Description
These fudgy Christmas Present Brownies are decorated to look like tiny wrapped gifts, making them a festive and delicious holiday treat for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz (225 g) dark chocolate (60–70% cacao), chopped, or 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (65 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- Optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, or 1 cup chocolate chips
For buttercream ribbon and bows:
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (red, green, gold)
For a glossy top (optional):
- 6 oz (170 g) dark chocolate
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Melt butter and chocolate together in a double boiler or microwave (30-second bursts). Stir in sugar and cocoa until combined.
- Temper in eggs by whisking them and vanilla in a bowl, then add to the chocolate mixture by tablespoons while stirring to avoid scrambling.
- Fold in flour and salt, then the optional nuts/chips if using.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth, and bake for 22–28 minutes. Insert a toothpick; slight gooey crumbs indicate it’s done.
- Cool completely. If using ganache, pour over cooled brownies and chill until set.
- Cut into squares. Apply a thin layer of buttercream or cover with fondant. Pipe ribbons and bows with colored buttercream or place fondant strips.
- Chill briefly to set decorations, then bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
For variations, you can add peppermint extract to the buttercream, or try adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Christmas, brownies, holiday desserts, chocolate, gifts