Christmas Present Brownies – Easy & Festive Holiday Dessert

Christmas Present Brownies are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer while satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth. Last December, I found myself scrambling for last-minute gifts when inspiration struck in my kitchen. What if I could create something that looked like beautifully wrapped presents but tasted even better? These festive brownies became the star of my holiday gift-giving, earning me compliments from neighbors, coworkers, and family members who couldn’t believe something so adorable could taste so incredibly rich and fudgy.

The magic happens when you transform ordinary brownies into miniature works of art using colorful candy melts and decorative touches. Each square becomes a tiny present that’s almost too cute to eat – almost! This Christmas brownies recipe delivers that perfect balance of crispy top and gooey center that makes brownies irresistible, while the festive decorations turn them into conversation starters at every holiday gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These gift ready brownies solve the age-old problem of wanting to give something homemade and heartfelt without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember the joy on my daughter’s teacher’s face when she opened a box of these colorful treats – it was better than any store-bought gift card could have provided. The recipe uses simple pantry staples you likely already have, making it budget-friendly and accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. You can customize each “present” with different color combinations, making them perfect for various recipients. Create red and gold ones for your elegant aunt, bright green and silver for the kids’ teachers, or classic red and white for Santa himself! The brownie gift ideas are endless, and the presentation rivals anything you’d find in an expensive bakery.

After you’ve mastered these delightful treats, explore more quick & easy dinner recipes here to complete your holiday menu planning.

Ingredients List

Base Brownies	Amount
Unsalted butter	1 cup (2 sticks)
Granulated sugar	2 cups
Large eggs	4
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
All-purpose flour	1 cup
Unsweetened cocoa powder	1 cup
Baking powder	½ teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Semi-sweet chocolate chips	1 cup (optional for extra fudginess)

Festive Decorations	Amount
Red, green, and white candy melts	For decoration
Mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles	Optional but festive!

Looking for more meal inspiration? Find more delicious lunch ideas here to keep your holiday entertaining on track.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. This ensures your Christmas Present Brownies will lift out cleanly for perfect cutting.

Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in 30-second intervals until completely smooth. Let it cool slightly to prevent scrambling the eggs in the next step.

Step 3: Create the Wet Mixture
Whisk the granulated sugar into the melted butter until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. This creates the foundation for incredibly fudgy brownies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps in your final batter.

Step 5: Mix and Fold
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain that perfect tender texture. Fold in chocolate chips if using.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake – slightly underdone is better for fudgy results.

Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into neat squares. This patience pays off with clean cuts that look like perfect little presents.

Step 8: Decorate Your Presents
Melt candy melts according to package directions. Drizzle or pipe colorful “ribbons” across each brownie square, creating the illusion of wrapped gifts. Add mini bows or sprinkles while the candy coating is still wet.

Exact Timing to make Christmas Present Brownies

Total time: 2 hours (including cooling)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Cooling time: 45 minutes
Decorating time: 20-25 minutes

The key to success lies in the cooling period – rushing this step will result in messy cuts and melted decorations. Plan accordingly when preparing these Christmas Present Brownies for gift-giving or special occasions.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 square)	% Daily Value
Calories	285	14%
Total Fat	12g	18%
Saturated Fat	7g	35%
Cholesterol	65mg	22%
Sodium	95mg	4%
Total Carbohydrates	45g	15%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Sugars	38g	–
Protein	4g	8%
Iron	1.8mg	10%

Based on a recipe yielding 24 servings. Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

These brownies provide a moderate source of iron and some protein, though they’re undeniably an indulgent treat best enjoyed in moderation during the holiday season.

Healthier Alternatives

Original Ingredient	Healthier Substitute	Benefits
All-purpose flour	Almond flour or whole wheat pastry flour	Higher protein, more fiber, lower carbs
Granulated sugar	Coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener	Lower glycemic index, reduced calories
Butter	Avocado or Greek yogurt	Reduced saturated fat, added protein
Eggs	Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg)	Vegan-friendly, omega-3 fatty acids
Candy melts	Dark chocolate (70% cacao) drizzle	Antioxidants, less processed sugar

You can create guilt-free versions of Christmas Present Brownies without sacrificing the festive presentation that makes them so special. Substituting just half the butter with mashed avocado creates incredibly moist brownies while adding healthy fats. For those following keto diets, replace the flour entirely with almond flour and use erythritol instead of sugar for brownies that fit your macros.

Explore more delicious desserts here to discover additional healthy holiday treat options.

Serving Suggestions

Holiday Party Presentation: Arrange your Christmas Present Brownies on a festive platter with coordinating napkins and small dessert forks. Create height variation by using tiered serving stands, making each little “present” visible and easily accessible. Consider grouping similar colored brownies together for a cohesive, professional bakery look that will impress your guests.

Gift Box Assembly: Package individual brownies in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons, or arrange 4-6 pieces in decorative boxes lined with tissue paper. This transforms your homemade treats into professional-looking gifts perfect for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers. Include a small card with the recipe name for a personal touch that recipients will appreciate.

Dessert Table Enhancement: Pair these brownies with vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elevated dessert experience. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with tart cranberries or sweet strawberries, creating a balanced flavor profile that cleanses the palate after heavy holiday meals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cutting Too Early: The most frequent error when making Christmas Present Brownies is cutting them before they’ve completely cooled. Warm brownies will crumble and create messy edges that ruin the “wrapped present” illusion. Always wait at least 45 minutes, even if you’re eager to see the results – patience ensures those Instagram-worthy perfect squares.

Overheating Candy Melts: Candy melts can seize and become unusable if overheated, ruining your decorative ribbons. Use 30-second microwave intervals at 50% power, stirring between each heating session. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a small amount of coconut oil rather than more heat to restore smooth consistency.

Overbaking the Base: Dense, dry brownies defeat the purpose of this indulgent treat. Remove them from the oven when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs still attached. Remember that brownies continue cooking slightly from residual heat even after removal from the oven.

Storing Tips

Short-term Storage: Store your decorated Christmas Present Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent the candy decorations from sticking together or getting damaged. Avoid refrigeration for short-term storage as it can make the brownies dense and affect the candy coating’s appearance.

Freezing for Future Events: These brownies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months when wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in freezer-safe containers. Freeze the brownies before decorating them, then add the candy ribbons and bows after thawing for the freshest appearance. Thaw completely at room temperature before unwrapping to prevent condensation from damaging decorations.

Gift-Giving Preparation: For maximum freshness when giving as gifts, prepare the brownies no more than 2-3 days before delivery. Store them in cool, dry conditions and add final decorative touches like sprinkles or bows on the day of gifting for the most vibrant, professional appearance that recipients will remember.

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