Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Present Brownies, rich and fudgy with a perfect blend of cocoa and chocolate chips, topped with colorful candy melt decorations and mini bows to mimic wrapped gifts. Ideal for holiday celebrations, these brownies combine classic comfort with joyful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional for extra fudginess)
Decoration
- Red, green, and white candy melts
- Mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles (optional but festive)
Instructions
- Prepare the brownie batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in the sugar until smooth and shiny. Let cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract continuously until thick and glossy.
- Add the dry ingredients: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a rubber spatula, stirring just until combined to keep brownies chewy. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Bake the brownies: Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking. Let cool completely in the pan.
- Cut and decorate like gifts: Remove cooled brownies using the parchment paper overhang and place on a cutting board. Cut into even squares. Melt red, green, and white candy melts separately in the microwave with 15-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Drizzle or pipe the melts over each brownie in crisscross ribbons. Add mini bows or sprinkles for a festive look.
- Let the decorations set: Allow candy melts to harden at room temperature or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes. Arrange brownies on a platter or gift box lined with parchment paper for serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper with overhang for easy brownie removal.
- Do not overmix batter to maintain chewy texture.
- Chocolate chips are optional but add extra fudginess.
- Let brownies cool completely before decorating to prevent melting candy melts.
- Refrigerate decorated brownies briefly to speed candy melt hardening if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx. 1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
