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
