Step-by-Step Instructions
- 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.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the granulated sugar and light brown sugar into the melted butter until well combined.
- Whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for achieving clean cuts.
- While the brownies cool, prepare the frosting: In a medium bowl with an electric mixer, beat 1/2 cup softened butter until creamy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time.
- Once the brownies are completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan and place on a cutting board. Spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Cut the brownies into squares (for **mini Christmas brownies**, you can cut them into smaller pieces).
- Now for the fun part: Decorate each brownie to resemble a Christmas present! Use candy melts or colorful icing pens to draw ‘ribbons’ across each square. Place a small candy or a dab of frosting with sprinkles in the center for a ‘bow.’ Finish with a scattering of assorted festive sprinkles all over.
- Allow the frosting to set slightly before serving or packaging.
Full Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, for brownies
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened, for frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for frosting
- Pinch of salt, for frosting
- Assorted festive sprinkles (nonpareils, sanding sugar)
- Small candies (e.g., M&Ms, gumdrops, mini chocolate squares) for bows
- Candy melts or colorful icing pens for ribbons
Shopping List
- Dairy & Eggs: 3 sticks (1.5 cups) unsalted butter, 4 large eggs, 1/4 cup milk
- Pantry: Granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, powdered sugar, assorted festive sprinkles, small candies (M&Ms, gumdrops), candy melts or colorful icing pens
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer for frosting)
- Offset spatula or butter knife
Variations & Serving Ideas
These delightful Christmas Present Brownies are a heartwarming addition to any small-town holiday gathering. Serve them simply with a tall glass of cold milk, a steaming mug of homemade hot cocoa, or elevate them with a scoop of locally-made vanilla bean ice cream. For a festive display, arrange them on a charming rustic wooden board or a classic holiday platter, perhaps with a sprinkle of extra festive dust. When it comes to Christmas baking for gifts, these brownies are truly special. Wrap them individually in pretty cellophane, or tuck them into a vintage-inspired tin for a cherished homemade present. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’re sure to bring joy and a taste of home to everyone who tries them!
I truly hope these homemade Christmas Present Brownies bring a big sprinkle of holiday cheer and a whole lot of deliciousness to your kitchen this season! They perfectly embody how Cooking Christmas can be both a rewarding and incredibly joyful experience, especially when shared with loved ones. I’d absolutely love to hear about your baking adventures and see your unique ‘present’ designs in the comments below. From our Small Town Kitchen to yours, happy baking and a very Merry Christmas! #ChristmasBakingEasyRecipes #KidChristmasBaking #SnackIdeasForChristmas #MiniChristmasBrownies #ChristmasBakingForGifts #FunChristmasBaking #ChristmasEasyBaking #CookingChristmas #ChristmasDessertsForGifts
