If you’re searching for a whimsical, crowd-pleasing treat to add sparkle to your holiday table, the Santa Hat Brownies Recipe is truly a must-try. These festive brownies combine fudgy chocolate bases, fresh strawberries, and fluffy homemade whipped cream to create adorable bite-sized treats that look just like Santa’s iconic red hat. Not only do they taste heavenly, but their playful appearance will light up any dessert platter and delight guests young and old. Get ready to make some holiday magic with this easy, show-stopping dessert!

Santa Hat Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Santa Hat Brownies Recipe lies in its simplicity — each ingredient is chosen for its flavor, texture, or the festive visual it brings to the table. With just a few pantry staples and fresh strawberries, you’ll have everything you need to whip up these irresistible treats.

Brownie mix: Opt for your favorite boxed mix for ease, or use a homemade recipe if you’re feeling extra festive — either way, you’ll need enough for a 9×13-inch pan.
Eggs, oil, and water: These are usually required by your brownie mix, so double-check the box for specifics.
Fresh strawberries (12, hulled): Look for bright, ripe strawberries to give your “Santa hats” the perfect pop of color and shape.
Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): When whipped, it creates the snowy base and pom-pom of Santa’s hat — use it chilled for best results.
Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons, plus extra for dusting): Sweetens the whipped cream and adds a delicate snowy finish on top.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Just a touch brings warmth and depth to the whipped cream.

How to Make Santa Hat Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base

Begin by preheating your oven according to the directions on your brownie mix package. Whip up the brownie batter as instructed, combining the mix with the required eggs, oil, and water. Pour it into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and smooth the top for even baking. Bake until set and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs, then let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This ensures your “hats” stay neat when you cut them.

Step 2: Cut the Brownies

Once your brownies have cooled, carefully cut them into 12 even squares for classic Santa hats, or use a round cookie cutter if you want a playful, circular base. Wipe the knife or cutter between each cut for clean edges. Arrange your brownie bases on a serving tray, ready for decorating.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for a few minutes in the freezer — this little trick helps the cream whip up extra fluffy. Pour in the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, then beat everything on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. You’re looking for a luscious, pillowy texture that will hold its shape on top of the brownies.

Step 4: Assemble the Santa Hats

Dollop or pipe a generous swirl of whipped cream onto each brownie base. Gently press a hulled strawberry, upside down, onto the cream so the pointed end faces up, mimicking Santa’s hat. Use a small piping bag or even a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to add a little dot of whipped cream to the tip of each strawberry — this becomes the pom-pom!

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Just before serving, dust the finished Santa Hat Brownies with a light shower of powdered sugar for a snowy, magical effect. For even more festivity, you can sprinkle on mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes. Now your Santa Hat Brownies Recipe is ready to wow!

How to Serve Santa Hat Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

A shower of powdered sugar is the classic finishing touch, but don’t stop there! You can sprinkle on edible glitter for extra sparkle, drizzle with a bit of melted white chocolate, or add festive sprinkles for a playful look. A few mint leaves on the platter add a pop of green and make the reds and whites truly shine.

Side Dishes

These brownies are lovely alongside a mug of hot cocoa or spiced chai. For a full dessert spread, pair them with other holiday favorites like peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, or a bowl of fresh fruit for a lighter contrast. The Santa Hat Brownies Recipe also makes a charming centerpiece on a holiday dessert board.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the brownies in a circle on a platter for a “wreath” effect, or stack them in tiers on a festive cake stand. For parties, nestle each brownie in a colorful cupcake liner or place them in little treat boxes for edible gifts. You can even add a tiny flag or tag with a holiday message for an extra-special touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Santa Hat Brownies Recipe treats in an airtight container in the fridge. Because of the whipped cream and fresh strawberries, they’re best enjoyed within 24 hours, but they’ll hold up for up to two days if needed. The whipped cream will keep its shape best if you refrigerate the assembled brownies until serving time.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the brownie bases (without toppings) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to serve, defrost at room temperature, then add fresh whipped cream and strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Freezing the assembled brownies isn’t recommended, as the cream and strawberries can become watery once thawed.

Reheating

It’s not necessary to reheat these treats, but if you prefer warm brownies, gently warm the plain bases in the microwave for a few seconds before decorating. Avoid heating after assembly, as the cream will melt and the strawberries may lose their freshness. Serve chilled for the prettiest presentation!

FAQs

Can I use homemade brownies instead of a mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite from-scratch brownie recipe, feel free to use it as the base for your Santa Hat Brownies Recipe. Just be sure to bake in a 9×13-inch pan for the right size and thickness.

How do I keep the whipped cream stable for longer?

For extra stability, you can use a whipped cream stabilizer or add a tablespoon of instant pudding mix to the cream as you whip it. Chilling the bowl and beaters also helps keep the cream fluffy and holds up longer on the brownies.

Can I make the Santa Hat Brownies Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the brownies and whip the cream a day in advance. Wait to assemble with strawberries and cream until just before serving for the freshest look and flavor.

What’s the best way to cut brownies cleanly?

For neat edges, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. Chilling the brownies before cutting can also help keep the cuts tidy, especially if your brownies are extra fudgy.

Are there any fun twists to the Santa Hat Brownies Recipe?

Definitely! Try adding mini chocolate chips to the batter, swirling in peppermint extract for a minty kick, or sprinkling crushed candy canes over the finished brownies for a delightful crunch and holiday flair.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a classroom treat, or just to bring some joy to family movie night, the Santa Hat Brownies Recipe never fails to deliver smiles. They’re as delightful to make as they are to eat, and they’ll add a sprinkle of holiday cheer to any gathering. Give them a try and watch your loved ones light up with every festive bite!

Santa Hat Brownies Recipe

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4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in the festive charm of Santa Hat Brownies, a delicious holiday dessert combining rich, fudgy brownies topped with fresh strawberries and fluffy whipped cream to resemble Santa hats. Perfect for Christmas celebrations, these treats offer a fun and easy way to bring festive cheer to your dessert table.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Base

1 box (18–20 ounces) brownie mix plus ingredients listed on the package (usually eggs, oil, and water)

Topping

12 fresh strawberries, hulled
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Extra powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

Prepare the Brownies: Preheat your oven according to the brownie mix package directions. Grease a 9×13-inch pan and prepare the brownies as directed on the package. Bake and then allow the brownies to cool completely before proceeding.
Cut the Brownies: Once cooled, cut the brownies into 12 even squares or use a round cookie cutter to create circles, depending on your presentation preference.
Make the Whipped Cream: Chill a mixing bowl and beaters, then beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy whipped cream.
Assemble the Santa Hats: Place a dollop of whipped cream on top of each brownie piece. Press a hulled strawberry upside down into the whipped cream to form the Santa hat shape.
Add the Finishing Touch: Pipe or spoon a small dot of whipped cream on the tip of each strawberry to mimic the pom-pom of Santa’s hat. Dust the entire treat lightly with extra powdered sugar to resemble snow before serving.

Notes

You can substitute the boxed brownie mix with your favorite homemade brownie recipe if preferred.
For better stability, refrigerate the assembled brownies until ready to serve.
Add mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes on the whipped cream for a festive twist and extra texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American