Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and absolutely delicious treat this holiday season, you have to try my Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe. These little bite-sized beauties bring together the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the bright, fresh pop of strawberries, all topped off with creamy, fluffy frosting shaped like Santa’s iconic hat. I love this recipe because it’s super simple, visually adorable, and perfect for sharing at holiday parties or just enjoying with family at home. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be a new Christmas tradition!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe come together effortlessly for a truly festive treat. You’ll be surprised how pantry staples combined with fresh strawberries transform into these little holiday delights. Here’s what you want on hand before you start:

• Brownies: I prefer homemade or your favorite store-bought brownies; just make sure they’re thick enough to hold a strawberry on top.
• Fresh Strawberries: Pick nice, medium-sized strawberries that aren’t too watery for the best look and taste.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key for making fluffy frosting without lumps.
• Powdered Sugar: This gives you a smooth, creamy frosting when whipped with butter.
• Half and Half: Just a touch to lighten up the frosting and give it that perfect pipable texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds an irresistible warm note to the frosting.

Variations

What I love most about this Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Over the years, I’ve found small tweaks make a world of difference and keep this recipe fresh. Feel free to experiment—you might find your new holiday favorite!

• Chocolate Ganache Frosting: If you’re a chocolate fanatic like me, swapping the buttercream for a rich ganache gives the hats an extra indulgent touch.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and powdered sugar substitutes, plus coconut cream instead of half and half for a vegan-friendly option.
• Mini Santa Hats: Cut brownies into smaller squares and use mini strawberries for bite-sized party treats.
• Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the frosting for a cozy seasonal flavor.

How to Make Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Brownie Base

Start by arranging your brownies in a single layer on a tray or platter. You want them nicely spaced so each strawberry “hat” gets its own spotlight. If you’re using homemade brownies (my personal favorite), make sure they’re fully cooled and firm enough to hold their shape without crumbling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, half and half, and vanilla extract. I like to use a hand mixer and beat everything for about 2 minutes until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and piping-friendly. This step is key for that perfect Santa hat look. If your frosting feels too thick, add a splash more half and half; too thin, add a little extra powdered sugar.

Step 3: Frost Each Brownie and Top with Strawberries

Fill a piping bag (or a Ziploc with a small corner snipped off) with the frosting. Swirl a generous dollop of frosting on top of each brownie, shaping it to look like the fluffy part of a Santa hat. Then, place each strawberry on top, cut side down, so it sits like the pointy tip of the hat.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch

To complete the look, pipe a small dot of frosting on the tip of each strawberry—this is the pom-pom on Santa’s hat! Refrigerate your brownies until you’re ready to serve to help the frosting set and keep the strawberries fresh.

How to Serve Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple here—those little frosting pom-poms on the strawberry tips are enough for the classic Santa look. But if you’re feeling fancy, a tiny dusting of powdered sugar over the whole tray looks like a sprinkle of snow and adds a festive touch!

Side Dishes

These brownies are sweet and rich, so I like to serve them alongside a light cup of peppermint tea or a glass of cold milk. If it’s a party, a big bowl of fresh fruit or some tangy cranberry sauce balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe treats on a festive platter lined with pine needles or holly sprigs. Another fun idea: place them inside mini cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go servings or build a snowy “cake” tower by stacking brownies on decorative cake risers—it’s always a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After making this Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The frosting stays firm, and the strawberries will remain fresh for up to 2 days. I usually cover the tray with plastic wrap if I don’t want to move them to another container.

Freezing

I haven’t personally frozen the fully assembled Santa Hat Brownies because the strawberries and frosting don’t freeze well together, but you can freeze the plain brownies ahead of time. Just thaw completely and assemble just before serving for best results.

Reheating

Since this recipe is meant to be enjoyed chilled, I don’t recommend reheating. If you want warm brownies, serve plain warm brownies without the frosting and strawberries, then assemble afterward for that fresh look and taste.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe has become one of my favorite festive treats because it’s as charming as it is tasty. I still remember the first holiday party where I brought these—the smiles and compliments made all the effort so worth it. You’ll enjoy how simple it is to create something that truly stands out on your dessert table. Give it a try this season, and I promise you’ll have a new holiday classic to share with your loved ones!

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