The holiday season calls for something extra indulgent, and Frosted Christmas Brownies are the answer. Rich, fudgy, and topped with a creamy, colorful frosting, these brownies bring together the magic of Christmas and the comfort of homemade baking. Whether you’re prepping for a cookie swap, hosting a holiday dinner, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this festive treat never disappoints.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make the ultimate batch of frosted brownies for Christmas, why they’re perfect for any gathering, and how to get creative with toppings and shapes. We’ll also link you to other delicious ideas like reindeer cupcakes and Christmas pinwheels to complete your holiday dessert tray. Let’s dive in and unwrap the story of this sensational treat.
The Story Behind Frosted Christmas Brownies
A Sweet Tradition Baked with Love
Every family has that one dessert that feels like Christmas. For mine, it’s always been Frosted Christmas Brownies. I still remember standing on a stool beside my mom, dipping my finger into the frosting bowl before she could even finish mixing the butter and sugar. Our tiny kitchen smelled like chocolate and cinnamon, the windows fogged up from the oven’s warmth, and holiday music filled the air. That first bite—warm brownie, silky frosting, sprinkles crunching slightly—tasted like joy. And it still does.
Now, it’s a tradition I’ve passed on. Every December, my own kids crowd the kitchen, waiting to swirl red and green frosting across the cooling brownies. It’s messy. It’s fun. It’s what Christmas is all about. Whether you’re creating memories with your little ones or simply treating yourself, Frosted Christmas Brownies bring holiday cheer to every bite.
Print
Frosted Christmas Brownies: A Festive Delight You’ll Bake on Repeat
Fudgy chocolate brownies topped with festive red and green frosting make these Frosted Christmas Brownies the star of any holiday dessert table.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp espresso powder (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract or vanilla
- Red and green food coloring
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13” baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and vanilla.
- Whisk in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and espresso powder until smooth.
- Pour batter into pan and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, extract, and beat until smooth.
- Divide frosting into two bowls. Tint one red, one green. Spread over cooled brownies.
- Add sprinkles, chill for 30 minutes, then cut into desired shapes.
Notes
- Use cookie cutters for fun holiday shapes.
- Freeze unfrosted brownies and frost later for best texture.
- Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
The Magic of Color and Flavor
These brownies aren’t just rich in chocolate—they’re loaded with spirit. The vibrant red and green frosting layered on top brings the Christmas palette to life. Add peppermint extract to the icing for a wintery zing or go classic with vanilla buttercream. You can even decorate with crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles. They look just as great on a dessert table as they taste, much like the sugar cookie cheesecake or the salted chocolate and caramel pretzel bars from PaulaRecipes.
Building the Perfect Frosted Christmas Brownies
Choosing the Right Brownie Base
The best Frosted Christmas Brownies start with the perfect foundation. You want a base that’s moist and fudgy but still firm enough to hold a generous layer of frosting. Skip boxed mixes—they rarely deliver that homemade richness. Instead, use real butter, melted dark chocolate, and a touch of brown sugar for depth. A teaspoon of espresso powder can also enhance the cocoa flavor without making it taste like coffee.
Make sure your eggs are room temperature and don’t overmix the batter—just enough to bring it all together. Bake until the center is just set, and a few moist crumbs stick to a toothpick. That’s the sweet spot between cakey and gooey that turns a good brownie into a great one.
Frosting That Speaks Holiday
A good frosting takes Frosted Christmas Brownies from tasty to irresistible. Cream cheese frosting is a favorite—it’s smooth, tangy, and contrasts beautifully with the richness of the brownie. For a lighter touch, buttercream works wonders. Color half red, half green, and swirl them together on top for a candy cane effect. Add vanilla, peppermint, or even orange zest for holiday flair.
The key is to frost only once the brownies are fully cooled. Warm brownies will melt the frosting, ruining the texture. Want inspiration? Look at Paula’s deviled egg Christmas trees and cinnamon sugar blondies—they show how color and detail make all the difference.
Creative Twists for Extra Fun
Add-Ins That Take It Up a Notch
Brownies are already delightful, but with Frosted Christmas Brownies, there’s room to add a little surprise. Stir crushed peppermint candies into the batter for a cool crunch or mix in white chocolate chips for a snowy twist. Swirls of peanut butter or Nutella bring creaminess and depth, and holiday M&Ms tossed on top add texture and color.
For a grown-up version, a splash of bourbon or a pinch of cinnamon and chili can give them a deeper flavor profile. Want more creative mashups? Try layering with churro cheesecake or serving alongside saltine candy Christmas crack for a mix-and-match dessert plate.
Cut, Shape, and Decorate
Think beyond the square! Once frosted, cut your Frosted Christmas Brownies into stars, trees, or candy cane shapes using cookie cutters. Dip the edges in crushed nuts or roll them in sprinkles for extra flair. If you’re hosting a party, these shapes make serving easier and more festive. Kids especially love decorating their own brownie “ornaments.”
Presentation matters as much as taste. Stack brownies on a tiered plate or wrap individual pieces in cellophane as edible gifts. Pair with other holiday classics like white chocolate peppermint cookies or peppermint brownie cookies for a jaw-dropping cookie exchange platter.
Making It Ahead and Keeping It Fresh
Storage Tips That Work
If you’re baking ahead for a party or mailing treats, storage is key. Let your Frosted Christmas Brownies cool completely, then store them in a single layer in an airtight container. Wax or parchment paper between layers prevents frosting from sticking. They’ll keep at room temp for 3–4 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
Want to freeze them? Go right ahead—just freeze unfrosted brownies first, then add the icing fresh before serving. This keeps the texture perfect and avoids any frosting disasters. Bonus tip: wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil to prevent freezer burn.
How to Serve Like a Pro
The right presentation can turn Frosted Christmas Brownies into a showstopper. Serve them slightly chilled for clean cuts or warm them briefly for an oozy, melty moment. Pair with peppermint hot chocolate or mulled cider for a cozy touch. These brownies also make fantastic party favors—pack them in festive tins or gift boxes.
Need other crowd-pleasers? Paula’s traditional chocolate yule log and raspberry linzer cookies make a perfect trio with your brownies. Together, they create a dessert table that’s both nostalgic and utterly impressive.
Serving Up the Final Words
Frosted Christmas Brownies are more than just a dessert—they’re a holiday experience. From baking them with family to presenting them at a party, every step adds a sprinkle of joy to the season. You can customize them with flavors, shapes, and toppings to suit your style. Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or indulging, they always deliver.
Pair them with other festive treats like soft Christmas peppermints or Little Debbie Christmas cake truffles to create a Christmas dessert spread everyone will remember. Now go ahead—bake some cheer, one brownie at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frosted Christmas Brownies
What makes Frosted Christmas Brownies different from regular brownies?
The difference lies in the festive frosting and presentation. Frosted Christmas Brownies are topped with holiday-colored icing, sprinkles, and often include peppermint or seasonal flavors. They’re designed to look and feel like Christmas on a plate, unlike plain brownies.
Can I use store-bought frosting for Frosted Christmas Brownies?
Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, store-bought frosting works fine. However, making your own buttercream or cream cheese frosting lets you control sweetness, color, and flavor. Homemade options tend to pair better with the rich chocolate base.
How do I keep Frosted Christmas Brownies from getting soggy?
To keep them fresh, always allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting. Store them in an airtight container, and use parchment paper if stacking. Avoid refrigerating for too long unless necessary, as that can make them overly dense.
Can I freeze Frosted Christmas Brownies?
Absolutely. It’s best to freeze them unfrosted, then frost after thawing to preserve texture. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. They’ll last up to three months in the freezer without losing flavor.
You can even pair these brownies with gingerbread crinkle cookies or cannoli cookies for a frozen batch of festive goodies ready whenever the cravings hit.
