If there’s one dessert that screams holiday cheer and always makes an appearance at our family Christmas party, it’s Frosted Christmas Brownies. I still remember the first time I made them. It was a snowy December evening, and I had just moved into my first apartment. Craving something festive but not ready for a full-on baking marathon, I whipped up a batch of gooey brownies and added a thick, creamy vanilla frosting. Then came the sprinkles—red, green, and sparkling sugar. One bite, and I was hooked. Every year since, they’ve been my go-to.
These brownies aren’t just another holiday treat—they’re rich, chocolatey, and decked out in festive cheer. The frosting adds that perfect sweet contrast, while the colorful toppings turn them into little edible presents. Whether you’re baking for a holiday swap, a cozy movie night, or just want to enjoy a bite of something nostalgic, Frosted Christmas Brownies always hit the mark.
In this article, you’ll discover how to make the ultimate batch, how to store them, how to make variations, and tips that make them turn out perfectly every single time. Along the way, we’ll also include helpful links from our favorite recipes like Easy Reindeer Cupcakes and Traditional Chocolate Yule Log.
Let’s dive in and make your holiday baking as joyful as the season itself.
The Sweet Origins of Frosted Christmas Brownies
Where Holiday Brownies Meet Childhood Magic
Every family has a dessert that defines their holiday season. For ours, it’s always been Frosted Christmas Brownies. They’re more than just a dessert—they’re tradition. From the smell of brownies baking in the oven to the messy fun of frosting and decorating, this dessert has childhood memories baked right in.
And let’s be honest—what makes Frosted Christmas Brownies special isn’t just the taste. It’s the festive frosting and whimsical toppings. You get to be a kid again, playing with crushed peppermint, edible glitter, mini candy canes, and sprinkles. They don’t have to be perfect—they just have to be made with joy.
Plus, they’re versatile enough to fit any gathering. Slice them small for a cookie tray or large for dessert after dinner. You can even stack them into a brownie tree for a centerpiece.
Frosted Christmas Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line your baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in cocoa, flour, and salt until smooth.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 25 minutes or until center is set.
- Let brownies cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting: beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla; beat until fluffy.
- Spread frosting over cooled brownies. Add sprinkles.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your Frosted Christmas Brownies!
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why They’re the Star of Every Dessert Table
The magic of Frosted Christmas Brownies comes down to two things: the fudgy brownie base and the creamy, sweet frosting on top. Together, they make the perfect bite. Unlike dry store-bought brownies, these are dense, chewy, and deeply chocolatey.
And when it comes to the frosting, the sky’s the limit. You can keep it simple with vanilla buttercream or go bold with peppermint, cream cheese, or white chocolate frostings. We love layering flavors—especially when inspired by treats like these White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies or Fudgy Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies.
Whether you’re making them from scratch or dressing up a box mix, Frosted Christmas Brownies are endlessly adaptable, totally crowd-pleasing, and absolutely photogenic.
Mastering the Brownie Base
Ingredients that Make Brownies Irresistible
The secret to unforgettable Frosted Christmas Brownies starts with your ingredients. Quality cocoa powder, real butter, and fresh eggs are non-negotiable. Choose Dutch-process cocoa for that deep, rich chocolate flavor. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt. And don’t forget a touch of espresso powder—it enhances the chocolate without making them taste like coffee.
If you love depth in flavor, try melting a little dark chocolate into your batter. Or go for a nostalgic twist with holiday mix-ins like crushed candy canes, chopped peppermint bark, or even a swirl of raspberry jam.
Want to explore other holiday favorites? Check out these No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake Cups for more inspiration.
How to Bake Them Perfectly Every Time
Even the best batter can fall flat without the right technique. Preheat your oven and use parchment paper to lift brownies easily from the pan. Bake until the edges are firm and the center is just set—overbaking ruins that gooey center.
Let them cool completely before frosting. Warm brownies will melt the frosting and create a gooey mess (unless that’s your goal, of course). Use this time to prepare your favorite frosting—maybe inspired by these Italian Christmas Cookies or Christmas Popcorn Balls.
Getting the texture right ensures your Frosted Christmas Brownies are chewy on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and absolutely irresistible with every bite.
Let’s Talk Frosting and Decorations
The Best Frostings for Holiday Brownies
Here’s where the real holiday magic happens. Your brownies are the canvas, and the frosting is your brush. The most classic pairing is a simple vanilla buttercream—rich, fluffy, and a perfect contrast to the dense brownie. But don’t stop there.
For a wintery vibe, try peppermint frosting using crushed candy canes for texture. Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy balance, especially when you’re going all-in with sweet decorations. You can even tint your frosting red or green to boost the festive feel, just like the vibrant flair in this Overnight Eggnog French Toast.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, frost each brownie in a different flavor. Kids especially love this kind of variety. It’s a simple trick to make your Frosted Christmas Brownies the talk of the table.
Sprinkle, Swirl, and Style with Holiday Joy
Once you’ve frosted your brownies, it’s time to play. Sprinkles are the obvious choice—but the combinations are endless. Use red sanding sugar, green stars, gold balls, or crushed peppermint.
We also love topping ours with mini marshmallows, crushed cookies, or tiny gingerbread men. Think of your brownies like edible ornaments.
One of our favorite combinations is inspired by these Oreo Coal Bites—crushed Oreos on top of vanilla frosting for a dramatic black-and-white effect.
Whether you’re channeling elegance or whimsy, decorating your Frosted Christmas Brownies is where your creativity shines.
Serving, Storing & Making Ahead
How to Serve Brownies Like a Holiday Pro
Presentation is half the fun. Serve your Frosted Christmas Brownies on a tiered dessert stand for a fancy touch or stack them like a brownie Christmas tree. You can also slice them into stars, trees, or candy cane shapes using cookie cutters for an extra festive vibe.
Planning a dessert spread? Pair your brownies with a platter of Sugar Cookie Cheesecake or these adorable Mini Eggnog Cheesecake Bakes.
These treats look gorgeous when layered in gift boxes or wrapped individually in cellophane for stocking stuffers. And yes—they freeze beautifully!
How to Store and Freeze Them the Right Way
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh. Store Frosted Christmas Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen runs warm, refrigerate them to avoid the frosting melting.
Want to freeze them? Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze individually before stacking. This prevents the frosting from smearing. Wrap each brownie tightly and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temp before serving.
We’ve also been known to enjoy them straight from the freezer (just like frozen fudge!). For even more holiday freezer-friendly treats, check out Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball and Reindeer Cheese Ball for savory inspiration.
With a little planning, your Frosted Christmas Brownies can be ready for any last-minute celebration or sugar craving.
Wrap-Up
Frosted Christmas Brownies are more than just a dessert—they’re a festive tradition that brings joy, flavor, and creativity into every bite. Whether you’re frosting them with peppermint cream cheese, decorating them with holiday sprinkles, or slicing them into whimsical shapes, these brownies are guaranteed to steal the spotlight on any dessert table.
With just a few basic ingredients, a little festive flair, and a dash of holiday magic, you can create a treat that’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and unforgettable. Plus, they store beautifully, freeze well, and double as edible gifts. From beginner bakers to seasoned pros, Frosted Christmas Brownies deliver the kind of cheer that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Make them part of your holiday baking tradition—you’ll be glad you did. And if you’re looking to expand your dessert table even more, don’t miss the Decadent Berry and Custard Pastries or our fan-favorite Old-Fashioned Bourbon Balls. Now, grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
FAQ’s
Can I make Frosted Christmas Brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake and frost them a day or two in advance. Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for best freshness.
What’s the best frosting to use for Frosted Christmas Brownies?
Classic vanilla buttercream is the most popular. But cream cheese, peppermint, and even chocolate ganache work wonderfully depending on your flavor preference.
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Swap the flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. Ensure other ingredients (like frosting) are gluten-free too.
Can I use box brownie mix?
Yes! A good box mix can be a great shortcut. Just be sure to underbake slightly for that fudgy texture, then decorate as you would from scratch.
