Frosted Christmas Brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with festive buttercream frosting in vibrant holiday colors. They’re perfect for Christmas parties, cookie swaps, dessert platters, or baking with kids. This recipe is simple, joyful, and guaranteed to stand out on any holiday table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Fudgy homemade brownies with deep chocolate flavor.
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Colorful red, green, and white frosting for a festive look.
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Easy to decorate with kids or personalize with sprinkles and candy.
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Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and edible gifts.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
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1 cup unsalted butter
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2 cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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½ teaspoon salt
Shortcut option: Use 2 boxes of brownie mix and follow box instructions.
For the Frosting:
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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3 cups powdered sugar
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2–3 tablespoons milk
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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Red and green gel food coloring
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Holiday sprinkles, white pearl candies, edible gold stars (optional)
Equipment You’ll Need
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9×13-inch baking pan
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk and spatula
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Wire cooling rack
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Electric mixer (optional)
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Icing bags and decorating tips
How to Make Frosted Christmas Brownies
Step 1: Make the Brownies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
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In a saucepan, melt the butter. Remove from heat.
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Stir in sugar, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
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Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
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Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
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Let brownies cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 2: Prepare the Frosting
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In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
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Gradually mix in powdered sugar and milk until smooth and spreadable.
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Add vanilla extract.
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Divide frosting into three small bowls. Tint one with red food coloring, one with green, and leave one white.
Step 3: Decorate the Brownies
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Once brownies are completely cooled, cut into squares or triangles.
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Fill icing bags with each color of frosting.
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Pipe festive designs such as trees, swirls, or Santa hats.
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Immediately add sprinkles or edible decorations before the frosting sets.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange brownies on a festive holiday platter surrounded by candy canes, cranberries, or pine sprigs for an eye-catching presentation. Serve with hot cocoa, cider, or mulled wine for extra holiday cheer.
Storage Instructions
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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Refrigerate for up to 7 days, but allow to come to room temperature before serving.
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Freeze individual brownies, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months.
Expert Tips and Variations
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Add ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts to the batter for texture.
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Use crushed candy canes on top for a peppermint twist.
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Swap buttercream for cream cheese frosting for a tangy flavor.
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Try holiday cookie cutters for custom shapes before decorating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade brownies instead of box mix?
Yes. Homemade brownies bring deeper flavor and texture. Just double your favorite brownie recipe to fit a 9×13-inch pan.
How do I keep the frosting from melting?
Let the brownies cool completely before decorating. Warm brownies will cause the frosting to slide or melt.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake and decorate them a day ahead. Store in a sealed container until ready to serve.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 24 brownies
Calories: Approx. 250 per serving
Frosted Christmas Brownies: Festive Holiday Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it or lining with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, then pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and mix until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before applying the frosting.
- In a medium bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy using an electric mixer or whisk.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add a few drops of red and/or green food coloring to each portion, mixing to achieve desired festive colors.
- Evenly spread the colored frosting over the cooled brownies, then cut into squares and serve.