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Christmas Present Brownies Recipe

4.6 from 142 reviews

Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Present Brownies. Rich, fudgy, and chewy chocolate brownies are decorated with colorful red, green, and white candy melts to resemble wrapped gifts. Perfect for parties or gifting, these brownies combine classic chocolatey goodness with fun, holiday-themed decorations.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Decorations

  • Red candy melts
  • Green candy melts
  • White candy melts
  • Mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the brownie batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in the sugar until smooth and shiny. Let cool slightly before whisking in the eggs and vanilla extract until thick and glossy.
  2. Add the dry ingredients: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Stir gently until well combined and smooth, being careful not to overmix. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
  3. Bake the brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking as brownies continue cooking after removal. Let cool completely in the pan.
  4. Cut and decorate like gifts: Lift the brownies out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into even squares. Melt red, green, and white candy melts separately by microwaving in 15-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Drizzle or pipe the melted candy melts over each brownie in crisscross lines to mimic ribbons. Add mini bows or festive sprinkles for decoration.
  5. Let the decorations set: Allow candy melts to harden at room temperature or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to speed setting. Arrange the decorated brownies on a platter or gift box lined with parchment paper for a festive presentation.

Notes

  • Line the pan with parchment paper to easily remove brownies for decorating.
  • Do not overmix batter to maintain chewy texture.
  • Use a toothpick test to check doneness; some moist crumbs are ideal.
  • Chocolate chips are optional but enhance fudginess.
  • Allow candy melts to fully set before serving or gifting to avoid smudging decorations.

Keywords: Christmas brownies, holiday brownies, festive brownies, chocolate brownies, gift brownies, Christmas treats, holiday desserts