Frosted Christmas Brownies always bring me back to the snowy afternoon when my aunt surprised us with a warm tray of brownies topped with thick, white frosting and red sprinkles. The chocolate was still gooey, and the sweet vanilla topping melted in my mouth. That first bite felt like a hug wrapped in tinsel. Since then, these brownies have earned a permanent spot in my holiday baking list.
Every December, I whip up a batch of Frosted Christmas Brownies for friends, neighbors, and my kids’ school parties. They’re always the first dessert gone. Their rich chocolate base, smooth frosting, and festive decorations rival holiday favorites like peppermint brownie cookies and saltine candy Christmas crack. These brownies are simple to make, yet unforgettable once they hit the table.

Crafting the Perfect Brownie Base
Fudgy, Rich, and Perfect Every Time
A delicious batch of Frosted Christmas Brownies starts with the brownie base. Forget boxed mixes—these homemade brownies are thick, chewy, and intensely chocolatey. Use real melted butter for richness, unsweetened cocoa for depth, and brown sugar for a moist, dense texture. A touch of espresso powder can subtly enhance the cocoa flavor without adding bitterness. This same secret makes soft snickerdoodle cookies taste surprisingly rich.
PrintFrosted Christmas Brownies: A Sweet Holiday Must-Have That Everyone Will Love
These Frosted Christmas Brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with creamy vanilla buttercream. They’re the perfect holiday treat for any dessert tray or edible gift box.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp almond or vanilla extract
- Red and green sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and espresso powder. Stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth out evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until center is set.
- Let brownies cool completely before frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk. Mix until fluffy.
- Add extract and beat until combined.
- Spread frosting over cooled brownies. Top with sprinkles or crushed candy.
- Cut into squares and serve or package as gifts.
Notes
- Chill the brownies for 10 minutes before slicing for clean edges.
- Brownies can be frozen unfrosted for up to 2 months.
- Try peppermint extract for a festive twist in the frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Ingredients That Make the Difference
Stick to pantry staples: flour, sugar, eggs, cocoa, and vanilla extract. The real magic comes from how you mix and bake them. Don’t overmix; stir until just combined. Bake until the center is set but still soft—overbaking dries them out. Cool completely before frosting so your creamy topping doesn’t melt. Similar to white chocolate peppermint cookies, it’s all about treating each layer with love and patience.
Frosting That Feels Like Snow
The Creamiest Vanilla Buttercream
Now let’s talk frosting. The best Frosted Christmas Brownies use a thick, fluffy buttercream that spreads like a dream. Start with softened butter and beat in powdered sugar until light and creamy. Add a splash of milk and a dash of vanilla or almond extract for extra holiday flavor. Like the soft swirl topping on Christmas pinwheels or soft peppermint candies, this layer adds texture and color.
Spread and Decorate with Joy
Frost only when the brownies are completely cool. Then get creative—top with crushed peppermint, red-and-green sprinkles, candy stars, or even white chocolate shavings. If you’re feeling extra festive, pipe on mini snowflakes or use cookie cutters to shape your brownies before decorating. Kids love this part just as much as they love decorating easy reindeer cupcakes or whipped shortbread cookies.
Holiday Touches That Elevate
Make Them Magical for Any Occasion
What sets Frosted Christmas Brownies apart is their versatility. Bake them in a square pan for neat cuts or use a silicone mold to make holiday shapes like trees or stars. Add a layer of marshmallow fluff under the frosting for extra indulgence. For a richer flavor twist, stir mini chocolate chips or peppermint bark chunks into the batter—much like the flavor-packed surprises in gingerbread crinkle cookies or no-bake cheesecake cups.
Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Bakers
Short on time? Bake the brownie base 1–2 days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. You can also make the frosting a day early and store it in an airtight container. Assemble the day you plan to serve. This simple trick saves time during busy weeks and works just as well for sugar cookie cheesecake or churro cheesecake bars.
Serving and Storing Like a Pro
Slice, Store, and Share with Style
After decorating your Frosted Christmas Brownies, use a hot knife (wipe clean after each cut) for sharp, bakery-style squares. Place them on a red platter or inside mini holiday cupcake wrappers for easy serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for two days or in the fridge for five. This method also works beautifully with cinnamon blondies and Little Debbie Christmas truffles.
Perfect for Gifts and Holiday Trays
Planning to gift them? Wrap individually in wax paper and stack in a festive tin or wrap with a ribbon. These brownies ship well and arrive intact—perfect for cookie exchanges or care packages. Add them alongside classic Christmas toffee or bourbon balls for a homemade holiday assortment that impresses everyone.

Serving Up the Final Words for Frosted Christmas Brownies
Frosted Christmas Brownies aren’t just a dessert—they’re a tradition. With every fudgy bite and snowy swirl of frosting, they bring back the warmth of family gatherings and the sparkle of Christmas lights. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or wrapping them up as edible gifts, they’ll steal the spotlight on any dessert table.
Holiday baking is about creating memories, and these brownies fit right in with classics like peppermint brownie cookies and saltine candy Christmas crack. So, pour yourself some cocoa, queue the carols, and get baking—these brownies are waiting to become part of your Christmas story.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frosted Christmas Brownies
How do I store Frosted Christmas Brownies without ruining the frosting?
Let the frosting set completely, then place brownies in a single layer in an airtight container. If stacking, add wax paper between layers. Store at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for 5.
Can Frosted Christmas Brownies be made ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the brownies and store them unfrosted for up to 3 days. You can make the frosting 1 day ahead and store in the fridge. When ready, frost and decorate. Works just like prepping no-bake cheesecake cups.
What type of frosting works best?
Classic vanilla buttercream is ideal—it spreads easily and holds decorations well. You can also use peppermint or almond flavoring for extra holiday flair, just like the topping on Christmas pinwheels.
How can I make Frosted Christmas Brownies more festive?
Decorate with crushed candy canes, red-and-green jimmies, edible glitter, or shape them like Christmas trees. They’ll look just as festive as easy reindeer cupcakes and are perfect for holiday trays.
