Christmas Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frost

The holidays are here, and what better way to celebrate than with a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? Forget ordinary desserts; it’s time to whip up some magic in your kitchen with our incredible Christmas Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting! Get ready to dazzle your taste buds and impress your guests with this festive, fudgy, and utterly irresistible holiday delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Prepare to fall head over heels for these festive squares! Here are four compelling reasons why our Christmas Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting will become your new holiday favorite:

1. Festively Fabulous: With their gorgeous crimson hue and snowy white frosting, these brownies just scream “Christmas!” They bring a vibrant pop of color to any holiday spread, making them a visual treat before you even take a bite.
2. Irresistibly Delicious: Imagine a brownie that’s perfectly fudgy, intensely chocolatey, with a subtle tang from vinegar and a velvety soft texture, all topped with a luscious, tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting. It’s a flavor explosion that balances richness and freshness beautifully.
3. Surprisingly Simple to Make: Don’t let their elegant appearance fool you! This recipe is straightforward, using common ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. Even novice bakers can achieve show-stopping results, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday festivities.
4. The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re bringing them to a holiday potluck, gifting them to neighbors, or serving them at your family gathering, these brownies are guaranteed to be a hit. Everyone loves a good brownie, and when it’s dressed up for Christmas, it’s simply unbeatable!

Get Ready to Bake Some Holiday Magic!

The jingle bells are ringing, the lights are twinkling, and the air is filled with anticipation. What better way to add to the festive cheer than with the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting from your kitchen? This holiday season, we’re inviting you to create a showstopper that will have everyone reaching for a second (or third!) piece: the spectacular Christmas Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting! Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie with that iconic red velvet swirl, perfectly complemented by a dreamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s like a hug for your taste buds, wrapped in holiday cheer. These aren’t just brownies; they’re little squares of pure joy, designed to bring smiles and satisfy the sweetest cravings. So, put on your favorite holiday tunes, grab your apron, and let’s get baking some edible Christmas magic!

Gather Your Holiday Baking Essentials

To create these dazzling Christmas Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients, readily available in most kitchens. Make sure everything is measured out and ready to go for a smooth baking experience!

Brownies:

• 🧈 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) melted butter (regular or dairy-free)
• 🌰 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 🍚 1 cup granulated sugar
• 🥚 2 large eggs
• 🥄 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 🍓 1/2 teaspoon liquid red food coloring (adjust for desired vibrant color)
• 🍶 1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar
• 🍫 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 🌾 1 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 🧀 4 ounces plain cream cheese, softened (regular or dairy-free; use cold if dairy-free)
• 🧈 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) softened butter (regular or dairy-free)
• 🥄 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 🤏 Pinch of salt
• 🍬 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 🌽 2 tablespoons cornstarch (only if using dairy-free cream cheese, optional for thickening)

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Festive Perfection

Ready to transform those simple ingredients into a festive masterpiece? Follow these detailed instructions to create the most incredible Christmas Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s easier than you think!

Making the Brownies:

1. Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some to hang over the sides for simple removal later. This is key for neat slices!
2. Melt Butter: In a medium bowl, gently melt your butter. You can do this quickly on the stove or in the microwave.
3. Mix Sugars: Add both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar to the melted butter. Whisk them together until the mixture looks like a smooth paste and easily pulls away from the bowl’s sides. This step is important for that crinkly top!
4. Wet Ingredients: Stir in the eggs, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix well until everything is beautifully combined and the color is a lovely red. Feel free to add a few more drops of food coloring if you desire a deeper holiday hue – the more vibrant, the merrier!
5. Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle in the cocoa powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Whisk until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this keeps your brownies wonderfully tender and fudgy. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
6. Bake: Pour the luscious brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for about 30-40 minutes. They’re ready when the top is delightfully crinkly and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Remember, moist crumbs mean fudgy brownies!
7. Cool Down: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Patience here makes for perfectly set brownies and ensures your frosting won’t melt. This is the hardest part, we know!

Whipping up the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Frosting Base: In a medium bowl (or a stand mixer), combine the cream cheese, softened butter, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract. Beat until wonderfully smooth and creamy.
2. Sweeten: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until you achieve your desired consistency – a little more for thicker frosting, less for a softer spread. If you’re using dairy-free cream cheese, now is the time to mix in the cornstarch to help thicken it beautifully.
3. Chill & Frost: Store the finished frosting in the fridge until your brownies are entirely cool. Once cooled, spread the delightful cream cheese frosting generously over the brownies. Slice, serve, and enjoy your festive treat!

Presenting Your Festive Masterpiece

Once your stunning Christmas Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are baked and frosted, the fun isn’t over! Presentation is key to making them truly shine on your holiday table. Here are some delightful ways to serve and present these festive treats:

• Classic Squares: The simplest and often most satisfying way! Slice them into neat 2×2 inch squares. For extra clean cuts, chill the frosted brownies for at least 30 minutes, then use a hot, dry knife (wipe between cuts).
• Sparkling Snow: For a magical touch, lightly dust the frosted brownies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. It mimics freshly fallen snow and adds an elegant flair.
• Festive Sprinkles: Immediately after frosting, adorn your brownies with red, green, and white holiday sprinkles. Nonpareils, jimmies, or even edible glitter can transform them into dazzling jewels.
• Garnish with Greenery: Place a small fresh mint leaf or a few candied cranberries on top of each frosted brownie square for a beautiful color contrast and a hint of extra flavor.
• Dessert Platter Extravaganza: Arrange your Christmas Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting on a large festive platter alongside other holiday cookies and candies for a stunning dessert display.
• Mini Bite-Sized Treats: For a party, cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces (1×1 inch) and serve them in mini cupcake liners. Perfect for mingling!
• Deconstructed Dessert: Serve a brownie square warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, drizzled with a touch of chocolate sauce. A decadent end to any meal!
• Edible Gifts: These brownies make wonderful homemade gifts! Once cut, arrange them in a festive tin or box, tie with a ribbon, and share the holiday joy with friends, family, and neighbors.

Storing Your Delicious Holiday Treat

You’ve baked the most incredible Christmas Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting, but what if there are leftovers (a rare occurrence, we know!) or you want to bake ahead? Proper storage will keep them fresh and delicious for days!

• Refrigeration is Key: Due to the cream cheese frosting, these brownies MUST be stored in the refrigerator. The frosting contains dairy products that can spoil if left at room temperature for too long.
• Airtight Container: Place your frosted brownies in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out and absorbing any unwanted odors from your fridge.
• How Long Do They Last?: When stored correctly in the refrigerator, your Christmas Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting will stay fresh and delicious for 3-5 days.
• Serving Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, we recommend letting the brownies sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This softens the frosting and makes the brownie fudgier.
• Freezing for Later:
  • Unfrosted Brownies: Once completely cooled, you can wrap the unfrosted brownie slab tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
  • Frosted Brownies: For freezing frosted brownies, first place them on a baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour until the frosting is firm. Then, individually wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting!

1. Can I make these Christmas Velvet Brownies dairy-free?
   Yes, absolutely! The recipe provides notes for dairy-free alternatives for both the butter and cream cheese. Ensure you use a reliable dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternative.
2. What if I don’t have red food coloring? Can I still make them?
   You can still make delicious brownies without red food coloring! They just won’t have the “velvet” red hue. You could also try natural alternatives like beet powder, though the color might be a more muted maroon.
3. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
   While light brown sugar is preferred for a slightly milder molasses flavor, you can use dark brown sugar. It will result in a slightly deeper, richer flavor and potentially a chewier brownie.
4. How do I know when the brownies are perfectly done without overbaking?
   Look for a delightfully crinkly top. When you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out with moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. A completely clean toothpick means they might be overbaked and less fudgy.
5. Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the frosting up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes and give it a good whip to restore its smooth, creamy texture.
6. Why is my cream cheese frosting too thin or too thick?
   If it’s too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit of milk or cream (dairy or dairy-free) teaspoon by teaspoon, mixing until smooth.
7. Can I use a different size baking pan?
   An 8×8 inch pan is ideal for the stated baking time and thickness. If you use a 9×9 inch pan, the brownies will be thinner and might bake faster (reduce cook time by 5-10 minutes). For a smaller pan, they’ll be thicker and require more baking time.
8. Are these truly “velvet” brownies, or just red brownies?
   These brownies combine elements of both! The cocoa powder and a touch of vinegar (which reacts with the cocoa) create a classic red velvet flavor profile and a tender, “velvet” texture, while the fudgy consistency is characteristic of a great brownie.
9. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the brownie batter?
   Absolutely! Feel free to stir in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or white chocolate chips into the batter before baking for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
10. What’s the best way to cut brownies neatly for serving?
    For super clean cuts, ensure the brownies are completely cooled and the frosting is firm (you can chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes after frosting). Use a large, sharp knife, dipping it in hot water and wiping it clean between each cut.