Print

Christmas Present Brownies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 128 reviews

These Christmas Present Brownies are a festive holiday treat featuring rich, fudgy brownies topped with a smooth chocolate ganache and decorated with colorful icing to resemble wrapped presents. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these brownies combine easy-to-make brownie mix with a luscious ganache and playful piped decorations for a fun and delicious dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownies

  • Cooking spray
  • 1 (15.25-oz.) box brownie mix, plus ingredients called for on box

Chocolate Ganache

  • 1 cup (170 g) chopped dark chocolate (60% to 70% cacao)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Decorating Icing

  • 1 cup (115 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon (or more) whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon corn syrup (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • White gel food coloring
  • A piping bag, a small round tip

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Line an 8″ x 8″ metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal. Grease the parchment paper with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make and Bake Brownies: In a large bowl, prepare the brownie mix according to the box directions, including any required additional ingredients. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed on the box. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
  3. Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Place chopped dark chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until bubbles form around the edges, about 3 minutes. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes, then whisk gently until smooth and glossy.
  4. Apply Ganache to Brownies: Spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the cooled brownies. Refrigerate the brownies for about 30 minutes or until the ganache is set and firm.
  5. Cut Brownies Into Squares: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the brownies out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Trim off any rounded edges for clean lines. Cut the brownies into 16 equal squares, approximately 1 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches in size.
  6. Make Decorating Icing: In a medium bowl, whisk the sifted confectioners’ sugar, milk, corn syrup (if using), and vanilla extract vigorously. Add more milk if necessary to achieve a thick but pourable consistency suitable for piping.
  7. Add Color to Icing: Add a drop of white gel food coloring to the icing and stir well. Increase the amount of food coloring to reach the desired color intensity.
  8. Pipe Decorations: Transfer the icing to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Hold the piping bag vertically over each brownie square and gently squeeze with consistent pressure to drizzle or pipe ribbon shapes and lines that resemble present bows and wrapping.

Notes

  • Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal of brownies from the pan.
  • If you prefer a smoother ganache, use a fine whisk and ensure the chocolate is fully melted before spreading.
  • Corn syrup in the icing helps add shine and stability but is optional and can be omitted.
  • Adjust the food coloring quantity incrementally to avoid overly vibrant or runny icing.
  • These brownies can be stored in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Christmas brownies, holiday brownies, chocolate ganache brownies, decorated brownies, festive brownies, Christmas dessert

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/christmas-present-brownies-recipe/