15 Best Christmas Brownies
Brownies are easy to dress up for Christmas. A little peppermint, a swirl of cheesecake, or a festive topping can turn a familiar pan of brownies into something that belongs on a holiday dessert tray.
These 15 Christmas brownie ideas range from simple decorating projects to richer treats for parties and gifting. Start with your favorite homemade brownie recipe or a boxed mix, then choose the flavors and toppings you like best.
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1. Peppermint Bark Brownies
Spread melted white chocolate over cooled brownies and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Let the topping set before cutting. For a stronger peppermint flavor, add a small amount of peppermint extract to the white chocolate.
2. Christmas Tree Brownies
Cut a pan of brownies into triangles, then pipe green frosting in loose zigzags across each one. Add sprinkles for ornaments and a small star sprinkle at the top. A short pretzel stick pressed into the bottom makes a cute tree trunk.
3. Hot Chocolate Brownies
Top fudgy brownies with a layer of chocolate frosting and mini marshmallows. A dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings gives them that hot chocolate look. Add the marshmallows shortly before serving so they stay soft.
4. Gingerbread Swirl Brownies
Swirl a lightly spiced gingerbread batter through brownie batter before baking. Molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and a little clove bring holiday flavor without covering up the chocolate. Keep the swirls distinct for a pretty slice.
5. Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
Layer red velvet brownie batter with sweetened cream cheese, then drag a knife through the top to create swirls. The red and white pattern looks festive on a dessert platter, even without extra decorations.
6. Eggnog Cheesecake Brownies
Spoon an eggnog-flavored cream cheese mixture over brownie batter and swirl it gently. A pinch of nutmeg on top makes the holiday flavor clear. Chill the baked brownies before slicing for neater squares.
7. Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies
Drizzle cooled brownies with caramel, then add crushed pretzels and a little flaky salt. The crunchy, salty topping balances the rich chocolate. Add the pretzels close to serving time if you want them crisp.
8. White Chocolate Cranberry Brownies
Scatter white chocolate chips and dried cranberries over the batter before baking. The cranberries add a tart bite and a pop of red. For a more polished finish, drizzle the cooled brownies with melted white chocolate.
9. Brownie Christmas Wreaths
Cut brownies into circles and pipe green frosting around the edges. Decorate the frosting with red candy pieces or sprinkles to resemble berries. Use the leftover brownie scraps for a trifle or ice cream topping.
10. Peanut Butter Reindeer Brownies
Cut brownies into squares and decorate each with two pretzel pieces for antlers, candy eyes, and a red candy nose. Press the decorations into a small dab of frosting so they stay in place. These are especially fun for a kids’ Christmas party.
11. Orange Chocolate Brownies
Add finely grated orange zest to brownie batter, then finish the baked brownies with a thin chocolate glaze. Orange and dark chocolate make a rich combination that feels especially fitting for the holidays. A few curls of orange zest on top are enough decoration.
12. Christmas Sprinkle Brownies
Spread chocolate frosting over a cooled pan of brownies and cover it with red, green, and white sprinkles. Cut the brownies after the frosting has firmed up. This is one of the quickest ways to make a regular batch party ready.
13. S’mores Christmas Brownies
Top baked brownies with marshmallows and broken graham crackers, then briefly broil until the marshmallows turn golden. Watch closely: they can brown in seconds. Add holiday sprinkles after broiling for a Christmas touch.
14. Chocolate Mint Brownies
Spread a thin layer of mint frosting over cooled brownies and finish with chocolate ganache. Chill the pan until the layers are firm, then slice with a warm knife. These make tidy squares for a cookie box or dessert tray.
15. Black Forest Brownies
Top brownies with cherry filling and whipped cream just before serving. Chocolate shavings make them look like little Black Forest cakes. If you’re taking them to a party, bring the toppings separately and assemble them there.
Tips for a Christmas Brownie Tray
Choose a few brownies with different flavors and finishes instead of making every variation. Peppermint bark, salted caramel pretzel, and red velvet cheesecake brownies, for example, give guests three distinct choices.
Let brownies cool completely before frosting or decorating them. For clean squares, chill the pan briefly and wipe the knife between cuts. Store brownies with marshmallows, whipped cream, or fresh toppings separately from plain or frosted brownies.
Whether you make one festive pan or a whole assortment, Christmas brownies are an easy way to add something chocolatey to the holiday table.
