There’s just something magical about festive baking, isn’t there? The smell of warm chocolate wafting through the house, the excitement of gathering with loved ones—it’s all part of the holiday spirit! These *christmas brownies ideas* are not just desserts; they’re little bites of joy that can elevate any holiday gathering. I still remember the first time I made brownies for our family Christmas party. My cousin devoured them and declared it his new favorite treat! Trust me, when you add festive flavors like peppermint to rich chocolate brownies, it’s a guaranteed hit. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s whip up some holiday magic together!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly gooey. While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. I like to use butter for greasing, but you can also use non-stick spray. This prevents any brownie disasters where they stick to the pan—trust me, you don’t want that!
Combine Ingredients
Now, let’s melt that delicious butter! You can do this on the stove or in the microwave—just be careful not to let it bubble. Once melted, mix the butter with the granulated sugar in a big bowl until it’s smooth and glossy. Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, adding the vanilla extract after that. Make sure you beat everything together really well until it’s all combined and looking fabulous!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This step helps remove any lumps and keeps your brownies lovely and light. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix—this can make your brownies tough, and we want them to be soft and fudgy!
Add Chocolate and Peppermint
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Gently fold in those rich chocolate chips and the crushed peppermint candy. I love adding the peppermint because it brings a festive touch that’s just perfect for the holidays. Just be sure to mix gently so you don’t break up those chocolate chips too much!
Bake the Brownies
Pour that luscious brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. A good trick to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Once baked, let them cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. The smell will be irresistible, so be prepared for everyone to come sniffing around!
Tips for Success
If you want your brownies to be absolutely perfect, here are some of my go-to tips! First, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them blend together smoothly, giving your brownies that dreamy texture. When it comes to checking for doneness, I always use a toothpick—insert it into the center, and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready to come out of the oven! And oh, don’t rush the cooling process! Let your brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This way, they’ll hold their shape and be easier to serve. Trust me, patience pays off with these sweet treats!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional data for each delicious brownie. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a solid idea!
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
These brownies are a delightful treat, perfect for indulging during the holiday season while still keeping an eye on those nutritional goals!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive flavors that capture the spirit of the holidays with rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint.
- Easy preparation—perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Ideal for gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile and a sweet treat.
- Great for all ages; kids and adults alike will adore these fudgy delights!
- Customizable—feel free to add your favorite nuts or toppings for a personal twist.
FAQ Section
I get a lot of questions about these festive brownies, so let’s clear up some common ones! First off, how do you store leftovers? Simply place any uneaten brownies in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, but I recommend letting them come to room temperature before serving again for the best taste.
Now, if you’re looking to switch things up, you might be wondering about ingredient substitutions. You can absolutely swap out the granulated sugar for brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option. And if peppermint isn’t your thing, try using chopped nuts or even orange zest for a different twist!
As for serving, these brownies are delightful on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top—yum! They also make wonderful gifts when wrapped up in a festive box, perfect for sharing the holiday joy with friends and neighbors. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas brownies are incredibly versatile, and the way you serve them can really elevate the experience! One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy ice cream melts slightly over the fudgy brownies, creating a heavenly combination that’s just irresistible! If you’re feeling extra festive, a dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with some crushed peppermint candy on top adds a delightful touch.
For those cozy holiday gatherings, pair these brownies with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa. The rich chocolate flavor complements the coffee beautifully, making it the perfect afternoon treat or a sweet ending to a festive meal. And let’s not forget about gifting! These brownies make a wonderful holiday gift for neighbors or friends. Just cut them into squares, pack them in a cute box or tin, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade present that’s sure to bring smiles this season. Everyone loves a little sweet surprise, right?
Imprimer
Christmas Brownies Ideas: 5 Irresistible Festive Treats
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 24 brownies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious Christmas brownies with festive flavors.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter and mix it with sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- Stir in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Top with powdered sugar for decoration.
- Try adding nuts for extra crunch.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: christmas brownies ideas
