Christmas Brownies

These vibrant, fun brownies are the perfect way to add a touch of whimsy and color to any celebration. With a rich cocoa base, the crunch of colorful sugar beads, and a hint of sweetness from the colored sugar, they are a delightful festive twist on the classic brownie. The grated chocolate adds an extra layer of indulgence, making these melt-in-your-mouth brownies rich and eye-catching. Serve these fun, colorful treats at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want to add a little extra cheer to your dessert spread. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat. Enjoy every bite of this rich, sweet, chocolatey treat topped with a smooth, decadent glossy chocolate icing. They are the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers and anyone with a sweet tooth. The icing adds a decadent, silky finish and can be customized with a dash of vanilla or a pinch of salt to bring out even more depth. Whether you’re serving them as a festive snack or a special dessert, these brownies are sure to make every bite feel like a celebration @sarchakra

PREP TIME: 20 mins

COOK TIME: 25 mins

YIELDS: Makes 16 slices

Ingredients

Brownie Batter

All purpose flour 1 cup (120g)
Unsweetened cocoa powder ½ cup (45g)
Baking soda 1 tsp
Salt ¼ tsp
Granulated sugar 1 cup (200g)
Colored sugar ½ cup (100 g), divided
Eggs 2, large
Vegetable oil ½ cup (120 ml)
Grated chocolate (semi-sweet or milk chocolate) ½ cup (80g)
Edible beads ¼ cup (30g) plus 2 tbsp for sprinkling later

Chocolate Icing

Unsalted butter ½ cup (115g)
Heavy cream ¼ cup (60ml)
Unsweetened cocoa powder ½ cup (50g)
Powdered sugar 2 cups (250g)
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Pinch of salt
Milk 2-3 tbsp (for consistency)

Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy.
Add the oil and grated chocolate and continue mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The batter will be thick.
Gently fold in half the colored sugar beads and ¼ cup of the colored sugar.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid overbaking.
While the brownies are baking, prepare the Chocolate Icing.

Chocolate Icing

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat.
Stir in the heavy cream and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth and well combined. The cocoa will melt into the cream, creating a thick, glossy mixture.
Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, stirring continuously to avoid lumps until the mixture is smooth. It will thicken as you add the sugar.
Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth. If the icing seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
Allow the icing to cool for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Assembly

Once the brownies are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper overhang and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
Spread the icing evenly over your slightly warm brownies. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for a smooth, even layer.
For an extra pop of color, lightly dust the top of the cooled brownies with additional colored sugar or even sprinkle more colorful sugar beads on top just before serving.
Let the icing set for about 20 minutes or refrigerate for a firmer finish.
Once the icing is set, cut the brownies into squares. Enjoy your brownies with their delicious chocolate topping!

Notes

Whisking the dry ingredients first ensures they are well combined and aerated.

The colored sugar and beads add both texture and color to the brownies, making them festive and fun.

Be careful not to over mix the brownie batter as this could result in dense brownies.

The grated chocolate add extra richness to the batter.

This icing adds an indulgent, fudgy layer that perfectly complements the rich flavor of brownies.

Serving Suggestions

Brownie Skewers: Cut your brownies into bite-sized cubes and thread them onto decorative skewers. Alternate with marshmallows, strawberries or pineapple pieces, or even chocolate chunks for added flavor and visual appeal.

Brownie trifles: Layer small cubes of brownies with whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or custard in individual glass jars or mason jars. Top with crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles for a festive touch.

Brownie wreathes: Arrange your brownies in a circular shape on a platter to form a wreath. Drizzle with white chocolate or powdered sugar to make them look more like snow. Add edible glitter or candied holly leaves for a holiday-inspired finishing touch. This transforms brownies into a stunning centerpiece that’s both delicious and visually striking.

Brownie S’mores Bar: Serve your brownies alongside graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate pieces for a DIY s’mores station. Guests can break up pieces of brownie and assemble their own festive s’mores.

Mini Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich small squares or rounds of brownie with festive ice cream flavors like peppermint, gingerbread, or vanilla. Dust with powdered sugar or dip the edges in crushed candy canes for extra holiday flair. Ice cream and brownies are a classic combo, and this handheld treat feels indulgent and fun.

Brownie Pops: Stick a popsicle stick or lollipop stick into each brownie square and dip them in chocolate or a festive coating (like white chocolate with sprinkles). Drizzle them with caramel or ganache.

Snowy Brownie Trees: Cut brownies into triangle shapes to resemble Christmas trees. Coat the tops with powdered sugar to mimic snow, or pipe royal icing in the shape of garlands or decorations.

Brownie & Hot Chocolate: Serve small brownie squares alongside cups of hot chocolate. Add fun toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate shavings, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. For an extra twist, offer different flavored hot chocolate like peppermint or caramel. The pairing of warm drinks with brownies is a comforting holiday experience, perfect for cozy gatherings.

Brownie Gift Jars: Package your brownies in small mason jars with a festive ribbon. Layer the brownie pieces, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce on top, and finish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. For added charm, you could add a little note about the recipe or ingredients. These make for great little gifts or personalized treats guests can take home.

Brownie Sundae Bar: Set up a DIY sundae station where guests can top their brownies with various ice cream, fruits, nuts, sauces like hot fudge or salted caramel, and candies like crushed gingerbread cookies and M&Ms.

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