The Story Behind These Holiday Brownies
There’s something magical about baking in December. The air smells like cinnamon and cocoa, the twinkle lights flicker across the kitchen counters, and memories sneak up on you in the sweetest ways.
Every year when I make my frosted Christmas brownies, I’m taken back to one snowy afternoon in my mom’s kitchen. I must’ve been around nine, perched on a stool with a mixing spoon twice the size of my hand. The chocolate batter was thick, the peppermint scent was sharp, and when the brownies cooled, we layered on the frosting like it was snow on a rooftop. That simple recipe, passed down on a smudged index card, has now become a yearly tradition in my home.
These frosted Christmas brownies have evolved over the years. They’re richer, fudgier, and topped with a festive layer of peppermint or vanilla frosting, finished with red, green, and white sprinkles. But at their core, they’re still about joy — the joy of creating something comforting, nostalgic, and downright delicious.
Let’s walk through how to make these crowd-pleasing frosted Christmas brownies, from the batter to the frosting and all the cheerful decorations in between.
Table of Contents
Frosted Christmas Brownies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment Paper
- offset spatula or knife for frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract (optional)
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp espresso powder (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup dark chocolate chunks or chips
- 1 cup peppermint or vanilla buttercream frosting
- 2 tbsp crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and peppermint extract (if using).
- Whisk in cocoa powder and espresso powder, followed by flour and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in dark chocolate chunks. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly soft. Cool completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, frost with peppermint or vanilla buttercream. Decorate with sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
- Cut into 12 squares and serve. Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
Notes
Nutrition
Starting With the Perfect Base – The Brownie Layer
The Key to Moist, Fudgy Texture
The foundation of every great frosted brownie is the brownie itself. While boxed mixes offer convenience, nothing compares to the taste and texture of brownies made from scratch. A blend of melted butter, high-quality cocoa powder, and dark chocolate chunks creates a base that’s dense and rich, with just the right amount of chew.
Adding a touch of espresso powder — not enough to taste, but just enough to deepen the chocolate flavor — is a little secret that makes these holiday brownies irresistible. Eggs help bind everything together, while sugar gives the crackly top we all love.
For a festive touch, crushed candy cane or peppermint extract can be stirred into the batter. If peppermint isn’t your favorite, orange zest or almond extract offer equally seasonal alternatives.
Holiday Variations That Work Every Time
The base brownie recipe can be customized depending on the occasion or crowd. Add crushed walnuts or chopped pecans for texture, swirl in raspberry jam for a fruity surprise, or layer with chocolate chips to make it double decadent.
For a playful Grinch Brownies twist, a swirl of green food coloring in the batter with white chocolate chips gives it that fun holiday aesthetic without changing the flavor. No matter the variation, the essential part is to bake them until just set — the edges should be firm, and the center slightly soft. This keeps the brownies fudgy once they cool and ensures they pair well with the frosting.
Frosting Matters – Picking the Right Topping
Classic Vanilla vs Peppermint Icing
The frosting is where the Christmas magic truly happens. While the brownies alone are delicious, the frosting elevates them into festive territory. A classic vanilla buttercream is the go-to for its balance of sweetness and smooth texture. It spreads easily over cooled brownies and serves as the perfect backdrop for decorations.
For a more seasonal flavor, peppermint frosting is the winner. Adding just a touch of peppermint extract to your buttercream and a drop of red or green food coloring makes the brownies feel instantly festive. Some bakers also enjoy using a cream cheese base — it gives the frosting a slight tang, which contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the brownie.
Easy Frosted Brownies for Any Skill Level
No matter your baking experience, making frosting is surprisingly simple. It starts with softened butter, whipped until fluffy. Powdered sugar is added gradually to keep the texture smooth. A splash of milk or cream loosens it to spreading consistency, and your choice of flavoring (vanilla, peppermint, almond) adds the personality.
If you’re in a hurry, store-bought frosting works fine too. Add your personal touch with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or crushed peppermint, and it’ll feel homemade in a flash.
Decorating Frosted Christmas Brownies With Style
Sprinkles, Drizzles, and Peppermint Toppings
Decorating the frosted Christmas brownies is the fun part, especially if little hands are helping. Start with the frosted surface as your blank canvas. From there, go as subtle or as sparkly as you like.
Red and green sanding sugar gives them a classic holiday glow. Crushed peppermint or candy cane pieces add a crunch that also screams Christmas. If you love texture, mini chocolate chips or white chocolate shavings make a beautiful contrast.
Some people prefer drizzle over sprinkles — melted dark chocolate or white chocolate drizzled in zig-zags across the top brings bakery-level polish with very little effort.
Designs That Impress But Are Easy to Achieve
For themed desserts, try slicing your brownies into triangles and turning them into Christmas trees. A small piece of candy cane becomes the tree trunk, green icing makes the branches, and M&M minis can serve as ornaments.
Another charming option is the Peppermint Bark Brownie version. Frost the brownie with peppermint icing, chill it until firm, then top with a layer of white chocolate and more peppermint bits. Once it sets, break or cut into shards for a crunchy, beautiful effect that combines two holiday classics in one.
Storing and Serving Frosted Holiday Brownies
Keeping Brownies Fresh for the Party
Once decorated, frosted Christmas brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature. If your kitchen runs warm, keep them in the fridge — just let them sit at room temp for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.
To prevent the frosting from sticking when stacked, place a piece of wax paper or parchment between layers. For freezer storage, wrap unfrosted brownies in plastic, then foil. Thaw at room temperature before adding fresh frosting and decorations.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Joy
Frosted Christmas brownies make a beautiful display at any dessert table. Serve them on a platter lined with holly-patterned paper or a red napkin for extra flair. Pair with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy, complete experience.
They’re also perfect for gifting — a few squares tucked into a holiday tin, tied with a ribbon, and you’ve got an edible present anyone would appreciate.
They’re fantastic additions to a dessert bar, where guests can choose between Christmas blondies, brownie Christmas trees, and chocolate-dipped treats. For a more elegant event, plate them with a scoop of peppermint or vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Quick Glance at Variations for Frosted Christmas Brownies
| Variation Name | Key Ingredient or Twist | Frosting Flavor | Decoration Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Peppermint | Peppermint extract in batter | Peppermint buttercream | Crushed candy canes |
| Grinch Brownies | Green food coloring + white choc | Vanilla frosting | Red heart sprinkle center |
| Peppermint Bark Brownies | White chocolate topping | Peppermint + vanilla | Shards of peppermint bark |
| Christmas Blondies | Use blondie base (brown sugar) | Cream cheese frosting | Red & green sprinkles |
| Brownie Christmas Trees | Triangular cuts + candy cane stem | Vanilla + green tint | M&M minis as ornaments |
| Holiday Mocha Brownies | Espresso powder in batter | Chocolate ganache | Silver dragées or gold dust |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes frosted Christmas brownies different from regular brownies?
Frosted Christmas brownies include festive frosting and decorations that are typically absent in regular brownies. They’re designed for the holidays with flavors like peppermint and colorful toppings.
Can I make frosted Christmas brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the brownies ahead and freeze them unfrosted. When ready to serve, thaw and frost fresh. Frosted brownies last up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Do frosted brownies need to be refrigerated?
Not necessarily. If the frosting is buttercream or peppermint-based, they can sit at room temperature. However, cream cheese frosting should be kept in the refrigerator.
What’s the best way to cut frosted brownies cleanly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut. This prevents sticking and gives smooth, bakery-style edges.
Conclusion
Frosted Christmas brownies are more than just a dessert — they’re a piece of tradition, a bite of joy, and a moment shared with those we love. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want to make your winter nights a little sweeter, these brownies deliver.
They’re easy to customize, perfect for gifting, and guaranteed to disappear from the plate faster than you expect. From the fudgy center to the frosted top, every bite is holiday magic.
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