Festive Christmas Brownies

Forget the fruit cake! Here’s a fun recipe for making Christmas-themed brownies:

Festive Christmas Brownies Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the brownies:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the decorations:
  • White icing (store-bought or homemade)
  • Red icing or gel
  • Green icing or gel
  • Small star-shaped candies or sprinkles
  • Pretzel twists
  • Candy eyes
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Sprinkles (for extra decoration)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brownies:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
   • Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
   • Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   • Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting.
2. Cut the Brownies:
   • Once cooled, cut the brownies into triangles to create the base shapes for Christmas trees, reindeer, and snowmen.
3. Decorate the Christmas Trees:
   • Use green icing to pipe a zigzag design to mimic a garland.
   • Add sprinkles as ornaments and top with a small star-shaped candy or sprinkle at the top.
   • Use a pretzel stick as the “tree trunk” and insert it into the base of the brownie.
4. Decorate the Snowmen:
   • Cover the brownie triangle with white icing.
   • Add mini marshmallows at the bottom for a snowy effect.
   • Use orange icing to draw a carrot nose and black gel for eyes and a mouth.
5. Decorate the Reindeer:
   • Pipe chocolate or brown icing over the brownie triangle.
   • Use candy eyes and a red candy for the nose.
   • Break pretzel twists into antler shapes and press them into the top of the brownie.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Place your decorated brownies on a festive platter and let the holiday cheer begin!

These brownies are as fun to make as they are to eat and are sure to be the star of any holiday gathering!