Frosted Christmas Brownies aren’t just a dessert—they’re a sweet tradition in our family. I still remember the first time my sister and I whipped up a batch while carols played in the background and the snow softly fell outside. She insisted on loading extra sprinkles, and I drizzled thick vanilla frosting that nearly covered every crumb. That batch didn’t last through the night. These brownies are more than sugar and chocolate—they’re memories, laughter, and the warmth of home, bundled into every chewy square.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the festive magic of Frosted Christmas Brownies. You’ll learn how to create them from scratch, how to elevate them with unique flavors, decorate them like a pro, and store them so they stay fudgy all season long.
The Story Behind Frosted Christmas Brownies
A Holiday Memory Baked Into Every Bite
Every year, Frosted Christmas Brownies mark the official start of our holiday season. They’re that sweet balance between chewy, chocolatey richness and a cool, sweet frosting that tastes like winter in every bite. Whether you’re making them with kids or baking for a crowd, they always steal the show.
Frosted Christmas Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until fully combined.
- Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- To make frosting: beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then milk and extract. Mix until smooth and spreadable.
- Spread frosting over cooled brownies and top with sprinkles. Chill for 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why Brownies Deserve a Holiday Makeover
The best thing about Frosted Christmas Brownies is how easily they can be transformed from your everyday treat into a festive centerpiece. Think peppermint swirls, snowflake sprinkles, and that creamy vanilla or cream cheese frosting layer. It’s the easiest way to turn a classic into a Christmas showstopper. Looking for more treats with a twist? You’ll also love these peppermint brownie cookies or go ultra-festive with Christmas pinwheels.
Creating the Perfect Base for Frosted Christmas Brownies
Choosing the Right Chocolate
The secret to rich, decadent Frosted Christmas Brownies starts with high-quality chocolate. Go for unsweetened cocoa powder if you love a fudgy texture, or melt down a dark chocolate bar for extra depth. Avoid anything labeled “milk chocolate,” which often leads to overly sweet, less chocolate-forward results.
Butter vs. Oil Debate
If you’ve ever wondered why some brownies are cakey while others are fudgy, the answer is in the fat. Butter gives your Frosted Christmas Brownies flavor, while oil locks in moisture. I prefer a mix of both—it’s the secret weapon behind our brownie’s gooey center and crispy edges. Pair this with a batch of shortbread cookies for a dreamy dessert table.
Decking Them Out: Frosting Ideas for Christmas Brownies
Vanilla, Peppermint, or Cream Cheese?
Classic vanilla frosting is a staple, but during the holidays, why not go bold? A peppermint-infused buttercream brings coolness to rich brownies, while cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast that balances the sweet. Whichever route you take, the frosting on your Frosted Christmas Brownies should be thick enough to spread without dripping and light enough to cut through the chocolate.
Toppings That Sleigh
From red and green sugar crystals to crushed candy canes or even white chocolate peppermint cookies, the toppings make the festive difference. Swirl in some green-dyed frosting or use cookie cutters to shape the brownies like trees or stars. Add a sprinkle of imagination, and you’ve got a dessert people talk about until next December.
How to Store & Serve Frosted Christmas Brownies
Keeping Brownies Fudgy, Not Fridge-Hard
The frosting layer changes how you store your Frosted Christmas Brownies. If your kitchen is cool, you can cover them tightly and leave them on the counter for up to two days. Otherwise, refrigerate but bring them back to room temperature before serving—this keeps them soft and rich. Bonus tip: individually wrap squares to give as edible gifts.
Serving Suggestions & Holiday Pairings
Want to take your dessert table up a notch? Serve these brownies with hot cocoa or alongside bourbon balls for the adults. If you’re hosting a cookie swap, place your brownies between cinnamon sugar blondies and gingerbread crinkle cookies for a festive trio everyone will rave about.
Serving Up the Final Words
Frosted Christmas Brownies are the kind of dessert that turns a simple gathering into a holiday memory. With rich chocolate, festive frosting, and decorations that twinkle with joy, these brownies aren’t just about taste—they’re about tradition. Whether you’re gifting, sharing, or sneaking a square for yourself late at night, they deliver Christmas cheer one bite at a time.
Looking for more inspiration? Try churro cheesecake bars or treat guests to cream cheese mints for a sweet finish to your spread.
FAQ: Frosted Christmas Brownies
How do you keep frosting from melting on brownies?
Let the brownies cool completely before frosting—at least 1 hour. Applying frosting to warm brownies causes it to melt and slide off.
Can I make Frosted Christmas Brownies ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and frost them a day in advance, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Let them return to room temp before serving for the best texture.
What’s the best frosting flavor for Christmas brownies?
Peppermint buttercream and vanilla bean frosting are both festive favorites. Cream cheese is also popular for its slight tang and rich texture.
Can I freeze Frosted Christmas Brownies?
Absolutely. Freeze them in a single layer, then stack with parchment between. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
