Oh, the joy of baking during the holidays! There’s just something magical about filling your kitchen with the warm, inviting scent of baked goods, isn’t there? One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up are these Christmas brownie cookies. They’re rich, fudgy, and will make your taste buds sing! Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends, or just indulging in on a cozy winter night. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they’re such a hit!
Every year, my family gathers in the kitchen, and it’s become a cherished tradition to bake together. I remember one year, I accidentally used too much cocoa powder and almost panicked! But instead of tossing the batter, we embraced the chaos, added a bit more sugar, and ended up with these delightful, chewy cookies that vanished in minutes! That’s the beauty of holiday baking – it’s all about the love and laughter that comes with it. So, gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some Christmas brownie cookies that will fill your home with joy and warmth!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to create these scrumptious Christmas brownie cookies. Trust me, the combination of these ingredients makes for a rich, fudgy delight that you won’t be able to resist!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark, your choice!)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but they add a nice crunch!)
Make sure your butter is nice and melted before you start mixing, and don’t skimp on the chocolate chips—more chocolate means more happiness! And if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some festive sprinkles or peppermint bits for a holiday twist. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Christmas Brownie Cookies
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful Christmas brownie cookies! Follow along, and I’ll guide you step-by-step to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly fudgy and delicious.
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because starting with a hot oven helps your cookies rise just right! While that’s heating up, line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I like to use two sheets so I can bake in batches without waiting too long in between. Trust me; your nose will thank you when the aroma fills your kitchen!
Mixing Wet Ingredients
Next up, grab a large mixing bowl and melt your butter—either in the microwave or over low heat on the stove. Once it’s melted, stir in the granulated sugar until it’s nice and combined. Now, here’s the key: add your eggs one at a time! Mixing well after each addition is crucial because it helps create that rich, fudgy texture we love. Don’t rush this step; take your time and enjoy the process!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed, which is super important for the perfect cookie consistency. When you’re ready, gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. I always like to do this in thirds, mixing gently with a spatula. It keeps the batter smooth and avoids any over-mixing disasters—no one wants tough cookies!
Folding in Add-ins
Now for the fun part—folding in those chocolate chips and walnuts! Gently mix them into the batter using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to over-mix; you want those chunks of chocolate to remain intact for that gooey goodness in every bite! If you’re feeling festive, this is also the moment to add in any extra treats like peppermint bits or festive sprinkles!
Baking the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto your lined baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie; they’ll spread a bit while baking. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look set, but the centers might still look a tad soft—don’t worry, they’ll firm up as they cool! Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the anticipation; the smell alone is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Christmas brownie cookies are truly a holiday treasure! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll want to make them a part of your festive traditions:
- Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- Rich, fudgy texture that satisfies every chocolate lover’s cravings.
- Versatile—feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings!
- Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights in.
- They freeze beautifully, so you can save some for later (if they last that long!)
- Kids and adults alike will adore them—definitely a crowd-pleaser!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
So, whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Happy baking!
Tips for Success
Before you dive into baking, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Christmas brownie cookies turn out absolutely amazing! These little nuggets of wisdom will help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your cookie game!
- Measure Carefully: Baking is a science! Make sure to measure your flour and cocoa powder accurately. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, and nobody wants that!
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies maintain their shape and enhance their flavors. Plus, it makes them extra chewy!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies! They continue to cook a bit after being taken out of the oven, so pull them out when the edges are set but the centers are still a little soft. Trust me, this will give you that perfect fudgy texture!
- Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them! Just make sure to layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Customize: Feel free to play around with different mix-ins! Swap out the walnuts for pecans, or add some festive sprinkles or peppermint chips to really get into the holiday spirit!
- Clean Up: Don’t forget to clean up as you go! It makes the baking experience more enjoyable and less daunting when you’re not faced with a mountain of dishes afterward.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the best Christmas brownie cookies ever! Happy baking, and enjoy the delightful chaos that comes with it!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for each delicious Christmas brownie cookie. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
These cookies are definitely a treat, so enjoy them in moderation! They make for a delightful indulgence during the holiday season, bringing a little extra joy to your celebrations. Happy baking and happy munching!
FAQ Section
I know you might have a few questions about these Christmas brownie cookies, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones together!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake them a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze wonderfully as well!
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store your Christmas brownie cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re freezing them, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they’ll last for about two months!
Can I substitute any ingredients?
Yes, feel free to get creative! You can swap the chocolate chips for your favorite mix-ins like butterscotch chips or nuts. If you want to make them gluten-free, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
Why did my cookies turn out cakey instead of fudgy?
Oh no! If your cookies turned out cakey, it might be due to too much flour or overmixing the batter. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and mix just until combined for that perfect fudgy texture!
Can I use cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate?
Yes, you can! In fact, this recipe uses cocoa powder to give those rich flavors without the extra hassle of melting chocolate. Just make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results!
Hopefully, these answers help you feel more confident as you whip up your own batch of Christmas brownie cookies! Enjoy the baking adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked your delicious Christmas brownie cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible. Here’s how to store them and bring them back to their gooey goodness if needed!
To store your leftover cookies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—although I doubt they’ll last that long with how irresistible they are! If you want to keep them even longer, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, pop them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll be good for about two months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those frozen delights, simply take out the number of cookies you want and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them warm and melty (and trust me, who wouldn’t?), you can pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will refresh their fudgy texture and bring back that oozing chocolatey goodness!
So whether you’re indulging right away or saving some for later, following these tips will ensure your Christmas brownie cookies stay as scrumptious as the day you baked them. Happy snacking!
PrintChristmas Brownie Cookies: 7 Delightful Treats for Joyful Moments
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful treat for the holiday season, these Christmas brownie cookies are rich and fudgy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, melt the butter and mix in the sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges are set.
- Let cool before serving.
Latest Amazon Finds
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- These cookies freeze well.
- Substitute chocolate chips with your favorite mix-ins.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas brownie cookies, holiday cookies, brownie cookies