Introduction

These Christmas Present Brownies are a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings or gift-giving. Rich, fudgy, and decorated with colorful candy melts and festive toppings, they bring holiday cheer in every bite. Easy to make and delightfully delicious, they’re sure to be a seasonal favorite.

Christmas Present Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Red, green, and white candy melts (for decoration)
Mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the sugar until the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, whisking until the batter is glossy and well combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until smooth. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Step 6: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper to lift them out, then cut into squares.
Step 7: Melt the red, green, and white candy melts according to package instructions. Drizzle the melted candy over the brownies and decorate with mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles as desired.
Step 8: Allow the decorations to set at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before serving. Arrange the brownies on a festive platter or package in gift boxes for sharing.

Tips & Variations

For an extra fudgy texture, slightly underbake the brownies by a couple of minutes.
Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for white or dark chocolate chips to vary the flavor.
Use peppermint-flavored candy melts or crushed candy canes for a minty holiday twist.
Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
To make the decorations easier, pipe the candy melts using a small zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off.

Storage

Store the decorated brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week, but allow brownies to return to room temperature before serving. Avoid storing in a warm area to prevent the candy melts from softening. They also freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the fridge before decorating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the brownies a day or two in advance and decorate them just before serving to keep the candy decorations fresh and vibrant.

What if I don’t have candy melts for decoration?

If you don’t have candy melts, you can use colored frosting, melted chocolate with food coloring, or simply dust the brownies with powdered sugar for a festive look.

Christmas Present Brownies Recipe

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4.9 from 134 reviews

These festive Christmas Present Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate flavor with holiday-themed decorations, making them a perfect gift or treat for the season. Moist and chocolaty with optional chocolate chips inside, they are topped with colorful candy melts and mini candy bows to resemble wrapped presents.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies (cut into 4x4 squares) 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Brownies

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Decorations

Red, green, and white candy melts (for decoration)
Mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang to lift the brownies out easily after baking.
Melt Butter and Mix Sugar: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter completely. Once melted, whisk in the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and combined. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the slightly cooled butter-sugar mixture, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the batter becomes glossy and smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and to remove lumps.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or whisk, mixing until just combined and smooth. If desired, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra chocolate texture.
Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the prepared batter into the lined baking pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Cool and Remove: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into squares.
Melt Candy Melts and Decorate: Melt the red, green, and white candy melts according to package instructions. Drizzle the melted candy melts over the brownies in festive lines or patterns to mimic gift ribbons. Decorate with mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles as desired for a festive touch.
Set Decorations and Serve: Let the candy melt decorations set at room temperature or refrigerate them for 10–15 minutes to firm up. Serve the decorated brownies on a platter or package them into gift boxes as a delightful holiday treat.

Notes

For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake and check with a toothpick frequently.
Use parchment paper with extra overhang for easier removal from the pan.
Chocolate chips are optional but add extra indulgence to the brownies.
Let the candy melts cool completely before storing brownies to prevent melting or smudging.
You can substitute candy melts with colored white chocolate if preferred.
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to a week.

Keywords: Christmas brownies, holiday brownies, fudgy brownies, decorated brownies, chocolate brownies, festive dessert