Description
Delightfully festive Christmas Present Brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with colorful candy melt ‘ribbons’ to resemble wrapped gifts. These chewy chocolate brownies are perfect for holiday parties or gift-giving, combining classic brownie flavors with charming decorations for a seasonal treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional for extra fudginess)
Decorations
- Red, green, and white candy melts
- Mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles (optional, but festive!)
Instructions
- Prepare the brownie batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in the sugar until smooth and shiny. Let it cool slightly before adding eggs and vanilla, whisking continuously until the mixture is thick and glossy.
- Add the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a rubber spatula. Stir until combined and smooth, being careful not to overmix to maintain chewiness. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking as brownies continue to cook after removal. Let cool completely in the pan.
- Cut and decorate like gifts: Using the parchment overhang, lift the brownies out and place on a cutting board. Cut into even squares. Melt each color of candy melts in separate bowls in the microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Drizzle or pipe candy melts over brownies in crisscross lines to resemble ribbons. Add mini bows or sprinkles to finish.
- Let the decorations set: Allow the candy melts to harden at room temperature or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes. Once set, arrange brownies on a platter or in a gift box lined with parchment paper for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- Use parchment paper with an overhang for easy brownie removal.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies chewy and fudgy.
- Check brownies early to avoid overbaking—slightly underdone is best.
- Chocolate chips are optional but add extra gooey texture.
- Decorate with candy melts and festive sprinkles or bows for a holiday theme.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approximately 2x2 inch square)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
