Christmas Present Brownies Recipe
These festive Christmas Present Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate goodness with colorful candy melt decorations to resemble wrapped gifts. Perfect for holiday parties or gifting, this easy-to-make recipe delivers chewy, luscious brownies topped with vibrant candy ribbons and festive sprinkles.
- Author: Rico
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Brownie Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- Red, green, and white candy melts
- Mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles (optional)
- Prepare the brownie batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal. Melt the butter over low heat in a medium saucepan. Remove from the heat and whisk in the sugar until smooth and shiny. Let the mixture cool slightly. Then whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
- Add the dry ingredients: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until well combined but not overmixed to maintain chewy texture. If desired, fold in the chocolate chips for extra fudginess.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Avoid overbaking as the brownies will continue to cook slightly after removal. Let brownies cool completely in the pan.
- Cut and decorate like gifts: Use the parchment paper to lift the cooled brownies from the pan and place on a cutting board. Cut into even squares representing presents. Melt the red, green, and white candy melts separately in the microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Drizzle or pipe the melted candy melts over the brownies in crisscross patterns to mimic ribbons. Top each with mini bows, candy, or sprinkles for festive flair.
- Let the decorations set: Allow the candy melt decorations to harden at room temperature or refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes to speed the process. Once set, arrange the Christmas Present Brownies on a platter or in a gift box lined with parchment paper for a charming presentation and delicious holiday treat.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a chewy texture in the brownies.
- Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal of brownies from the pan.
- Chocolate chips are optional but add extra fudginess.
- Microwave candy melts in short bursts to prevent burning and ensure smooth texture.
- Allow decorations to set completely before serving or packing for gifting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate.
Keywords: brownies, Christmas brownies, holiday dessert, fudgy brownies, candy melt decorations, festive treats