Christmas Present Brownies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and absolutely scrumptious treat to share this holiday season, then this Christmas Present Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need. These brownies are not just tasty but cleverly designed to look like wrapped presents, making them the perfect edible gift or centerpiece for your holiday parties. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a delightful presentation, this recipe pairs classic chocolate goodness with the festive cheer of Christmas, promising smiles and sweet moments with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Design: The brownies are cleverly decorated to look like gift boxes, adding a cheerful and unique touch to your holiday spread.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with kitchen staples, no complicated or hard-to-find items needed, making it accessible for everyone.
• Perfect for Gifting: These brownies are easy to wrap and share, turning your homemade dessert into thoughtful and personal holiday presents.
• Rich Flavor: Classic chocolate brownies paired with colorful icing provide a deliciously sweet and moist treat everyone will love.
• Fun to Make: Decorating the brownies is a creative and enjoyable activity, perfect for involving kids or friends in holiday preparations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Christmas Present Brownies Recipe a success. Each component plays a vital role, from the fudgy brownies to the vibrant icing that creates the signature gift look.

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds rich, deep chocolate flavor without overpowering sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and the perfect texture balance in the brownies.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps create a moist crumb.
• Butter: Ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a buttery richness.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding to the chewy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Powdered Sugar: Essential for smooth, sweet frosting for decorating.
• Food Coloring: Creates the vibrant red, green, and white “gift wrap” effect on the brownies.
• Butter or Shortening (for icing): Gives the frosting a creamy texture ideal for piping ribbons and bows.

Variations for Christmas Present Brownies Recipe

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easily it adapts to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make the recipe truly yours!

• Nutty Surprise: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend without sacrificing texture.
• Spiced Brownies: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to bring festive warmth to the chocolate.
• Vegan Version: Use flax eggs and dairy-free butter alternatives to keep the brownies plant-based.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: Add a white chocolate glaze on top for an elegant contrast to the dark brownies.

How to Make Christmas Present Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Brownie Batter

Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar until combined. Add the cocoa powder and vanilla extract, mixing well. Finally, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the flour until just combined – careful not to overmix for tender brownies.

Step 2: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter evenly into a lined or greased 8×8 inch baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely before decorating.

Step 3: Make the Frosting and Color It

Combine the powdered sugar with softened butter or shortening and a small splash of milk or water to create a thick but spreadable icing. Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add your chosen food coloring to each to create the festive reds, greens, and whites.

Step 4: Decorate to Look Like Christmas Presents

Cut the cooled brownies into equal squares. Use piping bags or a small ziplock bag with the corner snipped off to pipe ribbon and bow designs over each brownie, transforming them into adorable edible gifts.

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Present Brownies Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Eggs: They blend better into the batter, resulting in smoother texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Check the brownies a few minutes before suggested time to avoid dry edges.
• Cool Completely: Ensure the brownies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting or sliding icing.
• Thin Icing for Piping: If piping ribbons, slightly thin your frosting with milk for smooth, precise lines.
• Practice Your Decorations: Try piping on parchment paper beforehand to get comfortable with your technique.

How to Serve Christmas Present Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy or edible glitter on top for extra sparkle and holiday cheer. Small edible silver balls also make charming accents for gift ribbons.

Side Dishes

Serve your Christmas Present Brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add creamy contrast and balance the richness of the chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the brownies in a festive tin or box, lined with parchment paper and tied with a colorful ribbon to enhance the “present” theme. Individual clear bags with a ribbon also work perfectly for gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 4 days. Refrigeration can dry them out, so room temp is best if you plan to eat them quickly.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze unfrosted brownies in a sealed freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw fully before frosting and decorating.

Reheating

Warm brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back their soft texture. Avoid overheating, which can dry them out.

FAQs

Can I use boxed brownie mix instead of making from scratch?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite boxed brownie mix to save time, then focus on decorating them as Christmas presents for a quick, festive treat.

What kind of frosting works best for the decorations?

A simple buttercream made from powdered sugar and butter or shortening is ideal because it holds its shape well and takes color beautifully.

How can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Swap regular flour for a gluten-free baking blend in equal amounts, making sure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Is it possible to make these vegan?

Yes! Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs and substitute dairy butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil for the brownies and frosting.

Can I prepare the brownies a day ahead?

Definitely! You can bake the brownies a day in advance and store them at room temperature. Decorate them closer to serving to keep the frosting fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Present Brownies Recipe is a delightful way to bring a little extra magic to your holiday baking. Whether you’re making a thoughtful gift for loved ones or creating a festive dessert to enjoy at your own celebration, these beautifully decorated brownies are sure to impress. Grab your ingredients, get creative with your frosting, and dive into some joyful holiday baking moments!

Related Posts

• Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
• Raspberry Swirl Christmas Roll: A Festive and Flavorful Holiday Treat
• Raspberry Filled Almond Snowball Cookies – Festive Holiday Treats

Print