There’s nothing quite like the scent of freshly baked brownies to usher in the holiday spirit, and these homemade Christmas Brownies are no exception. Infused with festive cheer and crowned with a luscious ganache topping and vibrant sprinkles, they are destined to become the star of your holiday dessert table. This recipe is celebrated for its simplicity and utterly delicious results, making it an indispensable addition to your collection of Christmas party favorites. Get ready to bake a batch of pure joy that will delight everyone.
These rich, fudgy brownies are a symphony of chocolate perfection. Each bite delivers intense cocoa flavor, complemented by the delightful crunch of festive Christmas M&M’s and the playful texture of holiday sprinkles mixed right into the batter. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there. To elevate this treat to an even higher level of decadence, we’ve added a silky-smooth chocolate ganache topping that melts in your mouth, creating an irresistible combination that perfectly embodies the spirit of the season. This recipe offers a delightful blend of simplicity and gourmet flair, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels while delivering a show-stopping dessert.
Whether you’re hosting a grand Christmas party, enjoying a cozy movie night with family, or looking for a delightful edible gift, these festive brownies are the perfect choice. Their vibrant appearance and irresistible taste make them a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Beyond these delectable brownies, our annual holiday baking traditions often include other beloved treats such as Grinch Brownies, charming Christmas Cake Pops, and delightful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars. We also cherish making Christmas Mints and exploring a wide array of Easy Christmas Dessert Recipes to keep our holiday menu fresh and exciting. For those with dietary considerations, we’ve also curated a fantastic list of 45 Gluten-Free Christmas Desserts, ensuring everyone can enjoy the festive sweetness.
Why These Christmas Brownies Will Be Your New Holiday Favorite
Creating sensational brownies from scratch is a surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding process. This particular recipe takes homemade brownies to a whole new level of festive delight, making it an absolute must-try for your holiday baking endeavors. The secret lies in its perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and an irresistibly fudgy texture, a hallmark of truly exceptional brownies. They come together swiftly, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary Christmas Dessert that rivals store-bought treats. We adore how versatile and delightful these brownies are, fitting seamlessly into any holiday celebration. In our home, they stand proudly alongside other festive creations like the whimsical Ugly Sweater Cake, charming Snowman Chocolate-Covered Oreos, and the impressive Christmas Dessert Lasagna Recipe. Each bite of these fudgy delights evokes warm memories and festive cheer, solidifying their place as a cherished holiday tradition.
If you’re a devoted fan of rich, gooey brownies, you might also enjoy our indulgent S’mores Brownies Recipe for another fantastic dessert experience. However, for a genuinely festive treat, these Christmas brownies, with their vibrant colors and decadent ganache, offer a unique charm that’s simply perfect for the season. They are designed to be effortlessly delicious, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the magic of Christmas with your loved ones.
What’s in this post: Christmas Brownies
- Why we love this recipe
- Key Ingredients for the Perfect Batch
- Creative Variations and Customizations
- Step-by-Step Guide to Making Christmas Brownies
- Expert Pro Tips for Success
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Festive Christmas Desserts
- Full Christmas Brownies Recipe Card
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Batch
For the Fudgy Brownies:
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the crisp top crust characteristic of perfect brownies.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture, depth of flavor, and a chewiness that enhances the fudgy texture.
- Cocoa Powder: The heart of the chocolate flavor. Using a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder will make a significant difference in the richness of your brownies.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure without making the brownies cakey. Measuring accurately is key.
- Salt: A crucial ingredient that balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Baking Powder: Just a touch for a slight lift, ensuring they’re not too dense.
- Large Eggs: Act as a binder, adding richness and contributing to the desired fudgy consistency. Ensure they are at room temperature.
- Melted Butter: For a rich, buttery flavor and a wonderfully moist crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: Essential for rounding out the chocolate flavor and adding a warm, inviting aroma.
- Christmas M&M’s: These festive candies are mixed into the batter for a pop of color, texture, and holiday cheer.
For the Decadent Ganache Topping:
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The foundation of our rich ganache. Quality chocolate will yield the best results.
- Heavy Cream: When heated and combined with chocolate, it creates the luxuriously smooth and pourable ganache.
- Christmas Sprinkles: The final touch of festive decoration, adding color and a playful element to your brownies.
You’ll find a comprehensive list of all ingredients with precise measurements and detailed instructions in the complete recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Creative Variations and Customizations for Your Christmas Brownies:
These Christmas brownies are incredibly versatile, allowing you to unleash your creativity and tailor them to your personal taste or specific holiday theme. Here are some fantastic ways to customize your batch:
- Christmas Tree Shapes: For an extra festive touch, after the brownies have cooled, use a small Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to create individual brownie trees. You can then decorate each one uniquely for a delightful presentation.
- Quick Brownie Mix Option: Short on time but still want homemade taste? You can easily substitute the from-scratch brownie base with a high-quality store-bought boxed brownie mix. Just follow the package instructions for baking, then proceed with our delicious ganache topping and festive sprinkles.
- Creative Frosting Ideas: Instead of ganache, or in addition to it, decorate the tops of your cooled brownies with a classic buttercream frosting. Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to create swirls, rosettes, or festive designs. Don’t hesitate to use red and green food coloring to create vibrant holiday-themed icing for an even more celebratory look.
- Seasonal Adaptations: This recipe isn’t just for Christmas! You can easily enjoy these fudgy delights all year round. Simply swap out the Christmas-themed M&M’s and sprinkles for traditional varieties or ones themed for other holidays like Valentine’s Day (pink and red), Halloween (orange and black), or Easter (pastel colors). The possibilities for seasonal fun are truly endless.
- Peppermint Perfection: For a refreshing twist, substitute the M&M’s in the topping with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes. The hint of mint flavor perfectly complements the rich chocolate, and the vibrant red and white pieces will add a beautiful, sparkling finish. You can also add a touch of peppermint extract to the brownie batter or ganache for an extra minty kick.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in a half-cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the brownie batter for an added layer of texture and nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Chunk Boost: Enhance the chocolate intensity by adding a half-cup of dark chocolate chunks or white chocolate chips to the batter along with the M&M’s.
- Citrus Zest: For a bright, unexpected flavor, grate in the zest of an orange or tangerine into the brownie batter. Chocolate and orange are a classic combination that feels especially festive.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Christmas Brownies:
Crafting these delectable Christmas brownies is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect fudgy results every time:
- Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Preheat the Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures even baking. Next, prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by spraying it generously with a non-stick cooking spray. For even easier removal and cleanup, consider lining the pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will allow you to simply lift the entire sheet of cooled brownies out of the pan.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients for Richness. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, large eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and the mixture is lightened slightly. This step is crucial for incorporating air and creating a smooth base for your brownies.
Step 3: Gently Incorporate Dry Ingredients and M&M’s. Gradually add the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix these dry ingredients into the wet ones by hand. Be careful not to overmix; stir only until just combined to ensure a wonderfully fudgy, rather than cakey, brownie. Once the batter is mostly smooth, gently stir in 1 cup of the Christmas M&M’s by hand. This prevents the candies from breaking apart.
Step 4: Spread and Bake to Perfection. Pour the thick brownie batter into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the bottom of the pan, ensuring consistent thickness for even baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking, as this will result in dry brownies.
Step 5: Prepare the Decadent Ganache. While your brownies are baking, it’s time to prepare the luscious chocolate ganache topping. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer around the edges. Do not bring it to a rolling boil.
Step 6: Melt Chocolate Chips into Smoothness. Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately pour in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let them sit in the hot cream for about 5 minutes to soften. Then, using a whisk or spatula, stir gently until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth, glossy, and well combined. This is your rich ganache.
Step 7: Top the Brownies with Ganache. Once the brownies are out of the oven and slightly cooled (but still warm), pour the prepared chocolate ganache evenly over their surface. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently smooth out the ganache, ensuring it covers the entire top of the brownies.
Step 8: Add the Final Festive Touch. Immediately after spreading the ganache, while it’s still warm and soft, liberally sprinkle the remaining Christmas M&M’s and your favorite festive Christmas sprinkles over the top. This ensures they adhere beautifully to the ganache as it sets.
Step 9: Chill and Serve. Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer them to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling is essential to allow the ganache topping to firm up and the brownies to set, making them much easier to cut into clean, perfect squares. Once chilled, cut into desired portions and serve your spectacular Christmas Brownies!
Expert Pro Tips for Achieving Christmas Brownie Perfection:
To ensure your Christmas brownies are absolutely perfect, fudgy, and bursting with holiday flavor, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Embrace Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother, more homogenous batter, always use ingredients like eggs and butter at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more easily and evenly, resulting in a perfectly consistent brownie texture. Cold ingredients tend to resist blending, leading to a lumpy batter and potentially an uneven bake.
- Do Not Overmix the Batter: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for fudgy brownies! Once you’ve added the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder) to the wet mixture, mix only until they are just combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to a tougher, more cake-like brownie texture rather than the desired dense and fudgy consistency. A gentle hand is key here.
- Hand Stir the Candies: When incorporating delicate additions like M&M’s, chocolate chips, or nuts, always use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold them into the batter by hand. Using an electric mixer can crush the candies, creating a messy appearance and altering their texture. Gentle folding ensures they remain intact and beautifully distributed throughout the brownies.
- Line Your Baking Dish for Easy Removal: For effortless removal and clean cuts, always line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on two sides. Once the brownies are completely cooled and the ganache has set, you can simply use the overhang to lift the entire slab of brownies out of the pan. This makes cutting a breeze and eliminates the need to dig them out.
- Spread the Batter Evenly: Brownie batter is naturally thick. After pouring it into the prepared pan, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently and evenly spread it from edge to edge. An even layer ensures that your brownies bake uniformly, preventing burnt edges or undercooked centers.
- Avoid Overbaking at All Costs: Overbaking is the arch-nemesis of a fudgy brownie. Keep a close eye on your brownies during the last few minutes of baking. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. If the toothpick comes out completely clean, they are likely overbaked and will be drier and more cake-like. Remember, brownies continue to cook slightly from residual heat after being removed from the oven.
- Cool Completely Before Cutting: Patience is a virtue when it comes to cutting brownies. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature before attempting to slice them. For ganache-topped brownies, chilling them in the refrigerator for at least an hour (as per step 9) is even better. This firming-up period ensures clean, sharp cuts and prevents the ganache from smearing.
- Use Quality Ingredients: While this recipe is simple, the quality of your ingredients can significantly impact the final taste. Use good quality cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor, real butter, and fresh eggs for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Brownies
The key to perfectly cut brownies is patience and proper chilling. Allow your brownies to cool completely at room temperature first. For brownies with a ganache topping, it is best to refrigerate them for at least 1 hour to allow the ganache to set entirely. Once thoroughly chilled, use a long, sharp knife. For the cleanest cuts, wipe any excess brownie crumbs or ganache off the knife with a damp cloth or paper towel after each slice. This ensures every piece looks neat and professional.
To keep your delicious Christmas brownies fresh, store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully fudgy and flavorful for up to 1 week. If your home is particularly warm, or if you prefer a firmer texture, you can store them in the refrigerator. However, ensure they are tightly sealed to prevent them from drying out. In our experience, these brownies are so popular, they rarely last that long!
Absolutely! These Christmas brownies freeze beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead holiday treat. To freeze, ensure the brownies have cooled completely and the ganache topping is fully set. Cut them into individual squares, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty plastic freezer bag. If stacking layers of brownies, separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without compromising taste or texture. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw on the counter for 2 to 3 hours until they reach room temperature. They’ll taste just as fresh as the day you baked them!
Yes, these Christmas brownies are perfect for making ahead! You can bake the brownies, apply the ganache, and decorate them up to 2-3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If storing in the fridge, let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best fudgy texture.
A common reason for cakey brownies is overmixing the batter after adding the flour. Overmixing develops the gluten, leading to a lighter, airier, and more cake-like texture. For fudgy brownies, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones just until no streaks of flour remain. Another factor could be overbaking; pulling the brownies from the oven when a toothpick still has moist crumbs attached is ideal for fudginess.
More Irresistible Christmas Desserts to Explore:
The holiday season is a wonderful time for baking and sharing sweet treats. If you’re looking for more delightful desserts to add to your festive repertoire, here are some other fantastic options that are sure to spread joy:
- Christmas Tree Brownies
- Best Christmas Crack Recipe
- Easy Christmas Fudge
- Whimsical Meringue Christmas Trees
- Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake
- Traditional Italian Christmas Desserts
I am genuinely thrilled for you to try this fantastic Christmas brownies recipe! It’s truly one of our most beloved easy holiday desserts, and I’m confident it will become a cherished tradition in your home too. Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below once you’ve baked your batch – I’d love to hear about your experience!
Christmas Brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 2/3 cup Cocoa Powder
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Baking Powder
- 4 Large Eggs
- 1 cup Butter melted
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1.5 cups Christmas M&Ms
For the Ganache Topping:
- 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- ½ cup Heavy Cream
- Christmas Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9X13 baking pan with a non-stick cooking spray. For easier removal, you can line the pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until they are well mixed and smooth.
- Then slowly stir in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix these ingredients in by hand, being careful not to overmix, stirring only until just combined. Gently stir in 1 cup of the Christmas M&Ms.
- Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared 9X13 inch pan using a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Be careful not to overbake, as this will result in dry brownies.
- Prepare the ganache topping: While the brownies are baking, heat the heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, and let sit for 5 minutes. Then stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Pour the warm ganache over the slightly cooled brownies and spread it smoothly with a spatula, ensuring it covers the entire top surface.
- Immediately sprinkle the remaining M&Ms and Christmas sprinkles on top of the warm ganache. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the topping to set firmly.
- Once chilled and set, cut into squares, serve, and enjoy your festive Christmas brownies!