Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my favorite holiday treat—*Christmas brownies*! There’s just something magical about whipping up a batch of these rich, chocolatey delights during the festive season. The aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake is enough to make anyone swoon! I cherish the moments spent with my family, gathering around the oven as we eagerly await that first bite. Trust me, these brownies are not just any brownies; they’re a heartwarming tradition that brings joy and sweetness to our celebrations. So, whether you’re making them for a holiday party or just to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire, these *Christmas brownies* are sure to become a cherished favorite in your home too!
Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my favorite holiday treat—*Christmas brownies*! There’s just something magical about whipping up a batch of these rich, chocolatey delights during the festive season. The aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake is enough to make anyone swoon! I cherish the moments spent with my family, gathering around the oven as we eagerly await that first bite. Trust me, these brownies are not just any brownies; they’re a heartwarming tradition that brings joy and sweetness to our celebrations. So, whether you’re making them for a holiday party or just to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire, these *Christmas brownies* are sure to become a cherished favorite in your home too!
Ingredients List
- 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
How to Prepare *Christmas Brownies*
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a hot oven ensures your brownies bake evenly and come out just right! While the oven is warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well with some butter or cooking spray. You want those brownies to slide right out when they’re done, so don’t skip this step. Trust me, no one wants to deal with stuck brownies!
Combine the Ingredients
Now, let’s get mixing! In a saucepan over low heat, melt your unsalted butter. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn, just let it get nice and gooey. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. It’s really important to mix these well; you want everything to blend into a smooth and shiny mixture. Next, sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir just until combined—don’t overmix! Finally, fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts if you’re using them. The batter should be thick and luscious, perfect for brownies!
Bake the Brownies
Pour that delightful batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Now it’s time to bake! Slide the pan into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a wire rack. Patience is key here—let them cool completely before cutting into squares. This will help them hold their shape and make for beautiful, fudgy bites!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for these delightful *Christmas brownies*! Each brownie is a little piece of heaven, and while they’re indulgent, I think you’ll find they’re worth every calorie. Here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions you might make. But no matter the numbers, one thing’s for sure—these brownies are a delicious treat that’s perfect for celebrating the season!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for those busy holiday days!
- Rich, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth—hello, chocolate lovers!
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive gatherings.
- Customizable—add your favorite nuts, candies, or even a swirl of peppermint for an extra holiday touch!
- Great for gifting—wrap them up in a nice box for a sweet homemade present.
- They stay fresh for days, so you can enjoy them throughout the season!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s chat about some tips to ensure your *Christmas brownies* turn out absolutely perfect every time! These little nuggets of chocolatey joy deserve it!
- Baking Time Adjustments: Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. Ovens can be tricky, so I recommend checking for doneness around 25 minutes. If a toothpick comes out with some moist crumbs, they’re just right! If it comes out gooey, give them a few more minutes. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Fudginess Factor: Want your brownies extra fudgy? Try reducing the baking time by a couple of minutes. But be careful—not too underbaked, or they won’t hold together well.
- Ingredient Variations: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Swap out half the chocolate chips for peanut butter chips for a nutty twist, or toss in some crushed candy canes for a festive crunch. You can even use almond flour for a gluten-free version, just make sure to adjust the liquid a tad!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, let your eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. This helps them blend better into the batter, creating that rich, velvety consistency we all love.
- Chill Before Cutting: If you can resist the urge to dive in right away, let the brownies cool completely in the pan, and even chill them in the fridge for a bit. This makes cutting them into neat squares a breeze!
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the flour and cocoa, stir just until everything is blended. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies—yikes!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re bound to impress everyone with your delectable *Christmas brownies*! Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let’s talk about how to serve these scrumptious *Christmas brownies*! They’re already amazing on their own, but with a little creativity, you can elevate them to a whole new level of festive delight!
- À la Mode: Serve your brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast of the hot, fudgy brownie and the cold, creamy ice cream is simply divine!
- Festive Toppings: Drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. A sprinkle of crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles can add a lovely holiday flair!
- Whipped Cream and Berries: A dollop of freshly whipped cream and a handful of berries—like raspberries or strawberries—can bring a lightness to the rich chocolate. It’s like a little celebration on your plate!
- Chocolate Ganache: For an indulgent twist, pour a silky chocolate ganache over the brownies. It’s luxurious and adds an irresistible shine!
- Brownie Sundae: Layer pieces of brownie in a glass with ice cream, whipped cream, and your favorite toppings to create a delightful brownie sundae. It’s a fun way to serve them at parties!
- Gift-Worthy Treats: Cut them into festive shapes using cookie cutters and wrap them in pretty packaging. They make for delightful homemade gifts during the holiday season!
Whatever way you choose to serve your *Christmas brownies*, they’re sure to be a hit! Enjoy sharing these delicious treats with your loved ones, and watch their faces light up with joy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious *Christmas brownies* properly is key to keeping them fresh and fudgy! Once they’ve cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Just be sure to place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This prevents them from sticking together—nobody wants a brownie disaster!
If you want to keep them for a longer time, consider freezing them! Simply wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, just take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight, or you can pop them in the microwave for a quick 15-20 seconds for that warm, gooey experience.
Reheating is super easy! If you prefer a warm brownie, microwave a single serving for about 10-15 seconds. You can also warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t dry out. Enjoy your *Christmas brownies* fresh and warm whenever the craving strikes!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of flour? Absolutely! If you want a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just be sure to check the packaging for any specific instructions to get the best results.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter? No worries! You can use salted butter instead. Just skip adding any additional salt to the recipe to balance out the flavors.
How do I store leftover brownies? After they’ve cooled completely, store your *Christmas brownies* in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped, as mentioned earlier!
Can I add other mix-ins to the batter? You bet! Feel free to mix in anything your heart desires—chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or even different types of chocolate chips. Get creative and make them your own!
How can I adjust the baking time for softer brownies? If you prefer your brownies a bit fudgier, check for doneness a couple of minutes earlier than the recommended time. If a toothpick comes out with some moist crumbs, they’re perfect!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time? Definitely! You can make them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing. This makes them a fantastic option for holiday parties!
What’s the best way to serve these brownies? While they’re delicious on their own, serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce takes them to the next level. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake them in a larger pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may take a little longer to cook through. Enjoy the extra chocolatey goodness!
Print
Christmas Brownies: 7 Magical Tips for Delicious Joy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and rich chocolate brownies perfect for Christmas celebrations.
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.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, cocoa, and salt until just combined.
- Add chocolate chips and walnuts, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- These brownies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust baking time for fudgier brownies.
- 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: 70mg
Keywords: christmas brownies
