If you ask me what my favorite Christmas dessert is, I will always say brownies. This rich, chocolatey treat is soft in the center, slightly chewy on the edges, and covered with creamy frosting that feels like a hug in every bite. It’s the kind of dessert that brings joy to the table and makes the house smell like pure Christmas.

I have made this recipe many times during the holidays, and it never fails to impress. I use real butter, good cocoa powder, and a thick layer of chocolate frosting with a touch of vanilla. Always top them with colorful sprinkles or crushed candy canes — it makes them festive, pretty, and perfect for sharing.

It’s a great dessert to serve with hot cocoa, some coffee, or even warm milk on a cozy winter night. This recipe is simple but feels so special, and if you have kids like me, they’ll love decorating the brownies just as much as eating them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, fudgy brownies with rich chocolate flavor in every bite.
• The creamy frosting makes them extra indulgent and festive.
• Easy to make — no mixer needed, just one bowl and a whisk.
• Perfect for Christmas parties, dessert tables, or gift boxes.
• Fun to decorate with candy canes, M&Ms, or colorful sprinkles.

Ingredients

For the Brownies

• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional for extra fudginess)

For the Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons milk (add more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or red & green M&Ms for topping

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl – for whisking together all the brownie ingredients.
• Medium bowl – to mix the frosting smoothly without lumps.
• Whisk and spatula – a whisk helps blend wet ingredients, and a spatula scrapes the sides clean.
• Measuring cups and spoons – to make sure every ingredient is perfectly balanced.
• 9×13-inch baking pan – the ideal size for thick, fudgy brownies.
• Parchment paper – makes it easy to lift the brownies out once cooled.
• Electric mixer (optional) – for a fluffier, creamier frosting.
• Cooling rack – to cool brownies evenly before adding frosting.
• Offset spatula or butter knife – for spreading the frosting smoothly on top.

How to make Frosted Christmas Brownies

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
3. Add dry ingredients: Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
4. Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until the center is set but still fudgy. Let them cool completely before frosting.
5. Make the frosting: Beat the softened butter with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add more milk if needed for a creamy texture.
6. Frost and decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Add festive toppings like sprinkles, candy canes, or M&Ms for that Christmas magic.
7. Cut and serve: Slice into squares and enjoy your soft, fudgy, chocolatey Christmas treat!

Notes

• Use good quality cocoa powder – it makes a big difference in flavor. Rich cocoa gives your brownies that deep chocolate taste everyone loves. Cheap cocoa can make them taste flat or bitter.
• Don’t overmix the batter – once you add flour, stir gently until just combined. Overmixing creates dense brownies instead of fudgy ones. A few streaks of flour are okay before baking.
• Line your pan with parchment paper – this helps lift the brownies out easily after cooling. It also keeps the edges from sticking and makes cutting clean squares simple.
• Check for doneness early – every oven is different, so test at 28 minutes. The brownies should look set but slightly gooey in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool.
• Cool completely before frosting – if the brownies are warm, the frosting will melt. Let them rest for at least 20 minutes before spreading. This helps the frosting stay thick and creamy.
• Whip the frosting well – beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This gives a smooth, airy texture that spreads easily and tastes like bakery-style icing.
• Decorate right away – add sprinkles or candy canes while the frosting is still soft. They’ll stick perfectly and give that cheerful Christmas look everyone loves.

Optional Ingredients

Peppermint extract – just a few drops in the frosting give that classic Christmas candy-cane flavor. It’s fresh, sweet, and pairs beautifully with chocolate.

Espresso powder – mix a teaspoon into the brownie batter to deepen the chocolate taste. It doesn’t make them taste like coffee — it just makes the cocoa richer.

White chocolate chips – fold them into the batter for sweet bursts of creamy flavor. They also look beautiful against the dark brownie base.

Crushed candy canes – sprinkle on top of the frosting for color and crunch. They add a festive sparkle and a cool peppermint bite.

Walnuts or pecans – chopped nuts give texture and balance out the sweetness. You can mix them into the batter or sprinkle them on top.

Christmas M&Ms or sprinkles – a fun, colorful topping that makes every brownie look merry and bright. Kids especially love this festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these frosted brownies once they’re completely cool so the frosting stays firm and creamy. Cut them into neat squares and place them on a festive platter for that holiday look. The shiny chocolate frosting with sprinkles or crushed candy canes makes them instantly eye-catching.

Pair them with a warm drink like hot cocoa, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. The rich chocolate and smooth frosting balance perfectly with something simple to sip. They’re a cozy treat that feels just right after a big Christmas dinner.

For parties, stack the brownies in layers with parchment paper between each piece. Add a little ribbon or serve them in cupcake liners for easy grabbing. They’re sweet, soft, and guaranteed to be the first dessert to disappear from the table.

Some Variations and Substitutions You Would Like to Try

Peppermint Brownies – add peppermint extract to the batter and frosting for a cool, minty flavor. Top with crushed candy canes for that classic Christmas look. It’s sweet, refreshing, and so festive.

Nutty Fudge Brownies – fold chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter. The nuts add crunch and balance the rich chocolate. Great for anyone who loves a chewy, crunchy bite.

Double Chocolate Brownies – stir in extra chocolate chips or chunks for more gooey texture. Each bite melts in your mouth with layers of chocolate. Perfect for true chocoholics.

White Chocolate Frosted Brownies – swap the cocoa in the frosting for melted white chocolate. It gives a creamy vanilla flavor and a snowy holiday look. Add red and green sprinkles for color.

Mocha Brownies – mix 1 teaspoon of espresso powder into the batter. It deepens the chocolate flavor without overpowering it. Pairs beautifully with coffee or hot cocoa.

Salted Caramel Brownies – drizzle warm caramel over the frosting and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt. The mix of sweet and salty makes them irresistible. A bakery-style twist at home.

Gluten-Free Brownies – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. The brownies stay moist, rich, and just as fudgy. No one will even notice the difference.

Christmas Tree Brownies – cut brownies into triangles and add green frosting with sprinkles “ornaments.” It’s a fun idea for kids’ parties or edible gifts. Festive, cute, and easy to make.

How to Store

Let the brownies cool completely before storing so the frosting stays smooth. Please place them in a single layer inside an airtight container, or stack with parchment paper between layers. They’ll stay soft and fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for about 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them (unfrosted or frosted) for up to 2 months — just thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to Reheat

If you like your brownies warm and gooey, heat them in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This softens the brownie and slightly melts the frosting for that just-baked feel. If reheating from frozen, let them thaw first, then warm gently. You can also enjoy them cold straight from the fridge for a fudgy, chewy texture that’s just as delicious.

FAQ

Can I use a boxed brownie mix instead?
Absolutely. You can start with your favorite brownie mix and just make the frosting from scratch. It’s a quick shortcut that still looks and tastes homemade.

How do I make the brownies extra fudgy?
Use melted butter instead of oil, and don’t overbake them. Remove from the oven when the center looks slightly soft — they’ll firm up as they cool.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chunks are great for extra texture. Mix them in before baking for a richer bite.

What’s the best frosting for Christmas brownies?
A chocolate buttercream works beautifully, but cream cheese frosting is another great option. Add peppermint extract for a festive flavor twist.

How do I cut the brownies neatly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each slice. Chilling the brownies for 15–20 minutes before cutting also helps make perfect edges.

Frosted Christmas Brownies

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

35

minutes

These Frosted Christmas Brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with creamy chocolate frosting for the perfect holiday treat. Decorated with colorful sprinkles or candy canes, they look just as festive as they taste.

Ingredients

• For the Brownies

• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)

• 4 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional for extra fudginess)

• For the Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

• 2 tablespoons milk (add more if needed)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or red & green M&Ms for topping

Directions

• Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
• Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
• Add dry ingredients: Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
• Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until the center is set but still fudgy. Let them cool completely before frosting.
• Make the frosting: Beat the softened butter with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add more milk if needed for a creamy texture.
• Frost and decorate: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Add festive toppings like sprinkles, candy canes, or M&Ms for that Christmas magic.
• Cut and serve: Slice into squares and enjoy your soft, fudgy, chocolatey Christmas treat!