Frosted Christmas Brownies are the ultimate holiday mash-up. They start with a rich, fudgy chocolate base, but the real magic happens with the thick layer of creamy, vanilla frosting and a shower of festive red and green sprinkles. They’re a Christmas Tree Cake Dessert Idea that’s even more fun to eat. Think of your favorite boxed brownie mix, but completely homemade and dressed in its holiday best. They’re the perfect treat to have waiting for guests or to bring as a gift that will absolutely wow everyone. So much flavor, and so much fun.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe because it’s genuinely easy but looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. The brownie base is so, so fudgy and comes together in one bowl—minimal cleanup is a beautiful thing during the busy holidays. The frosting is a simple vanilla buttercream that you can whip up while the brownies cool. And the best part? The sprinkles hide any imperfections, making them foolproof. They are the perfect Easy Dessert Recipe for Christmas, whether you’re Hosting Christmas Dinner or just need a sweet treat for the family. They’re festive, delicious, and guaranteed to bring smiles.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: For that rich, fudgy texture we all love.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies perfectly.
- 4 large eggs: Binds everything together and adds structure.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract: A must for deep, warm flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of our brownie batter.
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder: Use good quality for the best chocolate taste.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate.
- 1/4 tsp baking powder: Gives just a tiny bit of lift.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Because more chocolate is always better.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base for our fluffy frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet frosting.
- 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream: To get that perfect spreading consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: For that classic buttercream flavor.
- Red and green sprinkles: For that essential holiday cheer.
Step By Step Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until they’re well combined.
- Add the eggs and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Whisk vigorously for a minute or two until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly pale.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This prevents lumps and ensures everything is evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Then, fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the thick batter into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- While the brownies cool, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. The mixture will be thick. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, and the vanilla, beating until the frosting is smooth, spreadable, and fluffy.
- Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Immediately cover with red and green sprinkles so they stick. Use the parchment paper to lift the entire slab of brownies out of the pan before slicing into squares.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These brownies are a star on their own, but a little styling makes them extra special. Arrange them on a Festive Plate for a casual gathering, or create a stunning Christmas Tree Cupcake Platter by cutting them into triangle shapes to mimic trees. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. For a more elaborate dessert spread, serve them alongside other holiday favorites like Christmas Tree-shaped Cookies On A Tray. Honestly, they’re so rich that a simple pairing is often the best way to go.
Flavor Twists For Frosted Brownies
Want to mix it up? This recipe is a fantastic canvas. For a peppermint twist, add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the frosting instead of vanilla and crush some candy canes on top. For a nutty crunch, fold 3/4 cup of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the batter. If you’re a coconut fan, try stirring 1 cup of shredded coconut into the brownie batter. You could even swirl a layer of raspberry jam over the batter before baking for a chocolate-raspberry combination. So many possibilities!
Storage Tips For Leftover Brownies
If you have leftovers (a big if!), they store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze perfectly. Place sliced brownies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature whenever that chocolate craving hits.
Crockpot Notes For Easy Prep
While you can’t bake these brownies in a slow cooker, your Crockpot is a fantastic tool for holiday hosting. Use it to keep a warm cider or mulled punch going for your guests, which pairs wonderfully with these sweet treats. It frees up your stove and oven for the main event and keeps a hot drink ready all evening long. Just set it to the “warm” setting and let it do all the work for you.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
A few small missteps can change your brownies. First, do not overmix the batter once you add the flour. Overmixing develops gluten and makes brownies tough and cakey instead of fudgy. Second, make sure your brownies are completely cool before you frost them. If they’re even slightly warm, the frosting will melt into a runny mess. And finally, use real butter for the frosting. Margarine or spreads have too much water and will give you a soupy, disappointing result.
Meal-Prep Version For Holiday Baking
The holiday season is busy, so prep ahead! You can mix the dry ingredients together and store them in a zip-top bag days in advance. The brownies themselves can be baked, cooled, and frozen, unfrosted, for up to a month. The day before you need them, thaw them, whip up the fresh frosting, and decorate. This breaks the work into manageable chunks and makes having a beautiful homemade dessert completely stress-free.
FAQs About Frosted Christmas Brownies
- Can I use a boxed brownie mix? Absolutely! A doctored-up box mix is a great shortcut. Just prepare it according to the package directions for fudgy brownies, let it cool, and top it with the homemade frosting and sprinkles. It still makes a fantastic Christmas Brownies dessert.
- My frosting is too thick/too thin. How can I fix it? If it’s too thick to spread, beat in another tablespoon of milk. If it’s too thin and runny, beat in a little more powdered sugar, a quarter cup at a time, until it stiffens up.
- How do I get clean cuts without messing up the frosting? For super clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a hot, damp cloth between each cut. This gives you those beautiful, professional-looking edges.
- Can I make these ahead for a party? You sure can. These Frosted Christmas Brownies taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. They are the perfect make-ahead dessert.