There’s just something magical about the holiday season, isn’t there? The twinkling lights, the cozy gatherings, and of course, the delicious scents wafting from the kitchen as you whip up a scrumptious Christmas dessert. This time of year is all about sharing love, joy, and, let’s be honest, a bit of indulgence! I absolutely adore making festive treats that not only taste incredible but also bring everyone together. Trust me, when you serve up this rich and chocolatey delight, smiles will light up the room. So, let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that’s bound to become a holiday favorite!
Ingredients for Christmas Dessert
Gathering the ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this festive treat:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our dessert, giving it that lovely structure.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetness is key, and a cup of sugar helps balance the chocolatey richness!
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This is where the magic happens! Cocoa powder adds that deep, luscious chocolate flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This little helper will make your dessert rise beautifully!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch! It enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: Butter brings richness and moisture to our dessert. Make sure it’s nice and soft for easy mixing!
- 2 large eggs: These will bind everything together and contribute to that lovely texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- 1 cup milk: This will help create a smooth batter and keep our dessert moist.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Because we can never have too much chocolate, right? They’ll melt and create gooey pockets of goodness!
Make sure you have everything ready before you start, and let’s turn these ingredients into a festive masterpiece!
How to Prepare Christmas Dessert
Now that we’ve got our ingredients all lined up, let’s get to the fun part—making this delicious Christmas dessert! Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a festive treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures that your dessert bakes evenly and rises just right. While the oven’s warming up, you can get everything else ready. It’s like setting the stage for a beautiful performance!
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give everything a good whisk to make sure it’s all evenly mixed. This step is crucial because it helps distribute the leavening agent and flavors throughout the batter, ensuring a consistent taste in every bite!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, grab another bowl and add in the 1/2 cup of softened butter, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of milk. Using a mixer or a whisk, blend these ingredients together until they’re smooth and creamy. This mixture is what brings all that moisture and richness to your dessert, so don’t rush through this step—mix until it’s just right!
Incorporate Chocolate Chips
Once your wet ingredients are ready, it’s time to bring them together with the dry mix. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips. You want to be careful here—overmixing can lead to a dense texture, and we want our dessert to be light and fluffy! Just a few folds until everything is combined will do the trick.
Pour and Bake
Now for the fun part! Grease your baking pan (you can use butter or non-stick spray) and pour in the batter. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges look set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. The anticipation is half the joy!
Cool and Serve
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can serve it warm or at room temperature—either way, it’s delicious! I love to top mine with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for that extra festive touch. And don’t forget to sprinkle on some festive sprinkles if you’re feeling extra cheerful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive appeal: This Christmas dessert is not only delicious but also looks beautiful on any holiday table!
- Easy to prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you won’t need to be a master baker to whip this up!
- Chocolatey goodness: Rich and decadent, this dessert satisfies any chocolate lover’s cravings!
- Perfect for sharing: With 12 servings, it’s great for holiday parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights in!
- Customizable: Dress it up with your favorite toppings or add in nuts for a delightful twist!
- Make-ahead friendly: You can bake it a day in advance, making your holiday prep a breeze!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas dessert turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite pro tips that I’ve learned along the way:
- Measure Carefully: Baking is a science, so make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Too much flour can make your dessert dense, while too little sugar can affect the sweetness!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, let your butter and eggs sit out to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend together more smoothly!
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in the chocolate chips, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, and we want that light, fluffy goodness.
- Storage: If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate for a little extra freshness!
- Serving Suggestions: For a festive flair, serve your dessert with whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. And don’t forget those cheerful sprinkles!
- Freeze for Later: You can freeze slices of the dessert for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and thaw in the fridge when you’re ready for a sweet treat!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to impressing everyone with your incredible Christmas dessert! Enjoy the process, and happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Keeping track of what we eat can be helpful, especially during the festive season when indulgence is at an all-time high! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for each piece of this delightful Christmas dessert:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, during the holidays, it’s all about enjoying the treats, right? So go ahead, savor every bite of your delicious creation!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the cocoa powder for something else?
If you don’t have cocoa powder on hand, you can use carob powder as a substitute. Just keep in mind that it will alter the flavor slightly, but it still makes for a delicious dessert!
What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
No worries! You can chop up a chocolate bar instead, or even use white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a fun twist. The more chocolate, the merrier!
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. It works like a charm, and everyone can enjoy this festive treat!
How long can I keep leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is a rarity!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for about a week. They’re still tasty after a day or two!
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Oh, for sure! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch and flavor. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips, and you’re good to go!
Christmas Dessert: 7 Magical Treats to Indulge This Season
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive dessert perfect for Christmas celebrations
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Can be decorated with festive sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: christmas dessert, holiday dessert, festive dessert
