Name: Festive Christmas Ornament Brownies to Sweeten Your Holidays
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 box Fudge Brownie Mix (Use a quality brand for best results.); 2 large Eggs (Can substitute with flax eggs for vegan option.); 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil (Can be replaced with melted coconut oil.); 1/4 cup Water; 1 cup Mini Candy Canes (Crushed peppermint can be an alternative.); 1 cup Frosting (assorted colors) (Store-bought or homemade options.); 1 tube Decorating Icing in Tubes (Red is effective for festive designs.); 1 cup M&Ms (Use seasonal-colored candies for festive appeal.); 1 cup Sprinkles (Enhances visual appeal.)

There’s something undeniably magical about the holiday season, especially when it comes to baking. This year, I decided to elevate my festivities with a batch of scrumptious Christmas Ornament Brownies. These delightful treats are not just about the rich, chocolatey goodness but also about the fun, creative decorations that can transform simple brownies into festive ornaments. With minimal effort required, they’re perfect for anyone seeking a quick yet impressive dessert that brings joy to holiday gatherings. Whether you’re planning a cozy family get-together or need a fun project to get the kids involved, these brownies are a crowd-pleaser that adds a touch of whimsy to your holiday table. Ready to dive into a deliciously creative baking adventure? Let’s get started on making these Christmas Ornament Brownies!

Why Are These Brownies So Special?

Unleash your creativity: These Christmas Ornament Brownies invite you to have fun while baking. The easy-to-follow instructions make them perfect for bakers of all levels, creating a festive experience for the entire family.

Delightful presentation: With vibrant toppings like sprinkles and mini candy canes, your brownies will turn into edible ornaments that impress at any holiday gathering.

Time-saving treat: They’re quick to prepare and bake, allowing you more time to enjoy the holidays. Plus, they can be made ahead and stored, making them a great option for busy schedules.

Versatile fun: Customize each brownie with different icings and candies, making them a unique treat for everyone. Whether you choose to craft intricate designs or keep it simple, they cater to all styles!

Christmas Ornament Brownie Ingredients

For the Brownies
• Fudge Brownie Mix – Provides the rich, chocolaty base for the brownies; use a quality brand for best results.
• Eggs – Acts as a binding agent, giving structure and moisture; substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.
• Vegetable Oil – Adds moisture and richness; can be replaced with melted coconut oil for a slight flavor twist.
• Water – Helps to achieve the right consistency in the batter.
For Decoration
• Mini Candy Canes – Used for decoration; adds a festive touch and crunchy texture; crushed peppermint can be an alternative.
• Frosting (assorted colors) – Provides a canvas for decoration and can be used creatively; choose between store-bought or homemade options.
• Decorating Icing in Tubes – Ideal for detailed decorations; red is particularly effective for festive designs.
• M&Ms – Adds color and sweetness as toppings; use seasonal-colored candies for more festive appeal.
• Sprinkles – Enhances visual appeal by adding sparkle to your delightful Christmas Ornament Brownies.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Ornament Brownies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with non-stick foil or grease it liberally to prevent sticking. This will ensure your delicious Christmas Ornament Brownies come out easily once baked, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fudge brownie mix with vegetable oil, eggs, and water according to the package instructions. Stir until just combined, ensuring there are no dry patches. The mixture should be thick and well blended; this rich base is what makes your brownies delectably fudgy.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for doneness by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your brownies are ready to be taken out.

Step 4: Cool the Brownies
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and set them on a wire rack to cool for about 10 minutes. For quicker cooling, pop them in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes. This step is crucial, as fully cooled brownies will be easier to cut into festive ornament shapes later!

Step 5: Cut into Shapes
After the brownies have cooled completely, take a round cookie cutter, about 3 inches in diameter, and cut out shapes from the batch. Aim for close spacing to maximize the number of Christmas Ornament Brownies you can achieve from your delicious base. Set these festive shapes aside on a platter.

Step 6: Add Candy Canes
To enhance the holiday charm of your brownies, gently insert mini candy canes into the edges of each brownie. This not only gives each piece a decorative touch but also mimics the look of festive ornaments hanging on a tree. Your brownies are starting to look delightfully festive!

Step 7: Decorate with Frosting
It’s time to unleash your creativity! Use assorted colors of frosting to decorate your Christmas Ornament Brownies, applying swirls or patterns as you desire. Feel free to experiment with how you want each brownie to look, making them uniquely yours while transforming them into edible ornaments.

Step 8: Top with Candies and Sprinkles
Finally, add colorful M&Ms and sprinkles for that extra festive flair. Scatter them on top of the frosting generously, ensuring your Christmas Ornament Brownies pop with color and sparkle. This step is all about making your decorations as joyful and vibrant as the holiday season itself!

What to Serve with Christmas Ornament Brownies

Indulging in these festive treats is sure to delight your senses and elevate your holiday spread.

Creamy Hot Cocoa: The rich, warm flavors of cocoa complement the chocolatey brownies, making for a cozy pairing on chilly nights.
Peppermint Ice Cream: A cool scoop beside warm brownies creates a delightful contrast, enhancing their festive charm with refreshing minty notes.
Whipped Cream Topping: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a soft texture, balancing the brownie’s richness and sweetness perfectly.
Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of fresh fruits offers a refreshing contrast, cutting through the decadence of the brownies and adding a pop of color.
Spiced Mulled Wine: The aromatic spices in mulled wine harmonize with the holiday flavors of the brownies, creating a warm, comforting pairing for winter evenings.
Gingerbread Cookies: These classic treats echo the festive spirit, providing a mix of flavors and textures that add variety to your dessert table.
Eggnog: This creamy, spiced drink enhances the festive vibe, creating a cheerful pairing that invites all to indulge in the holiday spirit.
Chocolate Milkshake: For a true indulgence, a thick chocolate milkshake serves as an exciting counterpart to the already rich brownies, perfect for kids and adults alike.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Ornament Brownies are a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to simplify their holiday baking! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ingredients and storing the bowl covered in the refrigerator. Additionally, once the brownies are baked and cooled, you can cut them into ornament shapes and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain their delightful texture, layering parchment paper between the brownies can help prevent sticking. When you’re ready to serve, simply decorate with icing, candies, and sprinkles, and your festive treats will be just as delightful!

Expert Tips for Christmas Ornament Brownies

Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool fully before cutting to get clean edges; warm brownies may crumble and lose their shape.
Choose the Right Mix: For the best texture, select a quality fudge brownie mix; it significantly impacts the flavor and richness of your Christmas Ornament Brownies.
Decorate with Fun: Let your creativity shine—use different types of icing and toppings to create unique designs, making each brownie a delightful masterpiece.
Storage Wisely: Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. In the fridge, frosting can sweat, so store carefully!
Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding festive spices like peppermint extract or even a hint of cinnamon to the brownie mix for a surprising holiday twist.

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Ornament Brownies

Room Temperature: Keep your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their moisture and soft texture.
Fridge: If needed, store brownies in the fridge for up to a week in a covered container. Be cautious, as frosting may sweat, affecting aesthetics and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy festive treats anytime!
Reheating: To serve, thaw frozen Christmas Ornament Brownies in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, microwave for about 10-15 seconds before enjoying.

Customizing Christmas Ornament Brownies

Feel free to infuse your own flair into these Christmas Ornament Brownies and make them uniquely yours!

Gluten-Free: Substitute the fudge brownie mix for a gluten-free version to accommodate dietary needs without skimping on taste.
Nutty Delight: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for a delightful crunch that harmonizes with the chocolate.
Peppermint Twist: Add a touch of peppermint extract to the brownie batter for a refreshing holiday zing that complements the candy cane decorations.
Vegan Option: Swap eggs for flax eggs and use plant-based frosting to create a delicious, dairy-free version that everyone can enjoy.
Chocolate Chips: Mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra gooey texture. The pockets of chocolate will melt beautifully with each bite.
Seasonal Sprinkles: Use seasonal-themed sprinkles in your decorations. Think of snowflakes or even silver and gold for a touch of elegance this Christmas.
Heat it Up: For a bit of a kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the frosting for a surprising sweet and spicy fusion that will wow your guests!
Replace the Icing: Instead of traditional frosting, try cream cheese frosting for an extra creamy and tangy layer that beautifully offsets the brownies’ sweetness.

These delightful variations allow you to personalize your Christmas Ornament Brownies and creatively connect with your holiday celebrations! If you want more ideas on festive treats, hop over to our article on delicious holiday desserts.

Christmas Ornament Brownies Recipe FAQs

What type of brownie mix should I use?
I recommend using a high-quality fudge brownie mix for the best results. The richness and flavor play a vital role in making these Christmas Ornament Brownies truly special. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can easily substitute with gluten-free brownie mix—just follow the package instructions.

How should I store leftover brownies?
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their life, they can last in the refrigerator for about a week. Just be cautious that refrigeration can sometimes make the frosting sweat, which may affect their appearance.

Can I freeze Christmas Ornament Brownies?
Absolutely! To freeze your brownies, wrap each individual piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.

What if my brownies crumble while cutting?
This can happen if the brownies are still warm when you cut them. Make sure to let them cool completely before slicing. If you prefer quicker cooling, popping the brownies in the freezer for about 30 minutes works wonders! If you still experience crumbling, consider pressing the brownie pieces back together and re-decorating them.

Are there any dietary considerations for these brownies?
Yes! For a vegan option, substitute eggs with flax eggs. Simply mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens, and use it in place of one egg. Additionally, check the brownie mix label for any potential allergens, such as nuts, to ensure they meet your dietary needs.