Festive Christmas Brownie Shapes Recipe

Oh, you’re going to love this Festive Christmas Brownie Shapes Recipe! It’s such a fun twist on our favorite classic brownies and makes holiday baking feel extra special. Imagine fudgy, chewy brownies cut into charming Christmas shapes – stars, trees, hearts, whatever gets you in that festive spirit. This recipe is perfect for holiday parties, gift giving, or just sharing with loved ones after a cozy evening by the fire.

What makes these festive brownie shapes stand out is not just the taste, but the joy of decorating them. I like to bring out colorful buttercream frosting and sprinkle on all the festive extras like mini M&Ms and sprinkles. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, making them is half the fun. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to try something new this Christmas, these brownies hit the sweet spot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create rich, chewy brownies and creamy, colorful buttercream frosting. When picking your ingredients, quality matters — especially chocolate and butter — so choose the best you can find for that deep chocolatey goodness.

• Brownies: For chocolate intensity and fudgy texture, I always trust a tried-and-true chewy brownie recipe doubled here to fill a 9×13 pan.
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil: Essential for lining your baking pan so brownies don’t stick and lift out cleanly for cutting.
• Buttercream Frosting: Soft, spreadable, and perfect for decorating — you’ll want a full batch for plenty of coverage.
• Gel food coloring: Use this for vibrant colors that won’t run or water down your frosting.
• Sprinkles: Classic festive touch — pick a mix of shapes and colors that fit your holiday vibe.
• Mini M&Ms: Great for adding pops of color and chocolate crunch on top.
• Mini chocolate chips: Another texture boost that pairs perfectly with the chewy brownies.
• Other edible decorations: Think candy canes crushed, edible glitter, or little sugar snowflakes — whatever makes these your own.

Variations

I love personalizing this Festive Christmas Brownie Shapes Recipe depending on what ingredients I have handy or the occasion. Feel free to swap in flavors or add-ins to make it uniquely yours. It’s a flexible base for creativity!

• Nutty version: I sometimes fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for a nice crunch that balances the fudgy texture.
• Mint chocolate: Adding a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the buttercream frosting gives a festive mint makeover that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
• Gluten-free: You can make this with a gluten-free flour blend — just make sure it suits fudgy brownies, and watch baking times.
• Vegan adaptation: Substitute with vegan butter and egg replacers to make these festive treats inclusive for everyone.

How to Make Festive Christmas Brownie Shapes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Start by doubling your best ever chewy brownie recipe (all ingredients doubled). Line a 9×13-inch metal baking pan generously with parchment paper or foil — this helps you lift the brownies out easily later. Mix your ingredients as usual, paying special attention not to overbeat; you want that dense, fudgy texture. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. I usually tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles.

Step 2: Bake and Cool Completely

Bake your brownies at the temperature your base recipe suggests, checking for doneness with a toothpick — it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Once baked, it’s crucial to let the brownies cool completely, ideally at room temperature. I’ve learned the hard way that cutting too soon makes crumbly shapes. Patience here guarantees neat and sturdy pieces when you cut.

Step 3: Cut Into Festive Shapes

Once cooled, lift the brownie block out of the pan using the edges of the parchment or foil. Use cookie cutters in your favorite Christmas shapes — stars, trees, stockings — to punch out festive pieces. I find it helpful to dip the cookie cutters in hot water and dry before cutting; it makes cleaner cuts through the fudgy brownies. Save any scraps for snacking or layering in dessert parfaits!

Step 4: Prepare and Color the Buttercream Frosting

While the brownies chill, whip up your buttercream frosting. Divide it evenly into small bowls and add gel food coloring to create your desired palette — from classic Christmas red and green to soft pastel shades or glittery white for snow. I like to use vibrant tones so the shapes really pop.

Step 5: Decorate Your Brownie Shapes

Spread or pipe the colored buttercream onto each brownie shape, then get creative with your decorations. I love sprinkling mini M&Ms and bits of edible glitter for sparkle. Sometimes, when decorating with kids, we turn it into a mini party, experimenting with all the colors and toppings. Let the frosting set a little before packing them up to keep your designs intact.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Brownie Shapes Recipe

Garnishes

I like garnishing with simple edible glitter or a light dusting of powdered sugar to mimic snow. Fresh mint leaves can add a subtle green hue and freshness if you want a natural touch. Plus, adding little sugar pearls or candy cane shards on top gives a festive crunch that everyone enjoys.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines as a dessert on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm mug of peppermint hot chocolate. At holiday gatherings, I often serve it alongside spiced mulled wine or eggnog, which makes the flavors feel extra cozy together.

Creative Ways to Present

For Christmas parties, I like arranging these brownie shapes on festive platters lined with colorful paper doilies. Wrapping several pieces in clear cellophane tied with ribbon makes adorable edible gifts. One year, I even made a brownie Christmas tree by stacking shapes and securing them with frosting — it was a total hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your decorated festive brownie shapes in an airtight container at room temperature. I place parchment or wax paper between layers to protect the frosting and decorations. They usually last well for 3-4 days, perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday weekend.

Freezing

If you’re making these ahead of time, you can freeze undecorated brownie shapes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight bag. Once you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then decorate fresh. This way, the frosting stays bright and fresh without melting.

Reheating

I generally don’t reheat the brownies after they’re decorated to protect the frosting. But if you want that warm, melty brownie feeling, try heating an undecorated piece for 10–15 seconds in the microwave and then add a dollop of buttercream or ice cream right after.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Brownie Shapes Recipe is one of my go-to holiday baking traditions because it brings together rich chocolate, vibrant colors, and fun shapes that light up any gathering. I love how easy it is to customize and how it draws people into baking and decorating together, making memories beyond just eating the treats. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do — they’re a sweet, joyful way to celebrate the season with family and friends.

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