Ah, there’s just something magical about baking during the holiday season, isn’t there? The smell of chocolate wafting through the house, the excitement of gathering around the kitchen, and the joy of sharing treats with loved ones all come together to create a festive atmosphere. My favorite *Christmas brownies ideas* have always been a staple in my family, bringing back warm memories of laughter and cheer. I remember my grandma and I whipping up a batch together, her secret ingredient being a sprinkle of love (and maybe a little extra chocolate). Trust me, these brownies are sure to spread joy and sweetness to your holiday celebrations!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to baking these delightful Christmas brownies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 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 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Make sure your butter is melted but not too hot—just warm enough to mix beautifully with the sugar and eggs. And don’t skimp on the chocolate chips; they’re the heart and soul of these brownies!
How to Prepare Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Pan
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring your brownies bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well—trust me, you don’t want your brownies sticking when it’s time to slice them up!
Mixing the Ingredients
Now, let’s melt that butter! I usually do this in a saucepan over low heat—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the sugar, followed by the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix in the vanilla extract next. Then, gradually add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, stirring until everything is just combined. You want that rich, chocolatey mixture to come together without overmixing—it’ll help keep your brownies fudgy!
Baking the Brownies
Now it’s time for the fun part! Gently fold in those chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour this luscious mixture into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, but don’t forget to check for doneness! You’re looking for that perfect balance—when the edges are set but the center is still a bit soft. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs for the ultimate brownie texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to whip up, even for beginner bakers!
- Rich, festive flavors that scream holiday cheer.
- Perfectly fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Beautifully decorated with crushed peppermint for that seasonal flair.
- Sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas brownies turn out perfectly, I have a few handy tips! First, use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for the richest flavor. Keep an eye on your baking time—ovens can vary, so check your brownies a couple of minutes early. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding in some nuts or swapping out the peppermint for orange zest for a twist! And remember, the brownies will continue to cook a bit after you take them out of the oven, so don’t worry if they look slightly underbaked in the center!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious Christmas brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature. If you like them warm, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave will do the trick—just enough to bring back that gooey goodness!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these festive brownies? I’ve got answers! If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter—just reduce the added salt a tad. Want to switch things up? Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a delicious crunch. You can also swap the peppermint for crushed Oreos for a different flavor twist. And if you’re feeling extra festive, why not top them with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt before serving? These *Christmas brownies ideas* are versatile, so get creative and enjoy!
Nutritional Information Section
Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness in these scrumptious Christmas brownies! Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. Each brownie contains about 200 calories, with 10g of fat, including 6g of saturated fat. You’ll also find 25g of carbohydrates and 3g of protein per serving. Plus, they have 18g of sugar, which gives that delightful sweetness we all love! Remember, enjoying these treats in moderation is key, especially during the festive season, so savor every chocolaty bite!
Drucken
Christmas Brownies Ideas: 5 Sweet Recipes for Joyful Moments
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 brownies 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious Christmas brownies that are perfect for the holiday season.
Zutaten
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, cocoa, and salt until well combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Top with additional crushed peppermint for decoration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 brownie
- Kalorien: 200
- Zucker: 18g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 6g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 25g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 40mg
Keywords: christmas brownies ideas
