Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe
There’s something magical about a dessert that instantly screams festive, and that’s exactly what this Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe does! Imagine rich, fudgy brownies buried under a thick, creamy layer of white frosting, then sprinkled with shiny gold stars and delicate pearls — it’s the kind of treat that makes holiday gatherings sparkle. I’ve made these many times during the holidays, and each batch seems to bring more joy (and requests for seconds) than the last.
Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas party or just want a cozy dessert to share with your family by the fire, these frosted brownies are perfect. They’re surprisingly easy to make, too — you can use a boxed mix for convenience or whip up my homemade brownie base if you feel adventurous. Either way, the frosting and decorations turn a simple brownie into a real centerpiece, and that’s what makes this Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe totally worth trying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients blend together to create that perfect balance of fudgy texture, creamy sweetness, and festive fun. I always recommend fresh, quality ingredients because they shine through, especially in simple treats like these.
- Brownie Mix or Homemade Brownie Ingredients: You can save time with a boxed mix or control flavor and texture by making brownies from scratch.
- White Frosting: Choose a creamy, spreadable frosting that holds its shape well for decorating.
- Edible Gel Food Coloring: I prefer gel because it doesn’t thin the frosting, giving you vibrant colors with less mess.
- Edible Gold Stars: These add that perfect shimmer and festive look that guests will love.
- White Pearl Sprinkles: They bring texture and elegance to your frosted brownies without overpowering the look.
- Icing Bags and Frosting Tips: These tools give you control to swirl and pipe frosting beautifully like a pro.
Variations
I love mixing things up depending on my mood or the occasion. These Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe variations keep things fresh and fun — and trust me, your friends and family won’t mind one bit if you add your own twist!
- Nutty Twist: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter gives a lovely crunch I adore, especially around Christmas.
- Chocolate Peppermint Frosting: I once swapped plain white frosting for peppermint-flavored to bring in a festive coolness. It was a huge hit!
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free brownie mix or recipe — the frosting and decorations work just as well for everyone to enjoy.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute your frosting for a dairy-free version and pick plant-based brownie ingredients to keep it allergy-friendly.
How to Make Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Bake those brownies to fudgy perfection
Start by preparing your brownie batter—either by following box instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. My advice? Don’t overbake! The goal is a fudgy center, so keep a close eye on the timer, and use that toothpick test (you want it to come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean). Let the brownies cool completely before the frosting stage; frosting warm brownies is a recipe for a melty mess.
Step 2: Color and prepare your frosting
While the brownies cool, divide your white frosting into separate bowls if you want to create multiple colors using your edible gel food coloring. Add just a tiny bit of gel at a time because it’s super concentrated. Mix well until you reach your desired festive hues — I usually go for classic Christmas red and green with some white left plain. It’s way more fun than just one color!
Step 3: Frost with style
Transfer your colored frosting to icing bags fitted with frosting tips — I like a star tip for pretty swirls. Pipe generous swirls, rosettes, or whatever pattern feels right. Don’t stress about perfection — a bit of rustic charm makes them even cozier and more inviting.
Step 4: Add your festive touches
Now, sprinkle on those edible gold stars and white pearl sprinkles. They instantly take your frosted brownies from delicious to dazzling. If you’re making these with kids, let them help decorate — it’s a fun tradition I treasure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat them within 2 days. The frosting stays nice and soft, and the brownies remain moist. If your kitchen is warm, popping the container in the fridge can help, but bring them back to room temp before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Freezing frosted brownies can be tricky because of the delicate decorations, but I’ve found that freezing unfrosted brownies works perfectly. Just bake and freeze the brownie layer wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to serve, thaw completely, add fresh frosting and decorations. This way, you get the freshest look and flavor.
Reheating
Since these are best enjoyed at room temperature, I skip reheating and let them sit out for 15–20 minutes if refrigerated. If you do want a warm bite, try just heating the plain brownie base before frosting it — warm brownies with cool frosting is a dreamy combo!
FAQs
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Can I use homemade brownies instead of boxed mix for this Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade brownies actually add a personal touch and allow you to control flavors and textures. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before frosting and decorating.
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How do I prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off the brownies?
Let the brownies cool completely before frosting, and if your kitchen is warm, chill the brownies briefly in the fridge before frosting. This helps the frosting set better and stay put.
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What are good alternatives to edible gold stars if I can’t find them?
You can use crushed candy canes, red and green sanding sugar, or small shaped sprinkles to achieve a festive look without the gold stars. Get creative!
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Can I make these Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan brownie recipe or mix and a dairy-free frosting alternative, like coconut-based frosting. Make sure your decorations are also vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe holds a special place in my holiday baking lineup — not just because they’re stunning and taste amazing, but because they bring people together around smiles and shared moments. I hope you give them a try and find that same joy in making and serving these festive treats. Trust me, once you taste that first bite, you’ll be hooked just like me!
Print
Frosted Christmas Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in festive holiday cheer with these Frosted Christmas Brownies. Made from rich, fudgy brownies topped with smooth white frosting that’s beautifully colored with edible gel food coloring, then decorated with edible gold stars and white pearl sprinkles. Perfect for holiday parties and gifting, these brownies combine classic chocolate goodness with elegant seasonal decoration.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 2 boxes of brownie mix or a double batch of homemade brownies
Frosting and Decorations
- 1–3 jars of white frosting
- Edible gel food coloring (alternative: no artificial dye food coloring)
- Edible gold stars
- White pearl sprinkles
- Icing bags
- Frosting tips
Instructions
- Prepare Brownies: Bake 2 boxes of brownie mix or prepare a double batch of your favorite homemade brownies according to the recipe or package instructions. Allow the brownies to cool completely before decorating.
- Color the Frosting: Divide the white frosting into portions as desired. Use edible gel food coloring to tint each portion to your preferred festive colors, ensuring vibrant and even hues.
- Fill Icing Bags: Fit your chosen frosting tips onto the icing bags and carefully fill them with the colored frosting mixtures.
- Decorate the Brownies: Using the prepared icing bags, pipe frosting onto the cooled brownies in creative festive designs resembling Christmas themes such as trees, stars, or swirls.
- Add Edible Decorations: While the frosting is still soft, gently press edible gold stars and white pearl sprinkles onto the frosting to enhance the holiday appearance.
- Set and Serve: Allow the decorated brownies to set at room temperature so the frosting firms slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a healthier alternative, consider using natural food colorings or homemade frosting recipes with less sugar.
- Ensure brownies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of decorations.
- You can customize the colors and decoration styles to match your holiday theme or party palette.
- Store frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- For easier piping, keep frosting at room temperature and slightly soften if refrigerated prior to use.
Keywords: Christmas brownies, festive brownies, holiday desserts, frosted brownies, Christmas treats
