Super Easy Christmas Brownies (Using Brownie Mix)

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Simplify your holiday baking with delicious Christmas brownie presents! This recipe uses a brownie mix for a stress-free holiday treat.

Christmas brownies finished

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As the holiday season approaches, your list of things to do can become quite overwhelming. Yet, we all want to create joyful moments and delicious treats for our loved ones. That’s where these Christmas Brownie Presents come into play – an easy and delightful way to celebrate without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Perfect Recipe for Your Busy Holiday Season, Christmas Brownies

These Christmas Brownie Presents are the perfect recipe for busy moms and anyone seeking a delightful holiday treat without the stress. 

The secret to these festive brownies? Your favorite brownie mix, a few creative touches, and a lot of holiday spirit.

Christmas brownie ingredients on countertop

Ingredients for Christmas Brownie Presents:

Brownie Ingredients:

  • 1 box “Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix”
  • ⅔ cup vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 eggs

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 Tbsp heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt

Additional Items/Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup red melting wafers
  • ¼ cup green melting wafers
  • Confetti sprinkles
  • Red food gel
  • Silicone ribbon mold

Baking Your Christmas Brownies:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.

Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring that there’s excess paper hanging over the sides for easy brownie removal.

Brownie Ingredients in large mixing bowl

In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix with vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Mix until the ingredients are well combined.

Brownie Ingredients Prep in pan

Spread the brownie mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the brownies to cool for approximately 60-75 minutes. (See FAQ below for tips on speeding up the cooling process and how to cut them perfectly.)

Candy Ribbons on plate

Creating Chocolate Ribbons:

While the brownies cool, melt the red and green melting wafers in separate microwave-safe bowls, heating them in 30-second increments until they are smooth and melted.

Pour the melted chocolate into a silicone ribbon mold, then refrigerate it for 5 minutes. Once set, remove the chocolate ribbons from the mold.

Pouring powdered sugar into mixer for brownie frosting

Making the Frosting:

To create the frosting, add the room-temperature butter to a large stand mixing bowl with a whisk attachment. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed until it’s fully incorporated.

Brownie Buttercream Frosting (3)

Brownie Buttercream Frosting in small mixing bowl

Add vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Mix on high for 2 more minutes. Be sure to pause and scrape the sides of the bowl, and then mix for an additional minute on high speed. Transfer the frosting to a smaller bowl.

Cooled Brownies Cut

Decorating Your Christmas Brownie Presents:

Once the brownies have cooled, use the excess parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. Cut them into 9 equal pieces.

Decorate the flat “bottom” surface of each brownie with a base layer of frosting.

Add a festive touch with red food gel, confetti sprinkles, and the chocolate ribbons.

Easy Christmas Brownies Presents Decorated on cutting board

Christmas Brownie Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Over the years we’ve received questions on baking and decorating. I hope they help you, too!

Can I use any brand of brownie mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can use your favorite brand of fudgy or chewy brownie mix for this recipe. The choice is yours!

Can I make the brownies in advance and freeze them for later use?

Certainly! Bake the brownies as directed, allow them to cool completely, then wrap and freeze. Thaw before decorating.

How do I store the decorated brownie presents?

Store your leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within a few days.

Can I customize the colors and decorations for different holidays or occasions?

Absolutely! Get creative with different colors and sprinkles to match any theme. You could use red M&M, green M&M, or festive green frosting!

Can I substitute the frosting with store-bought frosting?

Yes, you can use store-bought frosting to save time, but homemade frosting offers a delicious touch.

Is there a specific ribbon mold I should use for the chocolate ribbons?

I used this one in the recipe. But if you already have candy canes, gifts, etc… silicone molds, feel free to use those! 

What is the best way to speed up the cooling process for the brownies?

You can place the brownies in the refrigerator to help them cool more quickly. This guide is super helpful for cooling and cutting brownies!

Can I use the same frosting for other holiday treats and baked goods?

Absolutely! This frosting is versatile and can be used to decorate various desserts during the holiday season

Easy Christmas Brownies Presents Decorated on counter

Christmas Brownie Presents are so much fun to not only make but also share with your family.

With this quick hack, you can create a memorable dessert that looks like it’s straight from a bakery, leaving your loved ones in awe of your baking skills. They are perfect for Christmas parties!

Enjoy the festive holiday spirit without the fuss with these delightful Christmas Brownie Presents!

Other Christmas Treats You’ll Love:

Christmas Brownies Presents Featured Image

Easy Christmas Brownies (Using Brownie Mix)

Yield: 9
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Save time this holiday season with Christmas brownie presents! Your favorite brownie mix becomes a delightful treat with festive decorations.

Ingredients

Brownie Ingredients:

  • 1 box “Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix”
  • ⅔ cup vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 eggs

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 Tbsp heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt

Additional Items/Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup red melting wafers
  • ¼ cup green melting wafers
  • Confetti sprinkles
  • Red food gel
  • Silicone ribbon mold

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
  2. Line 9in x 9in baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure there is excess parchment paper hanging over the sides so you can easily lift the brownies out. 
  3. In a large bowl combine brownie ingredients and mix to combine. 
  4. Spread mixture into pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer brownies to a rack and allow to cool (approximately 60-75 min). See notes for speeding up the cooling process.
  5. Meanwhile, place each color melting wafers in their own microwave safe bowl and heat in 30 second increments until chocolate is melted and smooth. 
  6. Place chocolate in silicone ribbon molds. Put in the refrigerator to cool for 5 minutes. After the chocolate has set, remove from the mold.
  7. To make the frosting, add the butter to a large stand mixing bowl with whisk attachment. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. 
  8. Turning the speed to low, slowly add the powdered sugar until it’s fully incorporated. 
  9. Add vanilla, cream, and salt and mix on high for 2 minutes. 
  10. Pause to scrape the sides of the bowl and mix for 1 additional minute on high speed. Transfer the frosting to a smaller bowl.
  11. After the brownies have cooled, remove them from the pan using the excess parchment paper. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut them into 9 equal pieces. You will turn the brownies over to decorate the flat “bottom” surface. 
  12. Apply a base layer of frosting, decorate with red food gel, confetti sprinkles and chocolate ribbon.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 376Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 70mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 0gSugar: 20gProtein: 2g
sign off keeping it simple, Brittany

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