Oh, the joy of holiday baking! There’s something so magical about filling your kitchen with the rich aroma of chocolate as you whip up a batch of *christmas brownies*. I can still remember the excitement as a kid, eagerly waiting for those fudgy squares to come out of the oven, the anticipation building with each sweet whiff. These brownies are not just a dessert; they’re a warm hug at festive gatherings, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Trust me, when you bring these to a holiday party, you’ll be the star of the show! So, let’s get baking and make some delicious memories together!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, choose your favorite, like walnuts or pecans)
How to Prepare the Christmas Brownie
Making these *christmas brownies* is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with some of the most delicious, fudgy treats ever! Let’s dive into the process step by step, and I’ll guide you through it.
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those brownies to bake evenly. While that’s happening, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. You can use butter or non-stick spray—whatever you have on hand. This helps ensure those brownies come out easily and don’t stick!
Mixing Ingredients
Now, let’s melt the butter! I love doing this in a saucepan over low heat; it’s quick and gives a lovely texture to the brownies. Once the butter is melted, stir in the granulated sugar until it’s well combined. This is where the magic starts! Next, crack in those eggs, one at a time, and add in the vanilla extract. Make sure to mix it well after each addition. This will create a lovely, glossy mixture that’s just begging for chocolate!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Once that’s done, gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix here! You just want everything combined, so stop as soon as you see no flour streaks. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and we definitely want them to be fudgy!
Adding Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Now for my favorite part—folding in the chocolate chips! Add those in along with any chopped nuts if you’re using them. Just gently stir until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. It’s okay if a few chocolate chips are peeking out; those little surprises are the best!
Baking the Brownies
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, making sure it reaches all the corners. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. I recommend checking them at the 25-minute mark. They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs; that’s the perfect texture we’re aiming for!
Cooling and Cutting
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial! If you cut them too soon, they might fall apart. After they’ve had a chance to cool, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, cut them into squares and get ready to indulge! Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Rich, fudgy chocolate flavor that melts in your mouth.
- Ideal for sharing at gatherings or cozy family nights.
- Customizable with nuts, sprinkles, or your favorite toppings.
- Everyone will be asking for the recipe—trust me!
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor—your taste buds will thank you!
- Make sure your butter is just melted, not bubbling—this helps keep the brownies fudgy.
- Don’t skip the cooling step! This ensures clean cuts and helps the brownies set up perfectly.
- For the best texture, check for doneness with a toothpick; a few moist crumbs should stick to it when they’re ready.
- If you prefer a more cake-like brownie, try adding an extra egg for a lighter texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *christmas brownies* fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them! Just wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months—perfect for those unexpected holiday cravings!
When you’re ready to indulge, simply take a brownie out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour. No need to reheat, but if you like them warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. Enjoy the gooey chocolate goodness!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each *christmas brownie* square, just to keep you in the know! Each brownie contains about 200 calories, with 10g of fat (6g saturated), 20g of sugar, and 3g of protein. You’ll also find approximately 25g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber. Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates, but they’re a sweet treat worth every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the butter with oil? Yes, you can use vegetable oil instead, but the texture might be a bit different. Butter adds a rich flavor that oil can’t quite match.
How should I store leftover brownies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months!
Can I add different mix-ins? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your favorite nuts, caramel bits, or even mint chips—whatever makes your heart sing during the holidays!
Why are my brownies dry? Overbaking is usually the culprit! Make sure to check them a few minutes early to achieve that perfect fudgy texture.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free? Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go!
Drucken
Christmas Brownie Recipe: 5 Steps to Fudgy Bliss
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 brownies 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious Christmas brownie recipe for festive gatherings.
Zutaten
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Anweisungen
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, cocoa, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Add festive toppings like sprinkles for decoration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 brownie
- Kalorien: 200
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 6g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 25g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 50mg
Keywords: christmas brownie, holiday dessert, chocolate brownie
