Oh, Christmas brownies—where do I even start? These decadent little treats are like a warm hug on a chilly winter evening! Every holiday season, I whip up a batch that fills my kitchen with the most irresistible aroma of melted chocolate and buttery goodness. I remember the first time I made these during a family gathering; the joy on my loved ones’ faces as they took that first bite was priceless. The festive flavors really shine through, thanks to the rich cocoa and optional walnuts that add a delightful crunch. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close because these Christmas brownies are not just a dessert; they’re a holiday tradition that brings everyone together. Let’s dive into how to make them, shall we?
Ingredients for Christmas Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar (packed)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but highly recommended for that festive crunch!)
How to Prepare Christmas Brownies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because starting off with a hot oven helps the brownies bake evenly and rise beautifully. While that’s warming up, grab your trusty 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. I usually use butter or non-stick spray to ensure those delicious brownies slide right out after baking!
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Next, let’s get that butter melting! In a saucepan over low heat, melt the 1 cup of unsalted butter. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t brown; we just want it melted and smooth. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat! That’s key because if you add your other ingredients while it’s still hot, you might end up with scrambled eggs—yikes!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time to mix! In the same saucepan, stir in the 2 cups of granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix them in until everything is well combined and smooth. Then, gently add in the 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Be careful here—just mix until you see no dry flour. Over-mixing can lead to tough brownies, and we definitely want them fudgy!
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips and Walnuts
Here comes the fun part! Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and, if you’re using them, the 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. Gently fold them in so you keep that lovely texture. You want those gooey chocolate chips to be distributed throughout, but don’t overdo it—just enough until they’re mixed in!
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Now, pour that beautiful batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look firm, but the center still has a slight jiggle. Let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is crucial, as it helps them set perfectly before cutting into those scrumptious squares!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- Decadently chocolatey with rich flavors that everyone loves.
- Can be made in one bowl, which means less cleanup—yay!
- Customizable with nuts or even a swirl of peppermint for a festive twist.
- Great for sharing at holiday gatherings; they disappear fast!
- Delicious warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion.
Tips for Success
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your brownies are perfectly baked, use the toothpick test! Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re done. If it comes out wet, give them a few more minutes.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients, mix just until you see no dry flour. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, and we want them fudgy and soft, not tough!
- Cool Completely: While it’s tempting to dig in right away, let your brownies cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes. This cooling time helps them set and makes cutting easier without crumbling.
- Store Properly: Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them longer, freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and they’ll be good for up to 3 months.
- Add a Personal Touch: Don’t be afraid to customize your brownies! Whether it’s a sprinkle of sea salt on top or a swirl of caramel, these little touches can elevate your Christmas brownies to a whole new level.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
When it comes to nutrition, keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The numbers below are just estimates to give you a general idea of what you’re indulging in with these delightful Christmas brownies.
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Sugar: About 20g
- Sodium: Around 150mg
- Fat: Roughly 12g
- Saturated Fat: About 7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
- Fiber: Around 2g
- Protein: About 3g
So, while you’re enjoying these delicious treats, just remember to savor every bite and enjoy the festive flavors without worrying too much about the numbers! Happy baking!
FAQ about Christmas Brownies
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! While I love the rich flavor of semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can mix it up by using dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate hit, or even milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter taste. You could also try swapping in white chocolate chips for a fun contrast, or even using a combination of different chocolates for a unique twist. Just remember, the type of chocolate you choose will affect the overall flavor, so go with what you love!
How can I make these brownies healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, there are several easy swaps you can make! First, consider using unsweetened applesauce in place of some of the butter—about half a cup should do the trick. You can also reduce the sugar by using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, just keep in mind that it may alter the texture a little. For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend. And don’t forget to sneak in some healthy add-ins like chia seeds or ground flaxseed for a nutty flavor and extra fiber!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
To keep your Christmas brownies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare!), you can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, and they’ll be just as scrumptious as the day you made them!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your delicious Christmas brownies, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them that will definitely elevate your holiday treat game:
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: There’s nothing quite like a warm brownie paired with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream! The melty ice cream contrasts beautifully with the fudgy texture of the brownies, creating a heavenly dessert experience.
- Drizzled with Hot Fudge: For an extra indulgent treat, warm up some chocolate sauce or hot fudge and drizzle it over your brownies just before serving. It adds a rich, gooey layer that will have everyone coming back for more!
- Accompanied by Fresh Berries: If you want a lighter touch, serve your brownies with a side of fresh raspberries or strawberries. The tartness of the berries cuts through the richness of the brownies and adds a festive pop of color!
- With a Holiday Drink: Pair your brownies with a cozy cup of hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or even a festive holiday cocktail. The warm flavors of your drink will perfectly complement the chocolatey goodness of the brownies.
Whichever way you choose to serve them, these Christmas brownies are sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings! Enjoy every bite and make some sweet memories!
For more delicious dessert recipes, check out our brownie category or learn how to make Christmas pudding shots for a festive twist!
Print
Christmas Brownies That Will Melt Your Heart and Soul
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas brownies with festive flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup 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).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, cocoa, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- They freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Top with powdered sugar for decoration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Christmas brownies, holiday dessert, chocolate brownies