If you’re searching for a festive treat that not only tastes incredible but also looks like a gift you can unwrap, this Christmas Present Brownies Recipe is exactly what your holiday celebrations need. Rich, fudgy brownies get a joyful makeover with colorful candy melts and charming mini bows, turning a classic dessert into a delightful present you can eat. It’s a recipe that combines simplicity with eye-catching fun, perfect for sharing warmth and sweetness during the most wonderful time of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Christmas Present Brownies Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive flair. From the creamy butter that ensures fudginess to the cocoa powder that delivers deep chocolate richness, the components are simple but essential for making brownies that everyone will love.
- Unsalted butter (2 sticks): Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the brownies moist and fudgy.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and balances the chocolate bitterness for that perfect bite.
- Large eggs (4): Add structure and help achieve the glossy, thick batter consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Gives structure to the brownies without making them cakey.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 cup): Packs chocolaty goodness and a deep color into every bite.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Just enough lift to keep the brownies dense but not flat.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup, optional): For extra melty chocolate pockets throughout the brownies.
- Red, green, and white candy melts: Transform the brownies into festive, edible presents with bright, colorful ribbons.
- Mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles (optional): Add that final magical touch to complete the gift look.
How to Make Christmas Present Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure your brownies come out cleanly and keep that perfect shape when it’s time to cut them into those adorable present squares.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix with Sugar
Melt the unsalted butter over low heat, then whisk in the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool slightly because this step creates the decadent base that will make your brownies shine in both texture and taste.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugar mixture is cool enough, whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is thick and glossy — this means it’s perfectly aerated for that iconic fudgy brownie texture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold In
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifted dry ingredients ensure your brownies have a smooth, even crumb. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture to keep the batter light but dense at the same time. If you want to elevate the chocolate punch, fold in the chocolate chips here.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely before decorating — patience here brings the best results.
Step 6: Decorate the Brownies Like Christmas Presents
Once cooled, carefully lift the brownie slab out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into square “gifts.” Melt your red, green, and white candy melts and artistically drizzle them over each brownie, mimicking colorful ribbons wrapping up your little dessert surprises. Add mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles to complete the festive look. Let the decorations set at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes for quicker setting.
How to Serve Christmas Present Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can truly brighten up your Christmas Present Brownies Recipe. Try adding extra mini candy bows, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a light drizzle of white chocolate to complement the candy melts ribbons. They give your brownies an extra pop of holiday cheer while adding subtle texture contrasts.
Side Dishes
Brownies are delicious on their own, but paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, they become even more irresistible. For a seasonal twist, try serving alongside cinnamon-spiced hot cocoa or a rich eggnog to complete your holiday dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
Because these brownies are designed to look like holiday presents, consider stacking them on a cake stand with decorative greenery or placing them in small gift boxes tied with ribbon for party favors. Presentation helps turn your Christmas Present Brownies Recipe into a true showstopper that excites both the eyes and the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Christmas Present Brownies Recipe (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Keeping them covered prevents the brownies from drying out and helps maintain their fudgy texture.
Freezing
To keep your brownies fresh longer, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, making this recipe perfect for holiday prep in advance.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen Christmas Present Brownies, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Warm them slightly in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds to bring back that just-baked softness and gooey chocolate goodness.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to keep the flavor balanced and not overly salty.
Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?
Sifting helps prevent lumps and makes folding in the dry ingredients easier, resulting in a smoother, more uniform brownie texture. However, if you don’t have a sifter, mixing thoroughly still works.
What can I substitute for candy melts for decoration?
You can use melted white chocolate tinted with food coloring or colorful icing to decorate the brownies creatively if you don’t have candy melts on hand.
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. Overbaking makes the brownies dry, so check a few minutes before the suggested bake time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just be mindful that the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about turning a classic brownie into a festive edible gift with the Christmas Present Brownies Recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings joy not just in taste but in look too. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or your holiday party, these brownies are sure to spread cheer and sweetness one colorful square at a time. Give them a try this season — your celebrations will be all the brighter for it!
Print
Christmas Present Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully festive Christmas Present Brownies that combine rich, fudgy chocolate with colorful candy melt decorations to resemble wrapped holiday gifts. Perfect for spreading holiday cheer at parties or as a sweet seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 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
- Mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easier to lift the brownies out after baking.
- Melt Butter and Combine Sugar: Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the granulated sugar until smooth and fully incorporated. Allow this mixture to cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs in the next step.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Gradually add the eggs and vanilla extract into the cooled butter and sugar mixture, whisking continuously until the batter becomes thick, glossy, and well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure a smooth, lump-free dry mix.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture until just combined and the batter is smooth. If desired, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra chocolatey bursts.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Remove: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into 12 equal squares.
- Decorate with Candy Melts: Melt the red, green, and white candy melts according to package instructions. Drizzle the melted candy over the brownies to resemble festive ribbons. Optionally, adorn with mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
- Set Decorations: Let the decorated brownies sit at room temperature or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to allow the candy melts to harden before serving.
Notes
- To ensure fudgy brownies, do not overbake; check with a toothpick for moist crumbs.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips according to preference.
- Candy melts can be gently warmed in short bursts in the microwave to prevent burning.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
