Festive Christmas Brownie Shapes Recipe

If you’re looking to add a little extra magic to your holiday baking this year, I’ve got just the thing for you. The Festive Christmas Brownie Shapes Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it combines rich, chewy brownies with colorful, fun decorations that you and your family can customize together. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or just want a sweet treat to get you through the season, these brownies are sure to bring smiles around the kitchen and the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these festive brownies, the ingredients work together to create that perfect chewy texture and a buttery frosting that’s easy to tint and pipe. I love using gel food coloring because it doesn’t water down the frosting, giving me those vibrant hues I crave during Christmas.

• Best Ever Chewy Brownie Ingredients: These are the foundation, so choosing quality chocolate and real butter is key.
• Best Buttercream Frosting Ingredients: Simple ingredients that whip up creamy and smooth – perfect for decorating.
• Gel Food Coloring: Opt for gel-based colors—they won’t thin the buttercream and give you rich, bright shades.
• Sprinkles, Mini M&Ms, Mini Chocolate Chips: Basically, any fun, edible decoration you like to add extra festivity and texture.

Variations

I love how versatile the Festive Christmas Brownie Shapes Recipe is—you can easily switch up colors, decorations, or even flavors to make it truly your own. I’ve found that playing around with the frosting colors and festive additions turns the whole baking process into a creative party.

• Chocolate Peppermint Variation: I once swapped out mini M&Ms for crushed peppermint candies—my family went crazy over the minty twist!
• Gluten-Free Option: You can use a gluten-free brownie mix as a base if needed without losing that chewy texture.
• Nut-Free Version: Simply avoid nuts in your brownies and skip any nutty toppings to keep it safe for everyone.
• Seasonal Colors: I like to change the buttercream colors to match the theme—reds and greens for Christmas, or even blue and silver for winter celebrations.

How to Make Festive Christmas Brownie Shapes Recipe

Step 1: Bake Your Double Batch of Brownies

Start by making a double batch of my Best Chewy Brownies. Trust me, doubling the ingredients ensures you have plenty of brownie to play with when cutting shapes. I like to line a 9×13-inch metal pan with parchment paper or foil so the brownies come out cleanly. Bake them for the recommended time plus an extra 3-5 minutes since the batter is doubled. One of the tricks I discovered is chilling the brownies for a couple of hours or even overnight after they cool—this makes cutting out shapes so much easier, and the edges won’t crumble on you.

Step 2: Whip Up the Buttercream and Add Color

While the brownies bake or cool, get your buttercream ready. I use my Best Ever Buttercream Frosting recipe because it stays nice and fluffy but firm enough to pipe. Divide the frosting into different bowls and add gel food coloring to create a rainbow of festive shades. A tip I learned early on: use disposable piping bags fitted with your favorite tips—makes decorating less messy and more precise.

Step 3: Cut Out Your Festive Brownie Shapes

Here’s where the fun begins! Keep the brownies in the pan with the parchment or foil still underneath to make cutting easier. Use tall metal cookie cutters to stamp out your holiday shapes—trees, stars, snowflakes, you name it. Press the cutters close together to minimize waste. Use a thin offset spatula or a small knife to gently lift each shape out without breaking the edges. If the brownies feel too soft, pop the pan back into the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up. When I first tried this, using cold brownies really saved me from crumb disaster.

Step 4: Decorate with Frosting and Festive Toppings

Now for the icing on the (brownie) cake! Pipe the colored buttercream onto each shaped brownie just before decorating, since the frosting starts drying quickly. Then add your sprinkles, mini M&Ms, or whatever festive extras you love. It’s like your own edible winter wonderland. Decorating is the perfect moment to get the kids involved—they always have the best ideas for designs!

How to Serve Festive Christmas Brownie Shapes Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes bright and simple—classic red and green sprinkles, mini M&Ms in holiday colors, and a sprinkle of edible glitter for a little sparkle. Sometimes I add delicate silver sugar pearls for a touch of elegance when I’m hosting a more formal gathering. It’s amazing how little touches can elevate the whole look and make these brownies feel extra special.

Side Dishes

These festive brownies go great alongside a cozy cup of hot cocoa or a rich peppermint mocha. If you’re aiming for a full dessert spread, I pair them with simple eggnog or spiced cider. For a party, a platter of fruit slices—like sharp green apples or juicy cranberries—balances the richness of the brownies perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes all the difference, especially during the holidays. I love arranging my brownie shapes on a festive platter, layered with fresh pine sprigs or holly leaves (fake or fresh) for that winter vibe. Another favorite trick is placing each brownie shape in a small decorative cupcake liner or wrapping them in clear cellophane tied with ribbon to give as homemade gifts. Guests always comment on how charming and thoughtful that looks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

From my experience, brownies are best eaten fresh the day you make and decorate them. But if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you refrigerate, they’ll last about 5 days, although I’ve noticed the edges can dry out quickly if not sealed well. Wrapping them gently in plastic wrap between layers inside the container helps keep that fudgy texture intact.

Freezing

I like to freeze my brownies unfrosted, either as an entire slab or cut out shapes, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then sealed in a freezer bag. This method keeps them fresh for up to a month. When I’m ready to decorate, I thaw them overnight in the fridge or for a couple of hours on the counter. Decorating from a chilled brownie actually makes the process much easier.

Reheating

Leftover brownies can be gently warmed in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring that soft, chewy texture back to life. Just be cautious not to overheat and melt your frosting! Another option is serving them cold, which some people actually prefer for the fudgy bite.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Festive Christmas Brownie Shapes Recipe adds so much joy to holiday baking. There’s something about walking into a kitchen filled with the scent of brownies and seeing colorful, fun shapes lined up that just warms your soul. Since I started making these, my family and friends look forward to them every year, and it’s become our little tradition to decorate them together. Honestly, give this a try—you’ll find it’s not just a recipe, but a way to make memories during the most wonderful time of the year.

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