Indulge in the delightful world of brownie magic with these 20 Decadent Christmas Brownie Recipes. Rich, fudgy, and oh-so-chocolatey, these holiday brownies are the ultimate Christmas party treats to bring warmth and sweetness to your holiday gatherings. With warm aromas wafting through your kitchen, the combination of rich cocoa and festive toppings beckons you to take a bite. These festive brownies stand out not just for their taste but also for their ease of preparation, making them perfect easy Christmas desserts for this joyful season.
For classic brownie recipes and more decadent ideas, visit the official BBC Good Food chocolate brownies recipe.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Brownie Recipes
These Christmas brownie recipes are perfect for sharing at festive parties, cozy gatherings, or as comforting Christmas treats after a long day. Their rich flavors and chewy texture are enhanced by seasonal ingredients that make them a true holiday favorite. As wonderful Christmas dessert bars, they’re incredibly versatile—swap ingredients to cater to dietary preferences or add fun toppings to personalize them! Their convenience, coupled with a burst of holiday cheer, makes these holiday baking recipes a must-try for any Christmas traybake enthusiast.
Essential Ingredients for Christmas Brownies Recipe
| Ingredient | Purpose | Substitutions |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | Rich chocolate flavor base | Cacao powder for raw option |
| Granulated sugar | Sweetness and texture | Coconut sugar, maple syrup |
| Butter or coconut oil | Moisture and fudgy texture | Vegan margarine, applesauce |
| Eggs | Binding and structure | Flax eggs, chia eggs |
| All-purpose flour | Base structure | Gluten-free flour, almond flour |
| Chocolate chips | Melty chocolate pockets | White, dark, or sugar-free chips |
| Nuts (walnuts, pecans) | Crunch and texture | Seeds, dried fruit |
| Seasonal toppings | Festive decoration | Candy canes, sprinkles, edible glitter |
Classic Christmas Brownie Recipe: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Line with parchment paper for easy removal. The aroma of melting butter and cocoa will entice you as you prepare the brownie mixture for these fudgy Christmas brownies.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup butter. Whisk in 2 cups sugar and ¾ cup cocoa powder until smooth and shiny. The mixture should be glossy and well combined for perfect chocolate holiday brownies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in 4 large eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. The batter should be thick and smooth for these rich homemade holiday brownies.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in 1 cup all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough brownies in your Christmas chocolate recipes.
Step 5: Add Mix-ins
Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for nutty Christmas brownies. For festive variations, add crushed candy canes for candy cane brownies or dried cranberries.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake 25-30 minutes until edges are set but center is slightly soft. A toothpick should have moist crumbs for the best brownies for holidays.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Cool completely in pan before cutting. Drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with festive toppings like red and green brownies sprinkles for holiday presentation.
20 Christmas Brownie Recipe Variations
Explore these creative brownie recipes for Christmas that will make your Christmas baking experience unforgettable. From peppermint brownies to decorative Christmas tree brownies, there’s something for every holiday occasion.
| Brownie Variation | Key Ingredients | Special Instructions |
| Peppermint Bark Brownies | Crushed candy canes, white chocolate | Layer white chocolate and sprinkle candy canes on top |
| Eggnog Brownies | Eggnog, nutmeg, rum extract | Replace milk with eggnog in batter |
| Gingerbread Brownies | Molasses, ginger, cinnamon | Add 2 tbsp molasses and spices to batter |
| Cranberry Orange Brownies | Dried cranberries, orange zest | Fold in cranberries and zest before baking |
| Christmas Tree Brownies | Green frosting, sprinkles | Cut into triangles and decorate as trees |
| Snowcap Brownies | Marshmallow fluff, coconut | Top with marshmallow and toasted coconut |
| Chocolate Mint Brownies | Mint extract, Andes mints | Add mint extract and top with chopped mints |
| Fruitcake Brownies | Candied fruits, pecans | Mix in traditional fruitcake ingredients |
| Spiced Chocolate Brownies | Cinnamon, cloves, allspice | Add Christmas spices to dry ingredients |
| Rocky Road Christmas | Marshmallows, almonds | Add toppings last 5 minutes of baking |
| Red Velvet Christmas Brownies | Red food coloring, cream cheese | Add red coloring and cream cheese swirl |
| Salted Caramel Brownies | Caramel sauce, sea salt | Swirl with caramel and sprinkle sea salt |
| White Chocolate Raspberry | Raspberry jam, white chocolate | Swirl with raspberry jam and white chocolate |
| Black Forest Brownies | Cherry pie filling, chocolate chunks | Add cherry filling and chocolate chunks |
| Mocha Brownies | Espresso powder, chocolate | Add espresso powder for coffee flavor |
Nutrition Information: Christmas Brownie Recipe
While brownies are an indulgent treat, here’s the nutritional breakdown for one classic brownie (based on 16 servings per batch) from our winter dessert recipes collection:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 280 kcal | 14% |
| Total Fat | 14g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 55mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 85mg | 4% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38g | 14% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Sugars | 28g | 56% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
Essential Kitchen Tools: Christmas Brownie Recipe
You don’t need fancy equipment for perfect brownies with sprinkles. Here’s what works best for your Christmas baking endeavors:
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Standard size for even baking
- Mixing bowls – Various sizes for different ingredients
- Rubber spatula – Perfect for folding and scraping
- Whisk – For smooth incorporation of dry ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons – Precision for baking success
- Parchment paper – Easy removal and cleanup
- Cooling rack – Prevents soggy bottoms
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Brownie Recipe
These Christmas sweets are fantastic when paired with holiday beverages and desserts:
- Hot Drinks: Peppermint hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, or eggnog latte
- Ice Cream: Vanilla bean, peppermint, or cinnamon ice cream
- Toppings: Whipped cream, caramel sauce, or chocolate ganache
- Fruit: Fresh raspberries, orange slices, or poached pears
- Cheese: Cream cheese frosting or mascarpone dollops
Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Brownie Recipe
- Room temperature ingredients – Ensures even mixing and better texture
- Don’t overmix – Mix until just combined to avoid tough brownies
- Quality chocolate – Use high-quality cocoa and chocolate for best flavor
- Proper cooling – Let brownies cool completely before cutting for clean slices
- Test for doneness – Toothpick should have moist crumbs, not be clean
- Line your pan – Parchment paper prevents sticking and aids removal
Common Brownie Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | What Goes Wrong | Solution |
| Overmixing batter | Tough, cake-like texture | Fold ingredients until just combined |
| Overbaking | Dry, crumbly brownies | Remove when center is slightly soft |
| Wrong pan size | Uneven baking, wrong texture | Use recommended 9×13-inch pan |
| Cutting while warm | Messy, crumbling pieces | Cool completely before slicing |
| Incorrect measurements | Texture and flavor issues | Use proper measuring techniques |
Storage & Meal Prep Tips: Christmas Brownie Recipe
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped brownies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in oven.
Make-Ahead: Brownie batter can be refrigerated for 2 days before baking. Bring to room temperature before baking.
Dietary Adaptations & Allergen Info
| Dietary Need | Substitutions | Notes |
| Gluten-Free | 1:1 gluten-free flour blend | May need slightly more moisture |
| Dairy-Free | Coconut oil, vegan butter | Use dairy-free chocolate chips |
| Vegan | Flax eggs, applesauce | Add 1 tbsp extra fat per egg replaced |
| Nut-Free | Seeds, pretzels, dried fruit | Check chocolate labels for cross-contamination |
| Reduced Sugar | Erythritol, monk fruit | May affect texture slightly |
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Brownie Recipe
Can I substitute coconut oil for butter?
Yes, melted coconut oil can be used 1:1 for butter in most brownie recipes. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious. Refined coconut oil has less coconut flavor if you prefer a neutral taste.
What’s the best way to check if brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are perfect. A clean toothpick means overbaked. The edges should be set and pulling away from the pan slightly.
How do I make my brownies chewier?
Add an extra egg yolk to the batter for added moisture and richness. Using bread flour instead of all-purpose also increases chewiness due to higher protein content.
Can I freeze leftover brownies?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve, or warm briefly in a 300°F oven.
What’s the secret to shiny, crackly brownie tops?
The shiny crust comes from properly dissolved sugar. Whisk the sugar into warm melted butter thoroughly before adding other ingredients. Don’t overmix after adding flour.
Can I make brownies in advance for Christmas?
Yes! Brownies actually taste better the next day as flavors meld. Bake 1-2 days before and store in an airtight container. They also freeze beautifully for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
Christmas brownie recipes aren’t just a dessert—they’re a joyful celebration of festive flavors, cozy gatherings, and sweet memories. With their rich, fudgy bite, endless variations, and fun holiday toppings, these dessert bars turn any table into a centerpiece of holiday cheer. Whether you love classic chocolate, peppermint desserts twists, or creative mix-ins, this collection of holiday recipe ideas makes baking easy, inviting, and delicious for cooks of all levels. So gather your family, preheat the oven, and embrace the spirit of the season—your holiday celebrations will be even sweeter with a batch of homemade brownies!
For even more festive dessert recipes and sweet inspiration, explore our full dessert recipe collection and make every holiday moment unforgettable.
Related Christmas Recipes from Meta Savory
- Christmas Crack Recipe – Addictive saltine toffee treat
- Caramel Apple Cookies – Festive fruit-filled cookies
- Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting – Seasonal spiced dessert
- Orange and Almond Cake Recipe – Gluten-free holiday option
- Easy Dessert Recipes Collection – More sweet inspiration
Last Updated: November 14, 2025 | Perfect your holiday baking with these tested Christmas brownie recipes that promise to delight family and friends throughout the festive season.
Christmas Brownie Recipe
Rich, fudgy brownies enhanced with seasonal ingredients perfect for holiday gatherings.
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (Rich flavor; can substitute with cacao for raw option.)
- 1 cup Granulated sugar (Enhances chocolate flavor; can substitute with coconut sugar.)
- 1/2 cup Butter or coconut oil (Adds fudginess; can substitute margarine for vegan option.)
- 2 large Eggs (For binding; substitute with ground flaxseed for vegan versions.)
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour (Base for structure; swap with almond flour for gluten-free option.)
- 1/2 cup Chocolate chips (Can try white or dark chocolate for unique twists.)
- 1/2 cup Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) (Use seeds for nut-free versions.)
- 1/2 cup Seasonal toppings (candy canes, sprinkles) (For festive flair.)
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir until well combined.
- Mix in eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Fold in flour and salt for a thick, fudgy texture.
Add-ins and Baking
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Finishing Touches
- Let cool before slicing. Drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle crushed candy canes.
- Cut into squares and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Store brownies in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze for three months. Consider adding peanut butter swirls or dried cherries for variations.
