Christmas Brownies with Gingerbread Spices
Highlighted under: Holiday Treat Recipes
Indulge in the festive spirit with these rich and flavorful Christmas brownies infused with warm gingerbread spices. Perfect for holiday gatherings!
These Christmas brownies are not just a treat; they embody the spirit of the season with their spiced flavors and rich chocolatey goodness. Each bite takes you on a journey through the holiday spices we all love.
Why You Will Love These Brownies
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with warm gingerbread spices
- Dense and fudgy texture that satisfies any chocolate craving
- Perfectly festive for holiday parties and gatherings
The Magic of Gingerbread Spices
Gingerbread spices bring a unique warmth and depth to traditional brownie recipes. The combination of ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves not only enhances the chocolate flavor but also evokes the cozy feelings of the holiday season. These spices are reminiscent of freshly baked gingerbread cookies, making each bite of these brownies a delightful treat that transports you to festive gatherings filled with laughter and joy.
Incorporating gingerbread spices into brownies creates a harmonious balance between the rich chocolate and the aromatic spices. This fusion ensures that the brownies are not just another chocolate dessert but a festive experience that tantalizes your taste buds. The addition of these spices makes them a standout dessert option during holiday celebrations, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Dense and Fudgy Perfection
One of the key features of these Christmas brownies is their dense and fudgy texture. This is achieved by using a generous amount of butter and sugar, which creates a moist and rich base. When baked, the brownies form a slightly crispy top while remaining gooey and soft in the center. This texture is crucial for satisfying any chocolate craving, making them an irresistible dessert choice for chocolate lovers.
Fudgy brownies are beloved for their chewy consistency, and this recipe delivers just that. Each bite melts in your mouth, providing a delicious contrast to the spiced frosting. The combination of the brownie base and the sweet, creamy topping creates a delightful experience that is sure to please anyone at your holiday gathering.
Perfect for Holiday Gatherings
These Christmas brownies with gingerbread spices are not just a treat; they are a centerpiece for holiday celebrations. Their rich flavor and festive presentation make them an excellent addition to any dessert table. Whether you are hosting a holiday party or attending a potluck, these brownies will be a hit, drawing compliments from guests of all ages.
Moreover, they are easy to prepare and can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones during the busy holiday season. The appealing combination of flavors and textures ensures that they will be devoured quickly, leaving everyone wanting more. So, why not add a touch of festive magic to your celebrations with these delightful brownies?
Ingredients
Brownie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gingerbread cookie crumbs (for garnish)
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly for a uniform batter.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Melt the Butter
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and all the spices.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Frost
Let the brownies cool in the pan. For the frosting, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over cooled brownies and sprinkle with gingerbread cookie crumbs.
Cut into squares and enjoy your festive brownies!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Christmas brownies, consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast between the warm, fudgy brownie and the cold ice cream creates an indulgent dessert experience that will impress your guests. You can also drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce or caramel over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.
For a festive presentation, cut the brownies into holiday-themed shapes using cookie cutters. This fun twist makes them even more appealing, especially for kids. Pairing these brownies with a cup of hot cocoa or a festive spiced latte can turn your dessert into a cozy holiday ritual that everyone will enjoy.
Storage Tips
These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy their fudgy goodness.
You can also freeze these brownies for up to three months. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and they will taste as fresh as the day they were baked. This makes them a convenient treat to have on hand for unexpected guests or last-minute holiday gatherings.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, these brownies can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.
→ How should I store leftover brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
→ Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer-safe container.
→ What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mix as an egg substitute in this recipe.
Christmas Brownies with Gingerbread Spices
Indulge in the festive spirit with these rich and flavorful Christmas brownies infused with warm gingerbread spices. Perfect for holiday gatherings!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Holiday Treat Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 16 brownies
What You'll Need
Brownie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gingerbread cookie crumbs (for garnish)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and all the spices.
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the brownies cool in the pan. For the frosting, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over cooled brownies and sprinkle with gingerbread cookie crumbs.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g