Christmas Brownies

Why Make This Christmas Brownies

Christmas Brownies are the perfect treat for the holiday season! Soft, chewy, and rich in flavor, these brownies take the classic dessert to a festive level with the addition of peppermint extract and chocolate chips. They’re not only delightful to taste but also fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that brings back childhood memories of holiday baking. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for the perfect gift from the oven, or simply craving something sweet to enjoy by the fireside, these Christmas Brownies will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth.

How to Make Christmas Brownies

This recipe for Christmas Brownies is straightforward and easy to follow. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch that is sure to impress your family and friends. The blend of peppermint and chocolate creates a deliciously festive flavor that captures the spirit of the season. Best of all, these brownies come together in under an hour, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 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
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter and stir in the granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
4. Combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl and gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool before dusting with powdered sugar and cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 brownie):

• Calories: 260
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 85mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 28g
• Protein: 4g

How to Serve Christmas Brownies

Christmas Brownies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them even further! Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, drizzled with chocolate sauce, or accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra festive touch, garnish with crushed candy canes or a sprinkle of holiday-themed sprinkles. They make for a perfect addition to a dessert table at any holiday gathering.

How to Store Christmas Brownies

To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For the best flavor, warm them slightly before serving. You can also freeze brownies for up to 3 months; just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Brownies

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and butter to come to room temperature before mixing to ensure better incorporation and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your brownies a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.
• Add More Peppermint: If you really love peppermint, increase the peppermint extract to 1 teaspoon for a stronger flavor, but be careful not to overpower the chocolate!

Delicious Variations

Get creative with these Christmas Brownies by trying one of these variations:

• Nutty Brownies: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Swirl: Swirl in some mint chocolate chip ice cream just before baking for a rich, creamy texture.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled brownies for a beautiful finish.
• Fudge Brownies: Add an extra 1/4 cup of melted chocolate for ultra-fudgy brownies.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
  Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon.

• Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?
  You can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to use one that measures cup-for-cup with all-purpose flour for best results.

• How do I know when the brownies are done?
  The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out clean, they might be overbaked.

Conclusion

These Christmas Brownies are the ideal festive treat for the holiday season. Rich, chewy, and bursting with chocolatey goodness, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), they will bring joy and warmth to your celebrations. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and start creating delicious memories. We’d love to hear how they turn out for you, so share your baking adventures with us! Happy baking!