These Christmas Present Brownies are fudgy, festive, and so fun to decorate. Each square looks like a tiny gift, complete with piped ribbons and bows. Bring them to a party and watch them disappear first.
Christmas Present Brownies
Equipment
- 1 8-inch square baking pan
- 1 Parchment Paper
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Rubber spatula
- 2 Piping bags
- 2 Small round or star piping tip
- 1 Cooling rack
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Ruler (optional)
Ingredients
For the brownies
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 egg large, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract alcohol-free
- 0.75 cup all-purpose flour spooned & leveled
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.25 tsp fine salt
- 0.5 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate optional
For the buttercream ribbons
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract alcohol-free; or peppermint extract (alcohol-free)
- Red and green gel food coloring as needed
Decorations
- Holiday sprinkles candy pearls, or mini chocolate candies
- Thin strips of fruit leather for bows optional
Instructions
Brownies
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment so the edges overhang for easy lifting. Lightly grease the parchment.
- Whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until glossy. Whisk in eggs one at a time, then alcohol-free vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips if using.
- Spread batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake 22 to 28 minutes, until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely in the pan, then lift out by the parchment.
Buttercream & Decorating
- Beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, salt, and alcohol-free vanilla. Beat in just enough milk or cream to reach a medium-stiff piping consistency. Divide into two bowls and tint red and green.
- Cut brownies into neat squares. Fit piping bags with small round or star tips and pipe ribbons across each square, then add bows. Finish with sprinkles or candy pearls.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Present Brownies Recipe
- Rich, chewy brownies with shiny tops and deep chocolate flavor.
- Adorable gift-wrap decorations that are simple to pipe.
- Kid-friendly project that doubles as a centerpiece.
- Easy to make with pantry staples and alcohol-free vanilla.
- Great make-ahead dessert for cookie swaps and gatherings.
Christmas Present Brownies Recipe Ingredients & Substitutions
For the brownies
- Unsalted butter: Melted for moisture and chew. Swap with neutral oil for a slightly cakier crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Helps create that crackly top.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramel richness.
- Eggs: Room temperature for easier mixing.
- Alcohol-free vanilla extract: Warm, cozy flavor without the alcohol.
- All-purpose flour: Spoon and level for accuracy.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Natural or Dutch-process both work; Dutch gives deeper color.
- Fine salt: Balances sweetness.
- Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: Optional for extra gooey pockets.
For the buttercream ribbons
- Unsalted butter: Softened.
- Powdered sugar: Sifted for smooth piping.
- Pinch of salt: Rounds out the sweetness.
- Milk or heavy cream: Adjusts consistency.
- Alcohol-free vanilla extract or a few drops alcohol-free peppermint extract.
- Red and green gel food coloring.
Decorations
- Holiday sprinkles, candy pearls, or mini chocolate candies.
- Thin strips of fruit leather for bows if you prefer not to pipe them.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Christmas Present Brownies Recipe
1. Prep the pan and oven
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment so the edges overhang for easy lifting. Lightly grease the parchment.
2. Make the brownie batter
Whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until glossy. Whisk in eggs one at a time, then alcohol-free vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips if using.
3. Bake
Spread batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake 22 to 28 minutes, until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely in the pan, then lift out by the parchment.
4. Make the buttercream
Beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, salt, and alcohol-free vanilla. Beat in just enough milk or cream to reach a medium-stiff piping consistency. Divide into two bowls and tint red and green.
5. Decorate like presents
Cut brownies into neat squares. Fit piping bags with small round or star tips and pipe ribbons across each square, then add bows. Finish with sprinkles or candy pearls.
Tips for Success
- Do not overbake. Pull the brownies when the center no longer looks wet and a few crumbs cling to a tester.
- For crackly tops, whisk the warm butter and sugars well before adding eggs.
- Chill the slab 20 minutes before slicing for clean edges.
- Use a ruler to mark even squares so the ribbons line up neatly.
- Keep buttercream slightly firm so bows hold their shape.
Variations of Christmas Present Brownies Recipe
- Mint-chocolate: Add alcohol-free peppermint extract to the batter and frosting.
- Double chocolate: Fold in extra chopped chocolate for gooier centers.
- Spiced cocoa: Whisk in a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for cozy warmth.
- Snowy gifts: Pipe white buttercream ribbons and dust with a little powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Christmas Present Brownies Recipe
- Hot cocoa or steamed milk.
- Fresh berries for a bright contrast.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Room temperature: Keep decorated brownies in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Store up to 5 days. Let stand at room temperature 20 minutes before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze undecorated squares, well wrapped, up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then decorate.
- To refresh: Warm a square for 8 to 10 seconds in the microwave if you like a softer texture.
Memories Made Around the Table
Every year we set out bowls of sprinkles and a rainbow of piping bags, and the kitchen turns into a little gift factory. The best part is seeing everyone’s different bows and patterns come to life.
FAQs
Can I use a box brownie mix? Yes. Bake according to the package in an 8-inch pan, cool, then decorate as directed.
What if I only have a 9-inch pan? Bake a few minutes less and start checking early. The brownies will be slightly thinner but still decorate beautifully.
How do I get clean slices? Chill the brownies, use a long sharp knife, and wipe the blade between cuts.
Can I make them ahead? Bake a day in advance and decorate the day you serve. Or freeze undecorated squares and add ribbons after thawing.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Present Brownies bring instant cheer to any dessert table. They are simple to bake, joyful to decorate, and guaranteed to spark smiles with every bite.