Ah, Christmas! It’s that magical time of year when the smell of baked goodies fills the air and laughter echoes through the house. One of my favorite holiday traditions is whipping up a batch of my special *christmas brownies*. These brownies are rich, fudgy, and oh-so-chocolatey—just the way I love them! I remember gathering in the kitchen with my family, all of us covered in flour, as we mixed and baked together. It’s a simple recipe that brings so much joy and festive cheer, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a cherished part of your own holiday celebrations!
Ingredients
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to make your delicious *christmas brownies*:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 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
Make sure your butter is melted but not too hot, just warm enough to mix in smoothly. Oh, and if you have a favorite chocolate chip brand, now’s the time to use it! These little gems will add an extra burst of chocolatey goodness to each bite. Happy baking!
How to Prepare *Christmas Brownie* Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your brownies bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it generously. Trust me, you don’t want your brownies to stick! I usually use a bit of butter or cooking spray to make sure they slide out easily once they’re baked. It’s all about keeping that fudgy goodness intact!
Mixing the Batter
Now for the fun part! In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt your butter. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. It’s important to mix these well—you want everything to blend beautifully! Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Oh, and don’t forget to fold in those chocolate chips at the end for that extra chocolatey goodness. Yum!
Baking Your Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. This is where you can get a little artistic—don’t be afraid to make it look pretty! Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. I always recommend checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. That’s the sweet spot!
Cooling and Cutting
Once your brownies are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes. I know it’s tempting, but patience is key here! After they’ve cooled a bit, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This makes cutting them into squares much easier and ensures they hold their shape. Finally, grab a sharp knife and slice them into squares—just try not to eat the whole pan before sharing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I even begin? You’re going to absolutely adore making these *christmas brownies*! First off, they come together in a snap—seriously, you can whip up a batch in just about 15 minutes. That means more time for you to enjoy the holiday festivities! And let me tell you, the rich chocolate flavor is out of this world. Each bite is like a warm hug on a chilly winter day.
These brownies are also perfect for holiday gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a party or heading to a potluck, they’re sure to impress your friends and family. Plus, they’re super customizable! Want to sprinkle some crushed peppermint on top for that festive flair? Go for it! Or maybe some walnuts or caramel sauce? The options are endless! Trust me, once you make these *christmas brownies*, they’ll become a staple in your holiday recipe book. Enjoy every chocolaty moment!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your *christmas brownies* turn out perfectly every single time. First off, always use high-quality chocolate—trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor! Whether it’s your chocolate chips or cocoa powder, the better the quality, the richer your brownies will taste.
Next, don’t overmix the batter! I know it’s tempting to keep stirring, but if you mix too much, your brownies can become tough instead of fudgy. Just mix until everything is combined, and then stop. Keeping it simple is key!
Finally, be sure to let your brownies cool completely before cutting into them. I get it, the smell is intoxicating and you want a piece right away, but if you cut them too soon, they might fall apart. Give them time to set, and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful, clean squares that are easy to serve. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to brownies!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in these delightful *christmas brownies*, it’s good to know what you’re treating yourself to. Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. Here’s a typical breakdown for one brownie:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Sugar: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
So go ahead and enjoy a brownie (or two!)—it’s all about balance and savoring those festive moments. Happy holiday baking!
FAQ Section
I’ve gathered some of the most common questions I get about these *christmas brownies*, and I’m here to help you out!
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate, milk chocolate, or even dark chocolate if you’re feeling adventurous. Just keep in mind that different chocolates can change the sweetness and richness a bit, so adjust to your taste!
How should I store leftover brownies?
To keep your brownies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you think they won’t be eaten that quickly, go ahead and refrigerate them! Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before digging in for the best texture.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your *christmas brownies*! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can mix in nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Want a minty twist? Add some peppermint extract or crushed candy canes. Or how about a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella for an extra indulgent treat? Get creative and have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *christmas brownies* fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days—though I doubt they’ll last that long! If you want to keep them for a bit longer, you can refrigerate them, just remember to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.
If you’re thinking ahead, these brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them overnight in the fridge or let them sit out at room temperature for a couple of hours. No need to reheat, but if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the chocolaty goodness!
Print
Christmas Brownies: 5 Surprising Ways to Delight Your Festivities
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious chocolate brownies perfect for Christmas.
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
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 powder, and salt until well combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- For a festive touch, add crushed peppermint on top.
- These brownies can be frozen for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: christmas brownie, chocolate brownie, holiday dessert
