Description
These festive Santa Hat Brownies are a delightful holiday treat, featuring rich, fudgy brownies topped with creamy vanilla frosting and fresh strawberries arranged to resemble Santa hats. Perfect for parties and gatherings, they combine easy-to-make frosting with fresh fruit for a whimsical and delicious dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownies
- 12 brownies
- 12 fresh strawberries, rinsed and hulled
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp half and half
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Arrange Brownies: Place the 12 brownies in a single layer on a tray or serving platter to prepare for frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, half and half, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Prepare for Piping: Transfer the frosting into a piping bag, or alternatively, a Ziploc bag with a small corner snipped off to allow precise application.
- Frost Brownies: Swirl the creamy frosting on top of each brownie, creating a smooth surface to resemble the base of Santa hats.
- Add Strawberries: Place one hulled strawberry on top of each frosted brownie, positioning the cut side down to mimic the shape of a Santa hat.
- Final Touch: Pipe a small dot of frosting on the pointed tip of each strawberry to represent the hat’s fluffy pom-pom.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled Santa Hat Brownies until ready to serve to help the frosting set and keep the strawberries fresh.
Notes
- Ensure strawberries are well rinsed and thoroughly dried to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use room temperature butter for the frosting to achieve a smooth, fluffy texture.
- These brownies are best served chilled but bring them to room temperature for a few minutes before eating for optimal flavor.
- Feel free to use your favorite brownie recipe or store-bought brownies for convenience.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and half and half with vegan alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie with frosting and strawberry
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
