Oh, the magic of the holiday season! There’s just something about gathering with friends and family, sharing laughter, and of course, indulging in sweet treats that makes my heart sing. This *Christmas party dessert* is one of my absolute favorites because it combines rich chocolatey goodness with that festive flair we all crave during the holidays. Trust me, when you serve this at your holiday gathering, it’s bound to be the star of the show!
What I love most is how simple it is to whip up. You don’t need to be a baking expert to achieve deliciousness here. Just a few basic ingredients and some love are all it takes! Plus, it fills your kitchen with the most heavenly aroma that’ll have everyone asking, “What’s baking?” So, let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that’s sure to delight both young and old alike at your Christmas celebrations!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful *Christmas party dessert*:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base for our delicious treat.
- 1 cup sugar – Sweetens everything up beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – For that rich, chocolatey flavor!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps it rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all those sweet flavors.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted – This adds moisture and richness; don’t skimp on it!
- 2 large eggs – They help bind everything together perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Because vanilla makes everything better!
- 1 cup chocolate chips – For bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) – I love adding walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer!
Make sure to have everything ready before you start, so the process flows smoothly. You’ll be on your way to a fantastic dessert in no time!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get our hands a little chocolatey! Follow these simple steps, and before you know it, you’ll have a warm, gooey *Christmas party dessert* that’ll make everyone swoon.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial! A hot oven means your dessert will bake evenly and come out just right.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good stir to ensure everything’s evenly mixed.
- Add the wet ingredients. Pour in the melted butter, crack in the eggs, and add the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is just combined. Don’t overdo it—lumps are totally okay!
- Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts if you’re using them. This is where the magic happens; those chocolate chips will melt and create pockets of deliciousness throughout!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, so it bakes uniformly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. You want it to be soft and fudgy, so don’t overbake!
- Let it cool. Once your dessert is out of the oven, let it cool in the dish for about 10-15 minutes. This helps it set up a bit more, making it easier to cut into squares.
And there you have it! A simple process that’ll fill your home with the cozy scents of chocolate and holiday cheer. Just wait until you see the smiles when you serve this delightful treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: This dessert comes together in just about 15 minutes of prep time! Perfect for those busy holiday schedules.
- Rich, chocolatey goodness: Each bite is like a warm hug, filled with melty chocolate chips and a fudgy texture that’s utterly irresistible.
- Festive and fun: The deep chocolate color and optional nuts add a lovely touch that fits right in with your Christmas party spread.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts, or try different chocolate types to make it your own—there are so many ways to personalize this treat!
- Perfect for sharing: With 12 generous servings, it’s ideal for gatherings. You’ll spread joy (and sweetness) with every square you cut!
- Make-ahead friendly: You can whip this up a day in advance and let it chill, so it’s ready to wow your guests when they arrive.
- Pairs beautifully: Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch that everyone will love!
Trust me, once you try this *Christmas party dessert*, it’ll become a staple in your holiday traditions! Who wouldn’t want to indulge in something so delicious and easy to make?
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to bake this fabulous *Christmas party dessert*, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure you achieve the best results possible:
- Measure accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your ingredients precisely! Use a kitchen scale if you have one—it’s the most accurate way to get it just right.
- Don’t overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, and we want that lovely fudginess!
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on your dessert as it bakes! Start checking a few minutes before the lower end of the baking time. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs—perfect for that gooey center!
- Let it cool: Resist the temptation to cut into it right away! Letting it cool for at least 10-15 minutes helps it set and makes for cleaner cuts. Plus, the flavors deepen as it cools!
- Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a fun twist. You can also add dried fruit or coconut if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Serve warm: This dessert is best enjoyed warm! If you can, serve it fresh from the oven with a scoop of ice cream melting on top—it’s pure bliss!
- Have fun: Most importantly, enjoy the process! Baking is all about creativity and love. Don’t stress too much if things don’t go perfectly—your enthusiasm will shine through in the final product!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating a *Christmas party dessert* that will wow your friends and family. Happy baking!
Variations
One of the best parts about this *Christmas party dessert* is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up and make it your own. Here are some fun ideas to customize your creation:
- Chocolate Lovers Dream: Swap out the regular chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips for a unique flavor twist. You could also mix in some peppermint chips for a festive touch!
- Nutty Delight: If you love a bit of crunch, try using different types of nuts! Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts can add an amazing texture and flavor contrast. Just make sure to chop them up nicely!
- Fruity Fun: For a fruity version, toss in some dried cranberries or cherries for a burst of tartness that pairs beautifully with the chocolate. It’s like a holiday explosion of flavors!
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy spice that screams the holidays. You could even sprinkle some on top before baking for a lovely finish!
- Cookie Dough Style: If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some edible cookie dough pieces before baking. This will create little pockets of gooey goodness that everyone will adore!
- Layer it Up: For a more decadent dessert, consider layering your batter with a cream cheese frosting or a ganache between layers of the chocolate mixture. It’ll take it to a whole new level of indulgence!
With all these variations, there’s no limit to what you can create! So feel free to get creative and make this *Christmas party dessert* truly special for your gathering. I can’t wait to hear what combinations you come up with!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve got this delicious *Christmas party dessert* ready to impress, let’s talk about how to keep those leftovers (if there are any!) fresh and tasty. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite!
To store your dessert, simply cut it into squares and place them in an airtight container. If you have any leftovers, they’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking—nobody wants a chocolatey mess!
If you’re lucky enough to have some left after a few days, you can also freeze it! Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can enjoy a little holiday treat even after the festivities are over. It’ll stay good for about 2 months in the freezer.
When it comes to reheating, the best way to bring back that warm, gooey goodness is to pop a piece in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on it, though! You just want it warm enough to melt in your mouth without turning into a hot chocolate lava rock. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, which will give it that fresh-baked vibe again.
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, your *Christmas party dessert* can stay delicious and ready to enjoy, even days after your big gathering. Happy indulging!
Nutritional Information
Now, I know many of us enjoy a delicious treat but also want to keep an eye on what we’re indulging in. So, here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for each piece of this scrumptious *Christmas party dessert*. Keep in mind these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but they’ll give you a good idea:
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 4g
So there you have it! Each bite of this delightful dessert packs in a good amount of chocolatey goodness while still being relatively manageable on the calorie front. Enjoy every indulgent piece guilt-free at your holiday gatherings!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, or even gluten-free flour if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture.
What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
No worries! You can chop up a bar of your favorite chocolate and use that instead. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips for a fun twist!
Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Just make sure to check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free as well!
How can I serve this dessert?
This *Christmas party dessert* is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce also make lovely additions!
Can I add fresh fruit to the batter?
While I wouldn’t recommend adding fresh fruit directly into the batter, you can certainly serve it alongside some fresh strawberries or raspberries for a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.
Is it okay to leave this dessert out at room temperature?
It’s best to store it in an airtight container in the fridge if you’re not serving it right away. If it’s just for a short while, it should be fine at room temperature, but try to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.
How long can I store the leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), they’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual pieces for about 2 months for a sweet treat later on!
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just make sure you have a big enough baking dish and adjust the baking time a bit. Keep an eye on it towards the end, as a larger batch may take a few extra minutes to bake through.
Christmas Party Dessert: 7 Indulgent Treats to Share
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive dessert perfect for a Christmas party.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Stir in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 36g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 40mg
Mots-clés: christmas party dessert











