Easy & Healthy Festive Brownies
Get ready for a delicious and festive treat! These brownies are made with wholesome ingredients and decorated like little holiday gifts, perfect for sharing joy.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Parchment Paper
- Medium Saucepan
- Wire Rack
- Cutting Board
- Small Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened (or try 1/2 cup butter + 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version!)
- 2 cups coconut sugar a natural, less refined sweetener choice
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for a delightfully chewy texture
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for intense chocolate flavor without extra sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips optional, for extra indulgence and antioxidants
- Red, green, and white candy melts for festive ribbons, enjoy mindfully!
- Mini candy bows or holiday sprinkles optional, for that perfect present look!
Instructions
- Get Ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. In a medium saucepan, gently melt the butter (or butter/applesauce mix) over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the coconut sugar until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture looks thick and shiny.
- Mix It Up! In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, folding gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Remember, don't overmix to ensure your brownies stay wonderfully fudgy! If you're using them, fold in the dark chocolate chips now.
- Time to Bake! Pour the brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy! Let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before moving on. This step is crucial for neat cuts!
- Decorate Your Gifts! Once completely cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper and place them on a cutting board. Cut into even squares – these are your adorable "presents"! In separate small bowls, melt the red, green, and white candy melts (use short 15-second bursts in the microwave, stirring well between each, until smooth). Drizzle or pipe festive crisscross "ribbons" over each brownie square. Finish with mini bows, tiny candies, or holiday sprinkles for that perfect, cheerful touch.
- Set and Serve! Allow the candy melts to harden at room temperature for about 15 minutes, or pop them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to speed up the setting process. Once firm, arrange your beautiful Christmas Present Brownies on a platter or in a gift box. They're ready to share and spread holiday cheer!
Notes
Enjoy these brownies as a mindful holiday treat! The recipe provides a lighter option for butter and uses natural sweeteners. Remember not to overmix the batter for the fudgiest texture.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 280
- Total Carbs: 48g
- Net Carbs: 43g
- Fats: 17g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 5g
