Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Present Brownies, rich and fudgy chocolate brownies decorated with colorful candy melts and holiday sprinkles to resemble wrapped gifts. Perfect for holiday parties and gift-giving, these brownies combine classic chocolate flavor with whimsical seasonal decor.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 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)
Decoration
- Red, green, and white candy melts
- Mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Melt Butter and Mix Sugar: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time into the slightly cooled butter and sugar mixture while whisking continuously until the batter looks glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips (Optional): If you like extra chocolatey brownies, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips now.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Remove: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the pan for easy cutting into squares.
- Decorate: Melt the red, green, and white candy melts according to package instructions. Drizzle the melted candy melts over the brownies to simulate wrapped gift ribbons and add mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles as festive decorations.
- Set Decorations: Let the candy melts and decorations set at room temperature or refrigerate the brownies for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up the decoration before serving.
- Serve or Gift: Present these charming Christmas Present Brownies on a platter at your holiday gathering or package them in gift boxes for a delightful edible gift.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and sugar mixture cools slightly before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips based on preference.
- Use parchment paper to line the pan for easier removal and cleaner edges.
- Decorations can be customized with any holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas brownies, holiday brownies, festive brownies, chocolate brownies, gift brownies, decorated brownies, Christmas dessert
