive guide on the differences between natural and Dutch-processed cocoa powder and how they impact your baking.

  Natural cocoa powder is also fine.

• Chocolate Chips: Feel free to use milk, dark, or white chocolate chips to suit your preference. A mix is also delicious.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan butter sticks and use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer for a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for an equally delicious gluten-free brownie option.

Equipment

You don’t need a lot of fancy tools to bake these incredible holiday brownies. Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need:

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowls (at least two)
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts
• Wire cooling rack

Instructions

Creating these delicious christmas brownies is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time. This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly, ensuring a successful and tasty outcome for your holiday baking.

Prep

First, get your workspace ready for baking. Proper preparation ensures a smooth process.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. This helps prevent sticking.
• Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan. Set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare other ingredients.
• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps in the cocoa.
• In a separate large mixing bowl, prepare your wet ingredients.

Make the Batter

Now, let’s combine everything to create that rich, fudgy brownie batter. Do not overmix the batter to keep it tender.

• Pour the slightly cooled melted butter into the large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar and whisk vigorously for about one minute until well combined.
• Beat in the large eggs one at a time, incorporating each egg fully before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are acceptable.
• Gently stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
• Pour the thick brownie batter into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Spread it evenly with your rubber spatula, ensuring it reaches all corners.

Bake

Baking your christmas brownies correctly is key to achieving that perfect fudgy texture. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.

• Place the baking pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
• The brownies are ready when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• It is crucial not to overbake the brownies. Overbaking will result in a dry, cakey texture instead of a fudgy one.

Cool & Decorate

Patience is a virtue when it comes to cooling brownies; it ensures clean cuts and a stable structure.

• Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours, or even longer.
• Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of brownies from the pan.
• Place the slab on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into 24 squares.
• For a festive touch, add your desired toppings like festive sprinkles, a dusting of powdered sugar, or crushed candy canes before serving these delicious christmas dessert squares.

Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Brownies

Achieving the perfect batch of fudgy brownies is simple with a few key techniques. These tips ensure your holiday brownies turn out perfectly.

• Achieve Fudgy Texture: Do not overmix the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tougher, more cake-like brownie.
• Prevent Dry Brownies: Always avoid overbaking. A slightly underbaked brownie is fudgier than an overbaked one. The center should still be slightly soft when removed from the oven.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Warm brownies are prone to crumbling. Allow them to cool entirely for clean, neat squares. Chilling them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes can also help.
• Use Good Quality Cocoa and Chocolate: Better ingredients yield better flavor. Invest in good quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for superior taste in your seasonal chocolate treats.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature eggs emulsify better with the butter and sugar, resulting in a smoother, more uniform batter. For more on the science behind it, the American Egg Board explains why room temperature eggs are often recommended in baking.
• Properly Measure Flour: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly can compact the flour, adding too much and making your brownies dry.

Serving, Storage & Variations

These decadent christmas brownies are versatile for serving and storing, and easy to customize with delightful variations. Make them your own!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
• Dust cooled brownies with a light layer of powdered sugar for a snowy, festive look.
• Pair with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and some fresh berries for a touch of elegance.
• Add a festive garnish like a sprig of mint or a few pomegranate seeds for a pop of color.
• Enjoy with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or coffee, perfect for chilly evenings.

Storage Instructions

• Store baked brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
• For extended freshness, refrigerate the brownies in an airtight container for up to one week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• You can also freeze individual brownies. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen brownies at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.

Flavor Variations

• Peppermint Brownies: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the batter and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top after baking.
• Cinnamon Brownies: Mix 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm spice flavor.
• Pecan Brownies: Fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans with the chocolate chips for a nutty crunch.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Prepare a simple cream cheese mixture and swirl it into the brownie batter before baking.
• Baileys Infused: Add 2 tablespoons of Baileys Irish Cream to the wet ingredients for an adult twist.
• Reindeer Brownies: Decorate with pretzel “antlers” and candy “eyes” and a red candy “nose” to create fun reindeer faces.
• White Chocolate Brownies: Replace semi-sweet chips with white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
• Orange Zest: Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh orange zest for a bright, citrusy note that complements the chocolate beautifully.

Nutrition Information

Making homemade treats allows you to control the ingredients, though calorie counts are estimates. These figures provide a general idea per serving.

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

FAQ

Got questions about making the perfect christmas brownies? Here are some quick answers to common baking queries.

• How do I make brownies fudgier? To achieve maximum fudginess, slightly underbake your brownies and use good quality butter and chocolate. Letting them cool completely also helps solidify their dense texture.
• Can I use a brownie mix for this recipe? While this recipe is for scratch baking, you can enhance a box mix by adding extra chocolate chips, a splash of vanilla extract, or even a teaspoon of espresso powder.
• How do I cut clean squares? For perfectly neat cuts, allow your brownies to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even longer. Use a hot, sharp knife, wiping it clean between each cut.
• Can I freeze Christmas brownies? Yes, absolutely! Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature.
• What are good festive toppings? Beyond sprinkles, try crushed candy canes, a dusting of powdered sugar, a simple glaze, or even mini marshmallow “snow” for a truly festive look on your holiday dessert bars.

Conclusion

You now have the ultimate recipe for decadent, fudgy christmas brownies! These delightful treats are incredibly easy to make, yet they deliver an impressive burst of rich chocolate flavor that everyone will adore. Perfect for gifting, sharing at parties, or simply enjoying with your family, they embody the true spirit of holiday baking. We hope these holiday brownies bring much joy and deliciousness to your festive celebrations. Happy holiday baking from Sweet Emily!

Decadent Fudgy Christmas Brownies: Your Ultimate Holiday Treat

Rich, dense, and ultra-fudgy chocolate brownies with festive toppings like crushed candy canes and powdered sugar. These easy-to-make holiday brownies are perfect for parties, gifting, or cozy nights in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 198

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (2 sticks)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles, for topping (optional)
• powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Equipment

• 9x13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper for easy lifting
• large and medium mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• oven mitts
• Wire cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in vanilla.
4. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture using a spatula. Mix just until combined — do not overmix.
5. Stir in chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking.
7. Let brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (at least 2 hours). Lift out using parchment and cut into squares.
8. Dust with powdered sugar or top with crushed candy canes or sprinkles just before serving.

Notes

Use good quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for the best flavor. Avoid overmixing once flour is added for a fudgy texture. Decorate with crushed candy canes, powdered sugar, or festive sprinkles for a seasonal finish.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com