Pro Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overbake; pull the brownies when the center is just set for a fudgy texture instead of dry or cakey.
- Let the brownies cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting and sliding.
- Sift cocoa and powdered sugar for the frosting if they’re clumpy to ensure a smooth finish.
- For ultra-clean slices, chill the frosted brownies briefly, then cut with a warm, wiped knife.
- Use good-quality cocoa for deeper chocolate flavor.
Variations and Serving Ideas
- Top with crushed candy canes or holiday M&M’s instead of (or along with) sprinkles for extra color and crunch.
- Add 1/2–1 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the brownie batter for more texture.
- Swirl a bit of peppermint extract into the frosting for a chocolate-mint Christmas version.
- Serve squares slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and extra sprinkles for a plated dessert.
Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead
- Store frosted brownies in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator up to 4–5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze individual squares (well wrapped) for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
- These are great make-ahead: bake brownies one day, cool, frost and decorate the next, then slice before serving or transporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use cocoa instead of melted chocolate for brownies?
Yes—cocoa-based brownies like these are classic and tend to bake up more consistently fudgy when the fat and sugar ratios are right. The key is enough butter and sugar to keep them moist.
2. Do I have to use a stand mixer for the frosting?
No. A hand mixer works well, and you can even beat by hand with a sturdy whisk and some patience; just make sure the butter is softened so it creams smoothly.
3. Can I halve the recipe?
Yes. Bake in an 8×8 or 9×9 pan and reduce bake time, checking earlier since the layer will be thicker.
4. How do I prevent the brownies from sticking to the pan?
Use parchment with overhang plus light greasing, and let the brownies cool before lifting and slicing. This helps keep corners from tearing and frosting from smearing.
Frosted Christmas brownies are exactly the kind of low-effort, high-impact holiday bake that deserves a spot in your seasonal lineup. Once you test a batch, try a few variations—peppermint, candy cane, or extra-chocolate—and share the version your readers or family rave about as your signature Christmas brownie recipe.