Name: Festive Christmas Present Brownies for Holiday Fun
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 can Cooking Spray (Prevents sticking to the pan; a non-stick spray or light oil works wonders!); 15.25 oz Brownie Mix (The base of the brownies, quick to prepare as per the box instructions); 170 g Chopped Dark Chocolate (60-70% cacao enhances the chocolate flavor; semi-sweet chocolate makes a great substitute); 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (Adds richness and smoothness; swap with coconut cream for a delightful dairy-free option); 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar (Sweetens and thickens your frosting; try using powdered erythritol for a lower-sugar variant); 1 Tbsp Whole Milk (Adjusts the frosting's consistency; almond milk is a perfect dairy-free alternative); 1/2 tsp Corn Syrup (Gives your icing a beautiful gloss; optional); 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract (Elevates flavor; no substitutions are necessary); White Gel Food Coloring (Perfect for creating stunning decorative frosting; optional)

One holiday gathering, I stumbled upon a delightful brownie recipe that changed the way I celebrate the festive season. These Festive Semi-Homemade Christmas Present Brownies are not only a gorgeous centerpiece for your dessert table—they’re also unbelievably easy to make! With a rich, fudgy texture that’s simply irresistible, these brownies offer a fun twist on classic sweets. They’re perfect for those busy days when you need a quick yet impressive treat, and they make a charming gift option for friends and family. Plus, you can unleash your creativity by decorating them in delightful ways that capture the spirit of the season! Are you ready to turn your kitchen into a holiday wonderland with these festive delights?

Why Try This Festive Recipe?

Effortless Creation: The beauty of these Christmas Present Brownies lies in their semi-homemade nature, making them way easier to whip up than traditional baked goods.
Endless Customization: With multiple decorating options, you can make each brownie a masterpiece! From festive frosting designs to added sprinkles, creativity knows no bounds.
Versatile Treat: Suitable for all occasions, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a last-minute gift, these brownies fit right in! Consider them alongside some Tiramisu Brownies Indulge for an even sweeter spread.
Irresistible Flavor: The rich chocolatey goodness, combined with a smooth frosting, is sure to delight everyone’s taste buds and leave them asking for more.
Quick and Fun: Perfect for busy days, these brownies can be ready in no time! Their fun presentation makes baking feel more like a joyous occasion, perfect for involving kids in the kitchen.
Healthy Alternatives: With easy swaps for vegan and low-sugar options, everyone can join in on the festive treats without sacrificing their dietary preferences!

Christmas Present Brownie Ingredients

For the Brownies
• Cooking Spray – Prevents sticking to the pan; a non-stick spray or light oil works wonders!
• Brownie Mix (15.25 oz) – The base of the brownies, quick to prepare as per the box instructions—just don’t forget the eggs and oil!
• Chopped Dark Chocolate (170 g, 60-70% cacao) – Enhances the chocolate flavor; semi-sweet chocolate makes a great substitute.

For the Frosting
• Heavy Cream (1/2 cup) – Adds richness and smoothness; swap with coconut cream for a delightful dairy-free option.
• Confectioners’ Sugar (1 cup, sifted) – Sweetens and thickens your frosting; try using powdered erythritol for a lower-sugar variant.
• Whole Milk (1 Tbsp or more) – Adjusts the frosting’s consistency; almond milk is a perfect dairy-free alternative.
• Corn Syrup (1/2 tsp, optional) – Gives your icing a beautiful gloss; you can omit it if you prefer.
• Pure Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp) – Elevates the flavor profile; no substitutions are necessary here.
• White Gel Food Coloring – Perfect for creating stunning decorative frosting; totally optional but oh-so-fun!

These delightful Christmas Present Brownies are ready to sparkle on your festive dessert table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Present Brownies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your Christmas Present Brownies don’t stick. This crucial step prepares your dish for the batter, so ensure it’s evenly coated. For extra insurance, you can also line the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions, typically involving eggs, water, and oil. Stir in 170 grams of chopped dark chocolate to elevate the flavor and add that luscious fudginess. Once combined, pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Bake the brownies in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center — it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 4: Whip Up the Frosting
While the brownies cool, prepare your frosting by combining 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of sifted confectioners’ sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat until smooth and well-combined. If you desire, add white gel food coloring to create festive shades for decorating!

Step 5: Cut the Brownies
Once the cooled brownies are at room temperature, carefully cut them into gift box-like squares or rectangles. This will allow your Christmas Present Brownies to resemble delightful little presents, adding to their festive charm. Place the cut brownie pieces on a serving tray, ready for decorating.

Step 6: Decorate to Impress
Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, apply the frosting to each brownie piece, creating elaborate designs that mimic ribbons and bows. Feel free to get creative with your decorations, adding edible glitter or sprinkles to enhance the festive appeal of your Christmas Present Brownies.

Step 7: Serve or Store
Your beautifully decorated Christmas Present Brownies are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them fresh or store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for a week. Remember, they’ll taste even better the next day as the flavors meld!

Expert Tips for Christmas Present Brownies

Cool Completely: Make sure your brownies are completely cool before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and running off your beautifully decorated Christmas Present Brownies.
Layered Flavors: Enhance the chocolatey goodness by folding in your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or chocolate chips, to create an even more indulgent treat.
Decorating Fun: Use various colors of frosting and shapes for festive presentation — think ribbons, bows, or even holiday-themed sprinkles to personalize each brownie!
Storage Know-How: Store your brownies in an airtight container to maintain freshness; they can last up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the fridge.
Dairy-Free Option: If making vegan-friendly Christmas Present Brownies, swap heavy cream for coconut cream and whole milk for almond milk.
Get Creative: Have fun with the frosting! Don’t hesitate to try different decorative techniques to match different holidays or personal preferences.

Make Ahead Options

These Festive Christmas Present Brownies are perfect for meal prep, making your holiday entertaining a breeze! You can prepare the brownie batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to deepen. Simply mix according to the box instructions, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it in the fridge. Additionally, you can whip up the frosting a day in advance and store it in an airtight container, ensuring it stays fresh. When you’re ready to serve, just bake the brownies and frost them once they’ve completely cooled, giving you delicious, homemade treats that are just as magical as ever!

What to Serve with Christmas Present Brownies

Indulge your senses while creating a deliciously festive meal around these delightfully decorated brownies.

Festive Hot Cocoa: A rich, velvety drink that pairs beautifully with the chocolatey sweetness of brownies, warming hearts and hands alike.
Peppermint Bark: The crunchy, minty flavor balances the fudginess of brownies, adding a refreshing twist that captivates holiday palates.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold and creamy contrast provides delightful harmony, making every bite of brownie even more delectable.

Imagine layering a warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, watching it melt and create a blissful mix of flavors.

Fruit Medley Salad: Light and refreshing, a mix of berries and citrus complements the richness of the brownies, adding a bright touch to your spread.
Cheesecake Bites: These bite-sized treats add a tangy richness that beautifully contrasts with the chocolate, creating an elegant dessert table.
Spiced Apple Cider: A warm, spiced drink that adds cozy vibes, this cider enhances the festive spirit while complementing the sweet brownies.

Pairing these brownies with a spiced drink elevates the entire experience, inviting everyone to indulge joyfully in the season’s delights.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Present Brownies

Room Temperature: Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and fudgy.

Fridge: If you want to extend their shelf life, place the container in the fridge, where they can last for up to 1 week. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: To enjoy them warm, microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back their soft, fudgy texture.

Christmas Present Brownies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with these festive brownies! Your imagination can lead to delightful surprises that will make every bite memorable.

Blondie Swap: Use a blondie mix instead of brownie mix for a light, caramel-like flavor twist.
Nutty Addition: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the rich chocolate beautifully.
Vegan Delight: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and milk with almond or oat milk for a vegan-friendly option.
Low-Sugar Treat: Use powdered erythritol instead of confectioners’ sugar for a low-sugar frosting option that everyone can enjoy.
Colorful Frosting: Incorporate fun, themed gel food coloring to the frosting to suit different holidays—think red and green for Christmas or pastel shades for Easter!
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or peppermint extract to the brownie batter for warm, festive flavors that evoke holiday cheer.
Extra Decadence: Fold in extra chocolate chips or swirls of caramel sauce into the batter for an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.

For even more festive inspiration, consider pairing these brownies with some delightful Tiramisu Brownies Indulge for a colorful dessert spread that will dazzle your guests!

Christmas Present Brownies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ripeness for the ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your brownies, choose high-quality, semi-sweet or dark chocolate (60-70% cacao); look for chocolate that’s shiny with a smooth texture. When selecting your brownie mix, make sure it’s not past its expiration date for optimal results.

What’s the best way to store leftover Christmas Present Brownies?
I recommend placing your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and maintains their fudgy texture. If you’re planning to enjoy them later, move them to the fridge where they’ll last for a week, but let them warm up to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Can I freeze my Christmas Present Brownies?
Absolutely! To freeze your brownies, first, let them cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that soft, fudgy delight again!

I’m having some trouble with the frosting consistency. What should I do?
Very! If your frosting turns out too thick, simply add additional milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, mix in a bit more confectioners’ sugar until thickened. Achieving that perfect spreadability is key to making your Christmas Present Brownies look festive and delightful!

Are these Christmas Present Brownies suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes, they can be! For a vegan-friendly option, swap the heavy cream with coconut cream and the whole milk with almond milk. Always ensure your brownie mix is dairy-free, and check for any allergies like nuts if you add mix-ins. These adjustments allow everyone to join in on the festive fun without worry!

How do I prevent my brownies from sticking to the pan?
I recommend using a generous amount of cooking spray or light oil to coat your baking dish thoroughly. For extra assurance, you can also line the bottom with parchment paper. Once the brownies are baked and cooled slightly, gently run a knife around the edges to help release them before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling. This method ensures your Christmas Present Brownies come out beautifully!