How do you make brownies taste more festive?

You can add peppermint extract, warm holiday spices, or white chocolate to instantly give brownies a seasonal twist. Topping them with crushed candy canes or colorful holiday sprinkles also creates that classic festive brownie look without changing the base recipe.

Why are my brownies coming out cakey instead of fudgy?

Cakey brownies usually happen when you add too much flour or bake them too long. For a fudgy texture, measure ingredients carefully and pull the brownies from the oven when the center is slightly soft, which keeps the texture rich and chewy.

Can you use a boxed mix to make festive brownies?

Yes, a boxed brownie mix can easily become a holiday dessert with add-ins like crushed peppermint, nuts, or white chocolate chips. It’s a quick shortcut when you want a festive brownie without extra prep time.

What’s the best way to cut brownies cleanly?

Let brownies cool fully, then use a warm, sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts. This keeps the edges neat whether you’re serving squares or shaping them into holiday-themed pieces.

Festive Brownie Recipe – 5 Irresistible Holiday Treats You’ll Love

Description

A rich, fudgy festive brownie decorated with white chocolate drizzle, crushed candy canes, and holiday sprinkles, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
1/2 cup crushed candy canes
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup holiday sprinkles
1/2 cup chopped nuts (hazelnuts, pecans, or walnuts)
Melted white chocolate for drizzling

Cook Mode Keep your screen awake while you cook

Instructions

Melt the butter and whisk in both sugars and the eggs.
Add vanilla and optional peppermint extract.
Fold in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Stir in white chocolate chips, nuts, and festive add-ins.
Spread the batter into a lined 9×13-inch baking pan.
Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly soft.
Cool completely before decorating with toppings.
Cut into squares or holiday shapes before serving.

Notes

Allow brownies to cool fully before decorating to prevent toppings from melting.
Store brownies in an airtight container to maintain a fudgy texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 250