There’s something truly magical about baking during the holidays — the sweet aroma of chocolate filling your kitchen, a warm oven humming, and a dusting of colorful sprinkles that make everything feel merry and bright. These Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies bring together that cozy holiday feeling in every bite.

Rich, fudgy, and topped with creamy frosting, they’re perfect for cookie swaps, Christmas parties, or just enjoying with a mug of hot cocoa by the tree. And the best part? They’re super simple to make — even if you’re new to baking.
Recipe Info:
| Category | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dessert Recipes | 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 12 brownies | ~240 kcal per serving |
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (green or red for a festive touch)
- Christmas sprinkles or crushed candy canes (for decorating)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients: Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold until no streaks remain.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before frosting — this helps the frosting spread smoothly.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, mixing until fluffy. Tint with a few drops of food coloring if desired.
- Frost & decorate: Spread frosting evenly over cooled brownies. Add sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a festive finish.
- Cut & serve: Slice into squares or triangles to resemble little Christmas trees!
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Don’t overbake! Slightly underbaked brownies are fudgier and richer.
- Cooling trick: Place the pan on a wire rack to cool evenly.
- Storage: Store frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Recipe Variations
- Peppermint Twist: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the frosting for a refreshing holiday flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
- Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of part of the butter for a lighter texture without losing richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these brownies:
- On a cake platter with holiday decor for your Christmas dinner dessert table
- As part of a holiday brunch spread with coffee or hot cocoa
- Wrapped individually for a sweet homemade hosting holidays gift
Conclusion
Whether you bake them for a festive gathering or just a cozy night in, these Festive Frosted Christmas Brownies are a joyful treat that’ll bring smiles all around. So preheat that oven, turn on your favorite Christmas playlist, and fill your kitchen with the magic of homemade holiday sweetness.