Easy Holiday Toppings for Brownies
Whether you’re baking from scratch, whipping up a box of brownies, or starting with store-bought, these Easy Holiday Toppings for Brownies are here to elevate your desserts. From colorful sprinkles to indulgent drizzles, these ideas are perfect for turning any brownie into a festive treat!
There are so many Creative Ways to Make Any Brownie Special, and they don’t have to be complicated, just simple, fun tweaks to take your brownies to the next level.
How to Make Brownies for Christmas
Adding unique flavors to your brownies can elevate them into a festive masterpiece. For example, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over melted white chocolate for a wintery mint twist.
You can also drizzle caramel sauce over baked brownies and sprinkle with sea salt for a luxurious sweet-and-salty treat.
These simple additions not only enhance the taste but also make your brownies visually appealing!
Can I use store-bought brownies for these toppings?
Absolutely! These topping ideas work wonderfully with store-bought brownies. Whether they’re pre-cut, a whole slab or a boxed brownie mix, you can easily decorate them to suit your holiday theme.
What’s the best way to make toppings stick to brownies?
For baked brownies, use a thin layer of frosting, melted chocolate, or marshmallow fluff as a base to help toppings like sprinkles, nuts, or candy adhere. You can also spread a small amount on the back of items like gingerbread men to stick them securely without needing to cover the entire top of the brownies.
Festive Brownie Toppings to Try This Holiday Season
- Peppermint Bark Drizzle: Melt white and dark chocolate, drizzle over baked brownies, and add crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch.
- Seasonal Fruit Topping: Add a lighter touch to your brownies by topping them with seasonal fruits. Spread a dollop of whipped cream over each brownie and finish with pomegranate seeds or fresh strawberry slices. This vibrant and fresh topping not only adds a pop of color but also balances the rich chocolate flavor, making it perfect for holiday dessert platters.
- Caramel Popcorn Topping: Drizzle melted chocolate over brownies as a base, scatter caramel-coated popcorn on top, and drizzle more melted chocolate to secure the popcorn for a movie-night holiday vibe.
- White Chocolate Drizzle with Cranberries and Pistachios: Melt white chocolate or white candy melts and drizzle it over cooled brownies. Top with finely chopped dried cranberries and pistachios for a pop of color and festive flavor.
Dressing Up Brownies for the Holidays
- Coconut Snowstorm: Spread a thin layer of store-bought or homemade vanilla buttercream frosting or melted white chocolate over the brownies, then sprinkle generously with shredded coconut for a “snowy” effect.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Mix cinnamon and powdered sugar, then dust over the brownies for a warm holiday flavor.
- Mini Gingerbread Men: Place small, store-bought gingerbread men cookies on each brownie for a playful, festive touch. Stick them down with a small dollop of melted chocolate or frosting to keep them securely in place.
- Holiday Trail Mix Brownies: Spread a light layer of frosting over cooled brownies to help the toppings stick. Then, sprinkle a mix of mini marshmallows, red and green M&M’s, and salted nuts on top for a festive trail mix twist. Lightly press the toppings into the frosting to secure them.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Stir red, green, and white sprinkles into the brownie batter for a colorful holiday twist that shows through in every slice. Alternatively, you can sprinkle them over frosted brownies for an extra festive touch!
Easy Christmas Themed Toppings for Brownies
- Spiced Nuts: Mix candied pecans, walnuts or mixed nuts with a sprinkle of cinnamon and fold into the batter for a warm, spiced crunch. I love my nutty brownie recipe for a homemade brownie version!
- Salted Caramel and Pretzel Crunch: Drizzle store-bought or homemade salted caramel sauce over baked brownies and scatter crushed pretzels on top for a sweet-and-salty treat.
- Marshmallow Snow Top: Spread marshmallow fluff over brownies and sprinkle with edible glitter or snowflake sprinkles for a “snowy” effect.
- Dried Cranberries or Cherries: Add a handful of dried cranberries or tart cherries directly to the brownie batter before baking for a chewy, sweet, and tart balance to the rich chocolate flavor. Alternatively, sprinkle them on top of frosted brownies to enhance the festive look and flavor.
How do I store decorated brownies?
Store your decorated brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness. If your decorations include cream-based frostings or perishable toppings, refrigeration may be necessary. In that case, store the brownies in the refrigerator in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Before serving, let them come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
With these festive and fun options, you can effortlessly transform simple store-bought brownies into a holiday treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether you keep it simple with a snowy coconut topping or go all out with trail mix-inspired designs, these ideas are sure to impress your guests and add a touch of holiday magic to any gathering!
