Christmas Brownies with Gingerbread Spices
Highlighted under: Festive Home Cooking
Indulge in the festive flavors of the season with these delicious Christmas Brownies infused with gingerbread spices. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat for yourself!
These Christmas Brownies are inspired by the warm spices of gingerbread, making them a perfect holiday treat. With a rich chocolate base and a hint of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, they are sure to delight your taste buds.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with warm gingerbread spices
- Chewy texture with a soft, fudgy center
- Perfect for holiday gifting or cozy gatherings
The Perfect Holiday Treat
These Christmas Brownies with Gingerbread Spices are not just dessert; they're an experience that embodies the joy of the holiday season. The combination of rich chocolate and warm spices creates a comforting treat that’s perfect for both cozy nights at home and festive gatherings with friends and family. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds sing.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply enjoying a quiet evening, these brownies are an ideal choice. They can be easily prepared in advance, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company around you. Their appealing aroma will fill your kitchen, drawing everyone in and setting the stage for a memorable celebration.
Gifting Made Easy
Looking for a thoughtful gift for friends, family, or coworkers? These Christmas Brownies make for an excellent homemade present. Wrapped in festive packaging and adorned with a cheerful ribbon, they convey a personal touch that store-bought treats often lack. Plus, who wouldn’t appreciate a delicious batch of brownies during the holiday season?
You can easily double the recipe to create larger batches, ensuring you have enough to share. Consider adding a handwritten note or a small tag explaining the delightful gingerbread spices used in the recipe, making the gift even more special and personal.
Tips for Perfect Brownies
To achieve the perfect fudgy texture, be careful not to overmix the brownie batter once the dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a cakier texture, which is not what you want in a classic brownie. Stir just until you see no dry flour, and then pour it into the pan for baking.
Another tip is to let the brownies cool completely before adding the glaze. This ensures that the glaze sets nicely on top without dripping off. If you’re a fan of extra toppings, feel free to get creative with crushed gingerbread cookies or holiday-themed decorations to enhance the festive appearance.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (optional)
Mix well to combine all ingredients before baking.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Stir in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Prepare the Topping
While the brownies are cooling, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a glaze. Drizzle over cooled brownies.
Serve
Cut into squares, add sprinkles if desired, and enjoy your festive brownies!
Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting for clean edges.
Storing Your Brownies
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Wrap the cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months, making them a convenient treat to have on hand for unexpected guests or cravings.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen brownies, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours. You can also warm them briefly in the microwave for that freshly-baked taste.
Customizing Your Brownies
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize your Christmas Brownies. Try adding in some chopped nuts for an added crunch or swirling in a layer of cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture. You could also incorporate chocolate chips or chunks for extra chocolatey goodness.
For a fun twist, consider mixing in peppermint extract or crushed peppermint candies to bring a refreshing flavor that’s perfect for the holidays. These variations can make your brownies uniquely yours and keep things exciting each time you bake.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these brownies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.
→ Can I substitute the butter?
You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free option.
→ How do I store leftover brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
→ Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked brownies for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
Christmas Brownies with Gingerbread Spices
Indulge in the festive flavors of the season with these delicious Christmas Brownies infused with gingerbread spices. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat for yourself!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Festive Home Cooking
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 16 brownies
What You'll Need
For the Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Stir in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
While the brownies are cooling, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a glaze. Drizzle over cooled brownies.
Cut into squares, add sprinkles if desired, and enjoy your festive brownies!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 29g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g