Description
Welcome to a delightful recipe that will light up your holiday table—Santa’s Delight Brownies. These charming treats feature a rich brownie base, a creamy topping, and fresh strawberries arranged to look like festive Santa hats. Not only are they visually striking, but these brownies also bring a perfect balance of sweet and chocolatey flavors to spark the festive spirit.
Ingredients
- 1 18 oz package brownie mix (e.g., Ghirardelli Double Chocolate or similar)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup cooled coffee or water
- 2 large eggs
- 24 medium strawberries
- 1 8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 8 oz container spreadable cream cheese, softened
- 1/2-1 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare for Baking
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Either spray a 24-cup mini muffin pan with baking spray or line it with mini paper holiday liners for a festive touch. This preparation ensures easy release of the brownies after baking.
2. Mix the Batter
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, blend the brownie mix, vegetable oil, cooled coffee (or water), and eggs using an electric mixer until the mixture is fully incorporated. The coffee adds a deep, rich flavor to the brownies, but it can be substituted with water if desired.
3. Bake
Use a small scoop to evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin cups. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs when they are perfectly baked. Allow the mini brownies to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
4. Prepare the Topping
While the brownies cool, prepare the topping by whipping together the thawed whipped topping, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar (starting with 1/2 cup and adjusting according to taste), and vanilla extract until the mixture is fluffy and fully combined. Chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the brownies.
5. Assemble the Brownies
After hulling the strawberries and trimming their tips, begin assembly. Pipe the cream topping onto each brownie using a piping bag fitted with a small star tip. Place a strawberry upside down on each, and add a dot of cream on top to complete the “Santa hat”. Chill the brownies for at least 2 hours to set them perfectly.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe makes 24 mini brownie Santa hats. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 10-12 minutes. Additional chilling time of at least 2 hours is recommended.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer to serve them warm, briefly microwave each brownie for a few seconds before serving. Be careful not to melt the cream.
Conclusion
Santa’s Delight Brownies are not only a festive treat but also a joy to make. They combine the indulgence of rich, chewy brownies with the fresh zest of strawberries and the creamy sweetness of the topping. Perfect for holiday parties or as a special treat for family gatherings, these brownies bring smiles and festive flair to any holiday occasion.
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Santa’s Delight Brownies
- Total Time: At least 2 hours chilling time recommended
- Yield: 24 mini brownie Santa hats 1x
Description
Welcome to a delightful recipe that will light up your holiday table—Santa’s Delight Brownies. These charming treats feature a rich brownie base, a creamy topping, and fresh strawberries arranged to look like festive Santa hats. Not only are they visually striking, but these brownies also bring a perfect balance of sweet and chocolatey flavors to spark the festive spirit.
Ingredients
- 1 18 oz package brownie mix (e.g., Ghirardelli Double Chocolate or similar)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup cooled coffee or water
- 2 large eggs
- 24 medium strawberries
- 1 8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 8 oz container spreadable cream cheese, softened
- 1/2–1 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare for Baking Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Either spray a 24-cup mini muffin pan with baking spray or line it with mini paper holiday liners for a festive touch. This preparation ensures easy release of the brownies after baking.
- Mix the Batter In a medium-sized mixing bowl, blend the brownie mix, vegetable oil, cooled coffee (or water), and eggs using an electric mixer until the mixture is fully incorporated. The coffee adds a deep, rich flavor to the brownies, but it can be substituted with water if desired.
- Bake Use a small scoop to evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin cups. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs when they are perfectly baked. Allow the mini brownies to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Prepare the Topping While the brownies cool, prepare the topping by whipping together the thawed whipped topping, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar (starting with 1/2 cup and adjusting according to taste), and vanilla extract until the mixture is fluffy and fully combined. Chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the brownies.
- Assemble the Brownies After hulling the strawberries and trimming their tips, begin assembly. Pipe the cream topping onto each brownie using a piping bag fitted with a small star tip. Place a strawberry upside down on each, and add a dot of cream on top to complete the “Santa hat”. Chill the brownies for at least 2 hours to set them perfectly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes