Christmas Brownie Recipe
If you’ve ever daydreamed about the perfect holiday treat that captures merry flavors and pure chocolate bliss in every bite, this Christmas Brownie is about to make you the star of every December gathering. Fudgy, rich, and stacked with festive mix-ins, it’s the kind of dessert that looks right at home at a bustling cookie swap or as a sweet finish to your Christmas dinner table. From the first melt-in-your-mouth bite, you’ll taste a cozy celebration of chocolate, peppermint, and all your favorite holiday colors—plus, the recipe is a breeze to whip up. Get ready for your new favorite way to spread Christmas cheer, one irresistible square at a time!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Great brownies start with just a handful of classic ingredients, and every one here plays a starring role! Each brings something special—maximum flavor, just the right texture, and lots of holiday personality in your Christmas Brownie.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Butter gives these brownies their trademark richness and the fudgy texture we all crave.
- Granulated sugar (1¾ cups): Sugar adds sweetness and that classic shiny, crinkled brownie top.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla brings a warm, comforting depth that rounds out the flavors.
- Large eggs (4): Egg helps bind everything together and ensures a delightfully chewy crumb.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Flour provides the body and structure without making things too cakey.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 cup): This is where the deep chocolate punch comes from—no shortcuts here!
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Just a pinch pulls all the flavors into balance and enhances the chocolate.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Baking powder gives just the right lift to keep your brownies from being too dense.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Chunks of melty chocolate ensure every bite is hugely satisfying.
- Holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies (½ cup): These add whimsical color and festive crunch for the ultimate Christmas vibe.
- Red and green M&M’s or mini marshmallows (for topping, optional): Layer on more fun and flavor—kids and kids-at-heart will love it!
How to Make Christmas Brownie
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F, making sure it’s fully heated by the time your batter’s ready. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light greasing—this means perfect, easy-to-lift brownies with neat edges!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is glossy and smooth. This is the base that’ll give your Christmas Brownie its signature fudginess, so don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing really well after each addition to get a silky, rich batter. This helps set up that gorgeous, chewy texture and gives the brownies structure.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Doing this ensures you won’t accidentally get a lump of cocoa or a pocket of baking powder in your finished brownies—everything is evenly blended and ready for action.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—no need to overmix! You want your batter thick and luscious, but not tough. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and about half the holiday sprinkles or peppermint candies for pockets of melty goodness and a jolly pop of color.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly to the corners. Sprinkle on the rest of your holiday toppings—think an extra shower of sprinkles, red and green M&M’s, or fluffy mini marshmallows. Bake for 28–32 minutes, just until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. This is the Christmas Brownie sweet spot: fudgy but perfectly set!
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them hold their shape, especially if you want to use cookie cutters for festive shapes. When you finally slice in, get ready to wow everyone with stunning, gooey, chocolate-packed bites!
How to Serve Christmas Brownie

Garnishes
Give your Christmas Brownie a showstopping finish! A drizzle of melted white chocolate or vanilla frosting laces over the top beautifully, while an extra pinch of holiday sprinkles makes everything more magical. For a peppermint lover’s dream, scatter crushed peppermint candies right before serving for that sweet crunch.
Side Dishes
A Christmas Brownie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous swirl of whipped cream. Serve it alongside hot cocoa with marshmallows or a festive latte for a dessert-and-drinks combo that’s sure to warm every heart around the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative for your holiday party: use star or tree-shaped cookie cutters to turn brownies into individual Christmas treats! Stack squares in the shape of a tree and decorate with candies for a centerpiece everyone will talk about. Or bundle them in cellophane bags with a ribbon for the sweetest edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Christmas Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fudgy and fresh for up to four days—if you can make them last that long! Try storing them with a slice of bread to maintain their soft texture.
Freezing
You can freeze Christmas Brownie squares tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when a chocolate craving hits, or freeze in advance for holidays and unexpected guests.
Reheating
Pop a brownie square into the microwave for just 10 to 15 seconds for that just-baked warmth and softer chocolate chips. If you prefer, warm them in a low oven for a few minutes to revive their fudginess.
FAQs
Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa instead of regular cocoa?
Absolutely! Dutch-processed cocoa will yield a slightly deeper chocolate flavor and darker color. Just keep in mind that the texture will remain deliciously fudgy either way.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Christmas Brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean, with only a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep them wonderfully chewy and rich!
Can I add nuts or different mix-ins?
Of course! Toasted walnuts, pecans, or even dried cherries make excellent additions to a Christmas Brownie. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips for extra flavor and crunch.
What substitutions can I use for holiday toppings?
No sprinkles or M&M’s? Try crushed candy canes, white chocolate chips, or a dusting of powdered sugar—get creative with what you have to keep the holiday spirit alive!
How do I cut brownies into fun holiday shapes?
Let your Christmas Brownie block cool completely, then use metal cookie cutters (stars, trees, snowflakes) to press out festive shapes. Wipe the cutter clean between cuts for super neat edges.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as comforting and joy-filled as a homemade Christmas Brownie, especially when it’s topped with glitzy sprinkles and all the flavors of the season. Give these brownies a try for your next holiday event—you’ll be making new traditions (and friends!) with every sweet, chocolate-packed bite. Happy baking!
Print
Christmas Brownie Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delicious Christmas Brownies. Rich, chocolatey, and adorned with holiday sprinkles, they are perfect for spreading cheer at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Toppings:
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies
- Red and green M&Ms or mini marshmallows for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, beating well.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in chocolate chips and half of the holiday sprinkles or peppermint candies.
- Bake: Spread batter in pan, top with remaining sprinkles, M&Ms, or marshmallows. Bake for 28–32 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Allow brownies to cool before cutting into squares or shapes.
Notes
- Decorate with white chocolate drizzle or frosting for added holiday flair.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg