Print

Christmas Present Brownies Recipe

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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