Christmas Present Brownie Decorations Recipe
Introduction
These Christmas Present Brownies are a festive twist on a classic treat, perfect for holiday gatherings or gift-giving. Rich, fudgy brownies topped with smooth chocolate ganache and decorated to look like wrapped presents make a delightful seasonal dessert.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 (15.25-oz.) box brownie mix, plus ingredients called for on box
- 1 cup (170 g) chopped dark chocolate (60% to 70% cacao)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup (115 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon (or more) whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon corn syrup (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- White gel food coloring
- A piping bag, a small round tip
Instructions
- Step 1: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8″ x 8″ metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. Grease the parchment with cooking spray.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, prepare the brownie mix according to the box directions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
- Step 3: Place the chopped dark chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the heavy cream until bubbles form around the edges, about 3 minutes. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth to create ganache.
- Step 4: Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies. Refrigerate until the ganache is set, about 30 minutes.
- Step 5: Using the parchment overhang, lift the brownies out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Trim off any rounded edges. Cut into 16 squares, about 1 1/2″ by 1 1/2″ each.
- Step 6: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar, whole milk, corn syrup (if using), and vanilla until thick but pourable. Add more milk if needed to reach the right consistency.
- Step 7: Add a drop of white gel food coloring and stir to combine. Adjust the color with additional food coloring if desired.
- Step 8: Transfer the icing to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Holding the bag vertically, gently squeeze with consistent pressure to drizzle or pipe lines on the brownies, creating the illusion of ribbons on a wrapped present.
Tips & Variations
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the ganache to enhance the richness and depth of flavor.
- Substitute white or milk chocolate for a sweeter ganache and adjust the food coloring accordingly.
- If you don’t have gel food coloring, natural food dyes can work but may produce softer colors.
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or peppermint extract to the ganache for a festive twist.
Storage
Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze the brownies without icing for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before decorating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these brownies from scratch instead of using a mix?
Yes, you can use your favorite homemade brownie recipe in place of the box mix. Just bake them in the same size pan and follow the ganache and decorating steps as given.
How do I prevent the icing from running?
Ensure the icing is thick but still pipeable; if it’s too thin, add more sifted confectioners’ sugar. Also, make sure the ganache on the brownies is fully set and chilled before piping the icing.
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Christmas Present Brownie Decorations Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Description
These Christmas Present Brownies combine rich, fudgy brownies with a smooth dark chocolate ganache and festive colored icing, perfect for holiday celebrations. The brownies are topped with a silky ganache and decorated with piped icing ribbons to resemble wrapped gifts, making them a delightful treat and a beautiful centerpiece for your dessert table.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownies
- Cooking spray, for greasing
- 1 (15.25-oz.) box brownie mix, plus ingredients called for on box
- 1 cup (170 g) chopped dark chocolate (60% to 70% cacao)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Icing
- 1 cup (115 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon (or more) whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon corn syrup (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- White gel food coloring, as needed
- A piping bag with a small round tip
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8″ x 8″ metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides, and grease the parchment with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bake the Brownies: In a large bowl, prepare the brownie mix according to the box directions, incorporating the required ingredients listed there. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed on the box. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely.
- Make the Ganache: Place the chopped dark chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream until bubbles start forming around the pan edges, about 3 minutes. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes. Then whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Apply the Ganache: Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies. Refrigerate the pan until the ganache is set, approximately 30 minutes.
- Cut the Brownies: Using the parchment overhang, lift the brownies out of the pan and place them on a cutting board. Trim off the rounded edges for a neat finish. Cut the brownies into 16 equal squares, each about 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ in size.
- Make the Icing: In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar, whole milk, corn syrup (if using), and vanilla extract. Adjust by adding more milk if necessary to reach a thick but pourable consistency suitable for piping.
- Add Color to the Icing: Add a drop of white gel food coloring to the icing and stir well. Increase the amount of food coloring gradually until the desired brightness and hue is achieved for a festive appearance.
- Decorate the Brownies: Transfer the colored icing to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Hold the piping bag vertically and gently squeeze with consistent pressure to pipe ribbons and bows in the shape of Christmas gift wrapping across each brownie square.
Notes
- You can use any boxed brownie mix, but opting for one with fewer preservatives will enhance flavor.
- Ensure the brownies are fully cooled before spreading the ganache to avoid melting it.
- The corn syrup in the icing helps achieve a glossy finish and smooth texture, but can be omitted if desired.
- Use gel food coloring rather than liquid for vibrant color without thinning the icing.
- For easier piping, practice on parchment paper before decorating the brownies.
- Store decorated brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas brownies, holiday dessert, chocolate ganache brownies, festive brownies, decorated brownies
