These Christmas Themed Brownies are the ultimate holiday dessert: rich, fudgy, and topped with a festive peppermint swirl and colorful sprinkles. They come together in under an hour and are perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or a cozy night in.
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I've tested this recipe to balance the deep chocolate flavor with a refreshing hint of peppermint, and the result is a crowd-pleaser that's both indulgent and celebratory. The brownies are baked until the edges are set and the center is just barely firm, giving you that classic fudgy texture that everyone loves.
Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, these brownies are straightforward and forgiving. Plus, they're easily customizable—swap the peppermint for orange zest or add your favorite holiday mix-ins. Let's get baking!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
Use unsalted butter to control the salt level. If you only have salted, reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
Regular white sugar works best. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor, but the texture will be slightly grainier.
2 large eggs
Bring eggs to room temperature for better emulsification. If you're out, use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg, but the brownies will be slightly less rich.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pure vanilla extract gives the best flavor. You can use imitation vanilla if needed, but the taste will be less complex.
1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
Dutch-processed cocoa gives a milder, less acidic flavor; natural cocoa works too. For a richer taste, use dark cocoa powder.
1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
Spoon and level the flour to avoid packing. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
1/4 teaspoon salt
Fine sea salt is best. If using kosher salt, increase to 1/2 teaspoon.
1/2 cup (100g) white chocolate chips
Use good-quality white chocolate for the swirl. You can also use dark or milk chocolate chips, but the peppermint flavor pairs best with white.
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Pure peppermint extract is potent—don't exceed this amount or the brownies will taste like toothpaste. You can use 1/4 teaspoon if you prefer a milder mint.
2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles
Use any festive sprinkles—jimmies, nonpareils, or a mix. They add crunch and color. If gluten-free, check the label.
Tips & Tricks
Check for doneness early
Ovens vary, so start checking at 30 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges pull away from the pan and the center is almost set—a toothpick inserted should have moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Don't overmix the batter after adding flour—overmixing develops gluten and makes brownies tough. Mix until just combined.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to get clean squares. Cutting warm brownies will result in messy edges.
- If your white chocolate doesn't melt smoothly (seizes), add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to the bowl and stir—it will become silky again.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2. Mix wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
3. Add dry ingredients
Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix. The batter will be thick.
4. Melt white chocolate
Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
5. Add peppermint swirl
Stir the peppermint extract into the melted white chocolate. Pour the peppermint mixture over the brownie batter and use a knife to swirl it in gently, creating ribbons.
6. Sprinkle and bake
Evenly distribute the holiday sprinkles over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 32-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs—the internal temperature should read 200°F (93°C) if you want to check.
7. Cool completely
Remove the pan from the oven and place on a wire rack. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour before lifting out and cutting into squares.
Delicious Variations
Candy Cane Crunch
Crush 4 candy canes and sprinkle over the top before baking instead of sprinkles for a crunchy, minty finish.
Mint Chocolate Chip
Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter along with the white chocolate swirl for extra chocolate intensity.
Orange Spice
Replace the peppermint extract with 1 teaspoon of orange zest and add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm holiday alternative.
How to Store Christmas Themed Brownies
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They'll stay fudgy and moist.
Freezer
Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To refresh, microwave a brownie for 15-20 seconds until warm, or let it thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon to avoid over-salting. The brownies will still turn out delicious.
Q: How do I know when the brownies are done?
The edges will pull away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. This typically takes 32-35 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Q: Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The texture will be slightly different but still fudgy and delicious.
Q: Can I skip the peppermint extract?
Yes, you can omit it and simply swirl plain white chocolate for a classic brownie. Or substitute with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a different flavor.
Ready to make these festive brownies? Gather your ingredients and preheat your oven—you're 50 minutes away from a batch of holiday cheer. Share your creations with me in the comments!
Christmas Themed Brownies
These Christmas Themed Brownies are fudgy, festive, and easy to make with a peppermint swirl and holiday sprinkles for a perfect seasonal dessert.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (100g) white chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat and prepare — Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- 2Mix wet ingredients — In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- 3Add dry ingredients — Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix. The batter will be thick.
- 4Melt white chocolate — Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
- 5Add peppermint swirl — Stir the peppermint extract into the melted white chocolate. Pour the peppermint mixture over the brownie batter and use a knife to swirl it in gently, creating ribbons.
- 6Sprinkle and bake — Evenly distribute the holiday sprinkles over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 32-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs—the internal temperature should read 200°F (93°C) if you want to check.
- 7Cool completely — Remove the pan from the oven and place on a wire rack. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour before lifting out and cutting into squares.
Liam covers personal finance and investing for beginners, demystifying money management with clear, no-nonsense advice. He focuses on budgeting, saving, and long-term wealth building, often using real-life scenarios to illustrate concepts.
