Go Back
–+ servings
image of a realistic top down mise en place shot showing the fresh ingredients for christmas present brownies recipe arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight

Christmas Present Brownies Recipe

These Christmas Present Brownies are the ultimate holiday treat – rich, fudgy chocolate brownies decorated to look like adorable edible gifts. Perfect for gifting, parties, or family baking fun, this easy Christmas brownie recipe delivers intense chocolate flavor with festive flair.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time (hours) 4 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 15 brownies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Brownie Base
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter plus extra for greasing
  • 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped bar
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 3 eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch-process preferred
  • 1/4 tsp salt
Optional Mix-ins
  • 3/4 cup pecans or walnuts chopped, optional
Festive Decorations
  • 8 oz white chocolate or colored candy melts
  • holiday sprinkles assorted colors

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • - Mixing bowls
  • - Whisk
  • Rubber Spatula
  • Piping bag or zip top bag
  • wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides. Lightly grease the exposed paper.
  2. In a medium heat-safe bowl over simmering water (or microwave), melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate together, stirring until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until lightened and slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the cooled chocolate-butter mixture into the sugar-egg mixture. Whisk gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt together over the wet ingredients. Fold in with a rubber spatula until just combined, with a few streaks of flour remaining. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28–35 minutes, until edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not clean).
  7. Cool brownies completely in the pan on a wire rack, at least 2–3 hours or overnight for best results.
  8. Lift brownies out using parchment overhang. Cut into 15–20 squares (4x5 grid works well for uniform presents).
  9. Melt white chocolate or candy melts. Using a piping bag or zip-top bag with tiny hole, pipe cross-shaped ribbons across the top of each brownie. Add a small dot or square in the center for the bow.
  10. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with holiday sprinkles. Let the decorations set completely before storing or gifting.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 89mgFiber: 2gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 120IUCalcium: 21mgIron: 2.3mg

Notes

For ultra-fudgy texture, reduce flour by 1/4 cup. For peppermint version, add 1 tsp peppermint extract to batter and use crushed candy canes on top. Gluten-free? Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Vegan? Substitute butter with plant-based butter and eggs with flax eggs.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
QR Code linking back to recipe