• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Bread
    • Dessert
    • Dinner
    • Instant Pot & Slow Cooker
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks & Drinks
    • Soup & Chili
    • Sunday Dinners
    • Tips & Tutorials
  • About Us
  • Contact

Borrowed Bites logo

menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Dessert

    Published: Nov 1, 2022 by Misty · This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.

    Festive Christmas Brownies (4 Decorating Ideas)

    • Facebook
    Jump to Recipe
    Christmas lights brownie on parchment paper with scattered sprinkles and text overlay.
    Holiday brownies on parchment paper with scattered sprinkles and text overlay.

    These easy Christmas Brownies are a festive holiday treat that anyone can make! Start with your favorite boxed brownie mix and our creamy vanilla frosting. Then make any of these 4 Christmas brownie ideas, including a simple wreath, a Christmas present, holiday lights, or Christmas tree brownies!

    Overhead view of Christmas brownies with sprinkles scattered around the scene.
    These festive Christmas brownies are super simple to make and fun for the whole family!
    Skip to:
    • 🏅 Why this recipe is great
    • 🍫 Ingredients
    • 🔪 How to make Christmas brownies
    • 🎄 Christmas brownie ideas
    • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For a crowd
    • 🙋 Questions and Answers
    • 👨🏼‍🍳 Tips & Tricks
    • 📖 More holiday recipes
    • 👋🏻 Connect with us!
    • 📋 Recipe

    There is nothing as fun as transforming a simple dessert into a party-worthy festive treat to celebrate the holiday season. These easy Christmas Brownies have a classic but super cute look that the whole family can make, even beginner bakers. They’re the perfect addition to your Christmas dessert table, holiday party, or even cookie exchange!

    If you’re looking for another Christmas party dessert, I highly recommend these Christmas Crumbl Sugar Cookies or this orange cinnamon Christmas Bundt Cake. For chocolate lovers, these Christmas Chocolate Cupcakes are another sweet treat!

    🏅 Why this recipe is great

    • It uses a box brownie mix, or you can use your favorite homemade brownies. 
    • The perfect combo of fudgy brownies and creamy frosting. 
    • Easy recipe with simple decorating ideas.

    🍫 Ingredients

    Ingredients to make box brownie mix and vanilla frosting on a countertop.

    Ingredient quantities for Christmas brownies are in the recipe card below, but here are a few noteworthy tips:

    • Brownies: Use a boxed mix or your favorite brownie recipe. Our hands-down favorite are Ghirardelli Brownies (affiliate). You can get them at most grocery stores, or in bulk at Costco for cheaper. Whatever you use, I suggest something without chocolate chips so that you can cut clean squares easily.
    • Butter: I use salted, but unsalted is fine too.
    • Cream cheese: Just a touch for an extra delicious frosting.
    • Powdered sugar: Sift or whisk it if it is clumpy.
    • Vanilla extract: Gives the frosting extra flavor.
    • Heavy cream: Also goes by heavy whipping cream in the store.

    Decorating materials

    You can really use whatever you like to decorate Christmas brownies. Here are the items we used, but feel free to get creative and make these your own.

    • Sparkling sugar sprinkles (affiliate): These cover the frosting for a sparkly white base.
    • Green food coloring: The shade you choose completely depends on the look you are going for. AmeriColor is a great brand and has a variety of green shades. Their Forest Green Food Coloring (affiliate) may be a good place to start.
    • Chocolate covered sunflower seeds (affiliate): We used these as our Christmas lights.
    • Sprinkles: You can use whatever you like here. We used a mix of pearl sprinkles (affiliate) like these. This holiday sprinkle mix (affiliate) with candy canes and red pearls would also be great.
    • Pretzel sticks: We used these for the Christmas tree trunks. You could also make a candy cane trunk.
    • Black icing and red icing (affiliates): You can make your own, but it is much easier to buy it.
    • Green or red m&m candy: We used these to make the bow on the Christmas present.
    • Piping bag: You can use disposable piping bags (affiliate), a pastry bag, or a sturdy Ziplock bag.
    • Piping tips: We used Wilton Tip 22, Wilton Tip 2A, and Wilton Tip 32 (affiliates).
    • Cookie cutters: We used a 1.75 inch circle cookie cutter to outline the wreath.

    🔪 How to make Christmas brownies

    Start by making the boxed brownies according to the package directions, combining the wet ingredients and dry ingredients. Bake the brownie batter in a 9x9 baking pan that has been sprayed with baking spray (affiliate) and lined with a parchment sling. If you're out of baking spray, you can grease it with butter and cocoa powder.

    Once the brownies are cool, remove them from the pan and chill in the freezer until partially frozen, 1-2 hours. This will help them cut cleanly. Remove from the freezer and use a long, sharp knife to trim off a thin layer on each edge so that they are flat all the way across. Then cut them into 9 even squares.

    When ready to decorate, whip up the frosting in a large bowl or stand mixer. Once fluffy, remove ⅓ of it and place in a small bowl for the green frosting. Add a small amount of green food coloring and stir thoroughly, adding more coloring until it is the desired color. Time to decorate!

    Square brownie with white frosting piped on top to cover the entire brownie.

    Step 1: Using the Wilton Tip 2A (affiliate), pipe frosting evenly across the brownie, starting with the outside edge and moving inwards.

    Square brownie with frosting roughly smoothed across the top.

    Step 2: Using a small offset spatula (affiliate), gently spread the frosting until mostly smooth. Be careful to keep the edges straight.

    A hand dipping a frosted brownie into large sugar sprinkles.

    Step 3: Place the sparkling sugar sprinkles (affiliate) on a flat plate. Dip the frosted brownie into the sprinkles, pressing gently to help them adhere. Don't press too hard or the frosting will squish past the edges.

    A square brownie coated with vanilla frosting and dipped in sugar sprinkles.

    Step 4: This is your base. Repeat with all the remaining brownies.

    🎄 Christmas brownie ideas

    Once your base is ready, you can decorate your Christmas brownies with any of these ideas. Or design your own!

    A square brownie decorated with a green Christmas tree and red and white sprinkles.

    Christmas trees: Using Wilton Tip 32 (affiliate), pipe a green star where you want the top of your tree. Add three rows beneath it to make a tree shape, then add a small pretzel stick as the tree trunk. Finish with sprinkles.

    A square brownie decorated with Christmas lights using black frosting and chocolate covered sunflower seeds as the lights.

    Christmas lights: Using black icing, pipe a squiggly line across the brownie. You can use a toothpick to make a rough outline first. Then add sprinkles or chocolate covered sunflower seeds as the lights.

    A square brownie decorated as a Christmas present with a red bow and circle sprinkles.

    Christmas presents: Using red or green icing, pipe two perpendicular lines across the brownie. Then place red or green m&m candies upright in a circle to form the bow. Finish with small colored sprinkles.

    A square brownie with a Christmas wreath piped on top and decorated with red and white sprinkles.

    Christmas wreath: Using a small circle cookie cutter, place a small indent into the frosting to form an outline. Then use a Wilton Tip 22 (affiliate) to pipe 1 row of stars outside the outlines and 1 row of stars inside the outline. Finish with sprinkles.

    Overhead view of Christmas lights brownie with other brownies peaking in and sprinkles scattered around the scene.
    This easy recipe can be prepped ahead to make your holiday party that much simpler.

    👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For a crowd

    You can easily double or triple this recipe to make more Christmas brownies. You can bake separate batches in multiple 9x9 pans, or make a larger pan all at once. Note that if you use a different size pan, the size of the brownie squares may be a little bit different than pictured in this post.

    🙋 Questions and Answers

    How to make boxed brownies better?

    I find that Ghirardelli brownie mix needs absolutely no embellishment. They are always amazing! If you are using a different brand, you can try using two egg yolks instead of 1 egg to keep them extra fudgy. You can also use milk or brewed coffee instead of the water.

    Can I use butter instead of oil in my brownies?

    I do not ever substitute butter simply because oil is fast and easy. However, you can substitute the oil with melted butter in your brownie mix. Because the fat content in oil and butter is different, you will want to increase the butter slightly. I suggest reading this Butter vs Oil post to guide this substitution.

    Can I make Christmas brownies ahead?

    Yes! You can bake the brownies ahead, cut them as directed, then freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. You can also freeze them uncut, just be sure to thaw them about halfway before you cut them. Then make the frosting and decorate.

    You can also freeze these fully decorated or store them in the fridge for 2-3 days. However, the frosting will lose some of its fluffy texture. You will also need to store them in a flat layer, which can take a lot of space.

    How to store leftovers?

    Store leftover Christmas brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

    Christmas tree brownie on parchment paper with other brownies peaking into the scene.
    These cute Christmas tree brownies may be the star of your whole dessert table!

    👨🏼‍🍳 Tips & Tricks

    • Make brownies without chocolate chips for easier cutting.
    • Use a parchment sling in the pan for easy removal and clean up.
    • Partially freeze the brownies before cutting to get clean, straight lines. Room temperature brownies tend to clump.

    📖 More holiday recipes

    • Make Ahead Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
    • Christmas Crumbl Sugar Cookies
    • Buttery Dinner Rolls (with frozen Rhodes Rolls)
    • Sweet and Salty Christmas Snack Board
    • Brown Sugar Glazed Ham in Roaster
    • Rhodes Rolls Monkey Bread (with frozen rolls)

    👋🏻 Connect with us!

    If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating to let us know how it is! We’d also love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. Tag @borrowedbites or hashtag #borrowedbites to show us your food!

    📋 Recipe

    Overhead of assorted Christmas brownies on parchment paper with sprinkles scattered around the scene.

    Festive Christmas Brownies (4 Decorating Ideas)

    These easy Christmas Brownies are a festive holiday treat that anyone can make! Start with your favorite boxed brownie mix and our creamy vanilla frosting. Then make any of these 4 Christmas brownie ideas, including a simple wreath, a Christmas present, holiday lights, or Christmas tree brownies!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Save Saved! Rate
    Course: Christmas, Dessert, Holiday
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Decorating Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    Servings: 9 brownies
    Calories: 603kcal
    Author: Borrowed Bites

    Equipment

    • Green food coloring
    • Piping bag or Ziplock bags
    • Wilton piping tips #2A, #22, and #32
    • Cookie cutters optional

    Ingredients

    • 1 box brownies I use Ghirardelli Chocolate Supreme
    • ¾ cup butter softened
    • 1½ oz cream cheese softened
    • 3¾ cups powdered sugar
    • 1½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¾-1½ tablespoon heavy cream or more as needed

    Decorating Ingredients

    • Sparkling sugar sprinkles
    • Christmas sprinkles See post for more suggestions
    • Pretzels
    • Chocolate covered sunflower seeds
    • Red or green m&ms
    • Black and red icing
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Brownies

    • Bake the brownies according to the box instructions in a 9x9 pan that has been sprayed with baking spray and lined with a parchment paper sling. Set aside to cool fully.
      1 box brownies
    • Once cool, remove the brownies from the pan and partially freeze for 1-2 hours. Remove from freezer and use a sharp knife to trim a thin layer off of each edge, making them flat all the way across. Then cut them into 9 even squares.

    Frosting

    • Beat the softened butter and cream cheese on medium speed until fluffy.
      ¾ cup butter, 1½ oz cream cheese
    • Reduce speed to low and add half the powdered sugar. Mix until just combined, then add the remaining powdered sugar. Beat on medium for 1 minute.
      3¾ cups powdered sugar
    • Add vanilla and ½ tablespoon of cream. Beat for 2 more minutes or until light and fluffy. Add additional cream if needed until the frosting is loose enough to pipe, but stiff enough to hold its shape.
      1½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ¾-1½ tablespoon heavy cream
    • Place ⅓ of the frosting in a small bowl. Add a small amount of green food coloring and stir thoroughly. Continue adding coloring and stirring until the desired color is reached.

    Decorating

    • Using the Wilton Tip 2A pipe frosting evenly across the brownie, starting with the outside edge and moving inwards.
    • Using a small offset spatulasmall offset spatula, gently spread the frosting until mostly smooth. Be careful to keep the edges straight.
    • Place the sparkling sugar sprinklesSparkling sugar sprinkles on a flat plate. Dip the frosted brownie into the sprinkles, pressing gently to help them adhere. Don't press too hard or the frosting will squish past the edges.
      Sparkling sugar sprinkles
    • Repeat with the remaining brownies. Then add decorations as desired.
    • Christmas Trees: Using Wilton Tip #32, pipe a green star where you want the top of your tree. Add 3 rows of stars beneath it (see picture in post), then add a small pretzel stick as the tree trunk. Finish with sprinkles.
    • Christmas Lights: Using black icing, pipe a squiggly line across the brownie. You can use a toothpick to make a rough outline first. Then add sprinkles or chocolate covered sunflower seeds as the lights.
    • Christmas Presents: Using red or green icing, pipe two perpendicular lines across the brownie. Then place red or green m&m candies upright in a circle to form the bow. Finish with small colored sprinkles.
    • Christmas Wreaths: Using a small circle cookie cutter, place a small indent into the frosting to form an outline. Then use a Wilton Tip #22Wilton Tip 22 to pipe 1 row of stars outside the outlines and 1 row of stars inside the outline. Finish with sprinkles.
    • We love comments! Please come back and leave us one after you’ve tried this recipe.

    Notes

    Tips & Tricks
    • Make brownies without chocolate chips for easier cutting.
    • Use a parchment sling in the pan for easy removal and clean up.
    • Partially freeze the brownies before cutting to get clean, straight lines. Room temperature brownies tend to clump.
     
    Make Ahead Instructions: 
    You can bake the brownies ahead, cut them as directed, then freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. You can also freeze them uncut, just be sure to thaw them about halfway before you cut them. Then make the frosting and decorate.
    You can also freeze these fully decorated or store them in the fridge for 2-3 days. However, the frosting will lose some of its fluffy texture. You will also need to store them in a flat layer, which can take a lot of space.

    Add Your Own Notes

    Click here to add your own private notes. They will only be visible to you. If you clear your browser's cache, they will be lost.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 603kcal | Carbohydrates: 95g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 303mg | Potassium: 14mg | Sugar: 77g | Vitamin A: 555IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 2mg

    All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.

    Tried this recipe?Leave a rating or pin it for later!

    More Dessert Recipes

    • MOIST Lemon Loaf
    • Andes Mint Cookies
    • Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
    • Creamy Key Lemon Pie (w/ raspberry sauce)
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a comment! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    circle profile picture of Danielle and Misty

    Hi! We are Danielle and Misty: a mom and daughter with a serious passion for seeking out the best recipes to serve again and again to those we love. With a mix of everyday favorites and indulgent weekend fare there is something here for you and yours as you develop your own family traditions.

    More about us →

    Easter Recipes

    • BEST Pineapple Glaze for Ham (w/ Brown Sugar)
    • Make-Ahead Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (with cream)
    • Easiest Rhodes Rolls (Frozen Dinner Rolls w/ Butter and Herbs)
    • Creamy Key Lemon Pie (w/ raspberry sauce)
    • Soft Lemon Scones (w/ lemon glaze!)
    • Spicy Jalapeno Deviled Eggs (With Candied Bacon!)
    • Glazed Ham In A Roaster
    • Hummingbird Carrot Bundt Cake with Pineapple and Coconut
    • Creamy Blackberry Cheesecake
    • Easy Fruit Salad Dressing

    Side Dish Recipes

    • Perfect Roasted Corn (w/ frozen corn)
    • Crispy Hasselback Potatoes (w/ Yukon Gold Potatoes)
    • Yummy Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
    • How To Make Cornbread (Moist!)

    Budget Friendly Meals

    • Easy Corn Tortilla Quesadilla (Taco Quesadilla)
    • Easy Lemon Broccoli Pasta
    • EASY Tinga de Pollo (Chicken Tinga Tacos with Rotisserie Chicken)
    • Easy Mac and Cheese (20 Minutes + One Pot!)
    • Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables
    • Shredded Honey Lime Chicken (with rotisserie chicken)
    • The Best Cast Iron Pan Pizza Recipe
    • Easy 4-Ingredient Chicken Marinade

    Popular Recipes

    • Amazing Potato Soup Recipe (Easy + 4 Ingredients!)
    • Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables
    • BEST Pineapple Glaze for Ham (w/ Brown Sugar)
    • 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Tri-Tip Roast
    • Crusted Chicken Romano (Cheesecake Factory Copycat!)
    • Perfect Dutch Oven Carnitas

    Trending on Pinterest

    • The Perfect Chocolate Bundt Cake, Every Single Time
    • ADDICTIVE Spicy Chicken Sandwiches (w/ Hot Honey)
    • Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes (In Muffin Tins)
    • Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables
    • PERFECT Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
    • Ultimate Crumbl Peanut Butter Cookie Copycat

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Social Media

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    About

    • Contact
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy

    Copyright © Borrowed Bites 2021