Easy Frosted Christmas Brownies: A Festive Delight for Your Holiday Table
Introduction
Are you searching for a festive dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious? Look no further! Easy Frosted Christmas Brownies are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your holiday guests. According to a survey by the American Bakers Association, 87% of Americans enjoy baking during the holiday season, yet many struggle to find recipes that are both simple and scrumptious. This post will guide you through creating these delightful brownies that are sure to become a holiday favorite in your home.
Ingredients List
To make the most delectable Easy Frosted Christmas Brownies, gather the following ingredients:
Brownie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free version)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles or edible glitter for decoration
These ingredients create a rich, fudgy brownie base topped with a creamy chocolate frosting, making them the perfect festive treat!
Timing
Creating these Easy Frosted Christmas Brownies is efficient and straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of the timing:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
This recipe takes about 20% less time than the average brownie recipe, allowing you more time to enjoy the holiday festivities!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Easy Frosted Christmas Brownies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine Ingredients
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 4: Bake
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
While the brownies are cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk, until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 6: Frost the Brownies
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Finish with festive sprinkles or edible glitter for a holiday touch.
Step 7: Cut and Serve
Cut the brownies into squares and serve them on a festive platter. Enjoy the compliments from your guests!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional information per serving (1 brownie):
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g
These brownies are a delightful indulgence, so enjoy them in moderation!
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Looking to make your Easy Frosted Christmas Brownies a bit healthier? Here are some alternatives:
- Reduce Sugar: Decrease the granulated sugar by 1/2 cup for a less sweet brownie.
- Use Applesauce: Substitute 1/2 cup of butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat option.
- Dark Chocolate: Use dark cocoa powder for a richer flavor and added antioxidants.
- Nutty Additions: Incorporate chopped nuts or seeds for added protein and healthy fats.
These modifications will help you create a delicious treat that fits various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
To make your Easy Frosted Christmas Brownies even more appealing, consider these serving suggestions:
- Warm with Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Festive Platter: Arrange brownies on a holiday-themed platter with other treats like cookies and candies for a festive dessert table.
- Coffee Pairing: Pair with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
These ideas will elevate your dessert experience and impress your guests!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Frosted Christmas Brownies, keep these common pitfalls in mind to ensure success:
- Overmixing the Batter: Stir the batter just until combined to keep the brownies fudgy and moist.
- Not Cooling Completely Before Frosting: Allow the brownies to cool completely to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your brownies turn out perfectly every time!
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To keep your Easy Frosted Christmas Brownies fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, ensuring they are sealed well to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: Freeze un-frosted brownies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
These tips will help maintain the freshness and flavor of your delicious brownies!
Conclusion
In summary, Easy Frosted Christmas Brownies are a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a festive treat that everyone will love. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your feedback in the comments or subscribe for more delicious updates!
FAQs
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How can I make these brownies dairy-free?
Use coconut oil instead of butter in the brownie base and vegan butter for the frosting.
Can I add mix-ins to the brownies?
Absolutely! Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake and frost them a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Easy Frosted Christmas Brownies: A Festive Delight for Your Holiday Table
Ingredients
- Brownie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free version)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles or edible glitter for decoration
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine Ingredients
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 4: Bake
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
While the brownies are cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk, until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 6: Frost the Brownies
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Finish with festive sprinkles or edible glitter for a holiday touch.
Step 7: Cut and Serve
Cut the brownies into squares and serve them on a festive platter. Enjoy the compliments from your guests!