I’ve been on a big Christmas brownie kick lately because they’re easy when I’m just trying to throw something together quick.
You can take a basic brownie mix and turn it into all sorts of cute Christmas treats without a ton of steps, which is pretty much my favorite kind of holiday baking.
I like picking one idea for the weekend and letting the girls decorate while I clean up the sprinkles stuck to my socks.
If you want some fun options that don’t make a giant mess, here are a bunch we’ve been making this season.
1. Christmas Tree Brownies
Cut the brownies into triangles once they’ve cooled a bit so they don’t crumble all over the place.
Whip up some green icing and pipe on the brownie to make the tree.
Add sprinkles for ornaments and a tiny candy on top for the star.
You can switch things up and pipe white and red icing to make Santa hats too!
2. Christmas Brownie Bites
Cut cooled brownies into tiny squares or bake them in a mini muffin tin so they’re already bite sized.
Add a swirl of icing on each one and finish with sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
Let them set so the icing firms up a bit.
They work great for parties because no one needs a plate.
3. Fudgy Brownie Cookies
Mix a slightly thicker brownie batter by adding a spoonful of flour so the cookies hold their shape.
Bake until the tops crack and the centers stay soft.
Let them cool on the tray so they don’t fall apart.
If you want that classic crinkle cookie look, roll small scoops in powdered sugar.
4. Santa Hat Brownies
I love making these because they look adorable for almost no work.
Cut brownies into squares and spread a little white icing on top.P
ress an upside down strawberry into the icing.
Add a dot of icing on the strawberry tip.
Chill them so the hats stay put.
5. Frosted Christmas Brownies
Spread vanilla or chocolate frosting over cooled brownies and try to get the top fairly smooth.
Add sprinkles or crushed peppermints to make them look festive.
Cut into larger squares so the frosting doesn’t squish out everywhere.
These store well in the fridge if you’re prepping early.
6. Christmas M&M Brownies
Stir red and green M&Ms into the batter right before baking so they stay bright.
Sprinkle a few more on top as soon as the pan comes out of the oven.
Let them cool completely before cutting so the candies don’t crack apart.
They’re perfect for lunchbox treats or quick holiday snacks.
7. Reindeer Brownies
These are too cute and so easy!
Form squares or circles and add candy eyes near the top edge.
Press a red M&M in the center for the nose.
Stick pretzels at the top for antlers.
Chill them a bit so everything stays in place.
8. Peppermint Brownie Truffles
These are such a lifesaver when I need a treat that looks fancy.
Crumble baked brownies in a bowl and mix in a spoonful of frosting until the texture feels like dough.
Roll into small balls and dip in melted chocolate.
Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before the chocolate sets.
Chill them until firm.
9. Peppermint Bark Brownies
Swirl melted white chocolate into warm brownie batter and drag a knife through it to make ribbons.
Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before baking so they melt slightly.
Let the pan cool completely so the bark layer firms up.
Cut into squares with a warm knife for cleaner edges.
10. Hot Chocolate Brownies
Fold mini marshmallows into the batter and save a handful for the top.
Bake until the marshmallows on top turn lightly golden.
Drizzle melted chocolate over everything once the pan cools.
These turn so gooey in the center and taste like a cup of cocoa!
11. Christmas Present Brownies
These look so cute when they’re stacked on a tray.
Cut thick brownies into neat squares and frost the tops with bright colors.
Pipe thin icing lines across each one to look like ribbon.
Add a little icing bow in the center.
Chill them for a few minutes so the details don’t smudge.
12. Grinch Brownies
I love these and they’re so easy to make!
Cover cooled brownies with green icing and spread it right to the edges.
Sprinkle crushed Oreos around the border to give a little contrast.
Add a red candy heart on each square.
Let the icing set before moving them.
13. Gingerbread Brownies
Stir in a bit of gingerbread spice blend before baking so the whole kitchen smells cozy.
Dust the tops with icing sugar once the brownies cool so it settles into all the cracks.
Cut small squares because the flavor’s pretty rich.
14. Pinecone Brownies
I’ve seen these pinecone brownies all over the place and they’re actually pretty easy to make.
Shape slightly cooled brownie pieces with your hands until they look like chunky cones.
Press sliced almonds or cereal flakes all around to form the scales.
Then cover everything in melted chocolate!
Chill them so they stay firm when you move them.
15. Melting Snowman Brownies
Pour melted marshmallow over the top of each brownie square so it pools in a messy little puddle.
Press a full marshmallow on top for the head. Use icing to draw eyes and arms.
Add an orange candy or a tiny bit of icing for the nose and let everything set.
16. Cranberry Cheesecake Brownies
Drop spoonfuls of cheesecake batter over the brownie layer and swirl it with a knife.
Scatter chopped cranberries across the top so they bake into the mix.
Bake until the edges look set and the center still has a slight jiggle.
Cool completely before slicing so the layers stay clean.
Fun Christmas Brownies That Don’t Take All Day
I love having a few holiday treats that don’t eat up my whole afternoon, and brownies are just perfect for that.
You can dress them up a bunch of different ways without pulling out every bowl in the kitchen, and the kids usually jump in to help which makes it go faster.
Pick one or two ideas for the week and tuck the rest away for when you need something quick for a party or school event.
