The smell of brownies baking is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. There’s something so cozy about that rich chocolate aroma filling the kitchen while carols play and lights twinkle in the background. These Frosted Christmas Brownies are my go-to for last-minute holiday treats — rich, chewy brownies topped with creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles that turn simple chocolate squares into something truly magical.
I started making them a few years ago when I needed an easy dessert for my kids’ school party. I didn’t have time for an elaborate recipe, so I grabbed a box of brownie mix and decided to dress it up with a homemade frosting and some Christmas sprinkles. It took less than an hour, and everyone loved them so much that now they’ve become a holiday tradition.
If you love easy, festive desserts like this, you’ll also adore my Christmas Cookie Lasagna and Grinch Dip. Both have that same fun holiday feel — colorful, creamy, and crowd-pleasing without being complicated.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare brownie batter according to package instructions, substituting melted butter for oil. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, about 25–30 minutes.
- While brownies cool, make the frosting: beat softened butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Beat until fluffy. Tint with red or green food coloring if desired.
- Once brownies are completely cool, spread frosting evenly over the top. Swirl red and green frosting for a marbled look if using both.
- Decorate with holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to help the frosting set.
- Cut into squares and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Nutrition
Notes
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The Magic of Frosted Christmas Brownies
What makes these Frosted Christmas Brownies so special is their simplicity. You get that deep, chocolatey flavor from your favorite brownie mix, but the homemade frosting gives them a bakery-quality touch. The frosting is buttery and smooth, with just a hint of vanilla that balances the richness perfectly. A handful of sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top adds color and crunch — making every bite taste like Christmas joy.
They’re perfect for parties, bake sales, or cozy nights in. I love serving them after a comforting dinner like Golden Creamy Scalloped Potatoes or Garlic Butter Bread Rolls. The sweetness at the end of a savory meal always feels like the perfect finish.
How to Make Frosted Christmas Brownies
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. Prepare your favorite brownie mix according to the package instructions, using melted butter instead of oil for extra richness. Pour the batter into the pan and bake until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs — usually around 25 to 30 minutes.
While the brownies bake, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat softened butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and a tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. For a festive twist, divide the frosting and tint half of it light green and half of it red using food coloring.
Once the brownies are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. You can swirl the colors together for a marbled effect or frost half the pan in each color. Finish with holiday sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed candy canes. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes to set the frosting before cutting into squares.
These brownies look beautiful on a platter next to Mini Sugar Cookies and slices of Christmas Peppermint Pie. Together, they create a dessert table full of color and comfort — and not a crumb will be left.
Tips for the Perfect Holiday Brownies
Don’t overbake the brownies. The secret to fudgy perfection is pulling them out of the oven while the center is still slightly soft. If you want an even deeper flavor, stir in a handful of chocolate chips before baking. For the frosting, make sure your butter is at room temperature — cold butter will make it hard to spread smoothly.
If you’re baking ahead, store the frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They taste even better the next day when the frosting sets and the flavors meld together.
For extra Christmas flair, try topping them with crushed peppermints like in my Christmas Peppermint Pie or drizzle them with melted white chocolate for a snow-like effect.
If you’re planning a full Christmas spread, serve these alongside comforting dishes like Mouthwatering Vegetable Soup or Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin. They make the perfect cozy combination of savory and sweet.
Why You’ll Love These Frosted Christmas Brownies
These brownies are everything you want in a holiday dessert — simple, indulgent, and beautiful. The texture is dense and fudgy, the frosting is creamy and sweet, and the sprinkles add just the right amount of crunch. It’s one of those desserts that feels festive without requiring fancy ingredients or hours of work.
They’re also perfect for gifting. Cut them into squares, place them in small boxes lined with parchment, and tie them with ribbon. Everyone loves homemade brownies, especially when they’re this pretty.
For more edible gift ideas, check out my Heavenly Moist Fruitcake and Christmas Fruit Cake. Both are make-ahead friendly and last beautifully through the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Frosted Christmas Brownies ahead of time?
Yes! They keep perfectly in the fridge for up to four days. Just bring them to room temperature before serving.
2. Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a mix?
Absolutely. Any rich, fudgy recipe will work here — the frosting is what makes them festive.
3. What type of frosting works best?
A simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting. You can even use peppermint extract instead of vanilla for extra holiday flavor.
4. Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze unfrosted brownies, then thaw and frost before serving for the best texture.
If you love fun, easy desserts like this, try my Sugar Cookie Cheesecake or Grinch Dip. They’re the same mix of easy and irresistible that make every gathering special.
How to Serve Frosted Christmas Brownies
Cut the brownies into small squares for serving — they’re rich, so a little goes a long way. Serve them chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. I love adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate right before serving for that snowy, wintery look.
These brownies are beautiful on a dessert board surrounded by cookies, candies, and slices of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. It’s an easy way to create a festive dessert spread that looks straight out of a bakery window.
The Sweetest Slice of the Holidays
Every December, these Frosted Christmas Brownies make their way into my kitchen at least three times — once for family dinner, once for friends, and once “just because.” They’re rich, festive, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers that perfect blend of indulgence and nostalgia that makes the holidays shine.
Pair them with my Golden Creamy Scalloped Potatoes for Christmas dinner or serve them after Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup for a cozy winter night in. Either way, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “Merry Christmas.”
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