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- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup cocoa powder - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting) - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting) - 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting) - ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting) - Sprinkles or crushed candy canes (for decoration) The main ingredients make brownies rich and tasty. Let's break them down: - Unsalted butter adds fat for a moist texture. It helps create that fudgy bite we love. - Granulated sugar gives sweetness and helps with the brownie structure. - Eggs act as a binding agent. They also add moisture and richness to the mix. - Vanilla extract enhances the flavor. It adds warmth to the sweet chocolate. - All-purpose flour provides structure. It holds everything together and gives the brownie its shape. - Cocoa powder delivers that rich chocolate flavor. It is the star of the show! - Baking powder makes the brownies slightly puff up, giving them a nice lift. - Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors. - Semi-sweet chocolate chips bring pockets of melted chocolate. They add a delightful texture. - Powdered sugar is key for the frosting. It makes it smooth and sweet. - Milk adds creaminess to the frosting, making it easy to spread. - Peppermint extract gives a festive flair, perfect for the holidays. - Sprinkles or crushed candy canes add a fun and colorful finish! If you need to swap any ingredients, here are some great options: - Unsalted butter can be replaced with coconut oil or margarine for dairy-free brownies. - Granulated sugar can be replaced with brown sugar for a richer flavor. - Eggs can be substituted with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for vegan options. - All-purpose flour can be swapped with almond flour or gluten-free flour for gluten-free brownies. - Semi-sweet chocolate chips can be replaced with dark chocolate for a deeper taste. - Milk can be replaced with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free frosting. These substitutes allow you to enjoy Frosted Christmas Brownies without missing out on flavor. You can find the full recipe to guide you through the process of making this festive treat. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan. Grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper. 3. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of melted unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. 4. Add 4 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. 5. In another bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. 6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula. Do not overmix; it’s okay to see some flour streaks. 7. Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips until mixed evenly. 8. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly using a spatula. 9. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. 10. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Cool the brownies completely in the pan on a wire rack. 11. While the brownies cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of milk, and ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Stir until smooth and creamy. 12. Spread the frosting evenly across the cool brownies. 13. Decorate with colorful sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a festive look. 14. Cut the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy this delicious holiday treat! For the complete process, check out the Full Recipe. To get that perfect brownie texture, start with room temperature ingredients. This helps them mix better. Mix the wet and dry ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. This means they are fudgy but not undercooked. For a festive look, use colorful sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top. You can also drizzle white chocolate for a snowy effect. Another fun idea is to add edible glitter for sparkle. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to create fun shapes from the brownies, too. One common mistake is not greasing the pan well. This can make brownies stick. Another mistake is cutting the brownies too soon. Wait until they are cool for clean cuts. Also, don’t skip the frosting! It adds flavor and a special touch. For full details on making these delicious brownies, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can switch up the frosting to make these brownies even more fun. Instead of using peppermint extract, try using orange zest for a bright twist. A cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy flavor. You can also go for a simple chocolate ganache. Just melt chocolate with cream until smooth, then pour it over the brownies. If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. You can swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk for the frosting. These swaps keep the brownies tasty and friendly for many diets. Add fun flavors to your brownies with mix-ins. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. You can also stir in mini marshmallows or dried fruits for sweetness. For a more festive touch, add white chocolate chips or toffee bits. These little extras bring your Frosted Christmas Brownies to a whole new level. For the full recipe, check the link provided. To keep your frosted brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them at room temperature for a few days. Avoid direct sunlight to maintain their texture and taste. If you have many brownies, it helps to wrap them in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. Freezing brownies is a great way to save some for later. First, let them cool completely. Cut the brownies into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want to enjoy them, take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. It usually takes about an hour. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. Frosted brownies can last up to five days when stored properly. If you freeze them, they can last for about three months. However, the taste may change slightly over time. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoying them fresh is the best way to appreciate their flavor! Yes, you can use different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate offers a rich taste. Milk chocolate gives a sweeter flavor. If you want to try white chocolate, it will add a creamy touch. Just remember, use the same amount as the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the recipe. To make gluten-free brownies, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands offer great options that work well in baking. Check the label to ensure it has a good balance of starches and flours. This will help keep your brownies moist and tasty. You can pair these brownies with many treats. Ice cream, especially vanilla or peppermint, goes great. Hot cocoa or coffee makes a warm drink option. For toppings, consider whipped cream, extra sprinkles, or crushed candy canes. Each adds a fun twist to your festive dessert. You learned about the key ingredients and steps to make delicious brownies. We discussed how to achieve the perfect texture and what mistakes to avoid. You also explored clever variations and easy storage tips. With these insights, you can create yummy brownies that impress everyone. Remember, baking is fun, so enjoy it!

Frosted Christmas Brownies

Indulge in the magic of the holidays with these delicious Frosted Christmas Brownies! Made with rich chocolate and a festive peppermint frosting, these fudgy treats are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Follow our simple step-by-step recipe to create your own batch, and elevate your dessert table this season. Click through for the full recipe and make this holiday season a little sweeter!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup cocoa powder

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)

2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)

½ teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting)

Sprinkles or crushed candy canes (for decoration)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

    Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Use a whisk to blend them together until well combined and smooth.

      Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Crack the four large eggs into the mixture, adding them one at a time. Ensure each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. After all the eggs are added, stir in the teaspoon of vanilla extract for added flavor.

        Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps to aerate the ingredients and ensures no lumps remain.

          Fold Ingredients Together: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay.

            Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the brownie batter.

              Bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.

                Cool the Brownies: Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps maintain their fudgy texture.

                  Prepare the Frosting: While the brownies are cooling, prepare the festive frosting. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and peppermint extract. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this will add a holiday flavor!

                    Frost and Decorate: Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the minty frosting evenly across the surface. Add a festive touch by decorating with colorful sprinkles or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.

                      Cut and Serve: Finally, cut the brownies into squares and serve them to delight your family and friends.

                        Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 24

                          - Presentation Tips: For an inviting display, serve the brownies on a decorative platter. Consider embellishing with holiday-themed decorations or placing a few fresh mint leaves around for a pop of color and freshness!