Santa Hat Brownies

Introduction

If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that the holidays are all about indulgent treats and fun moments spent with loved ones. And when it comes to holiday baking, nothing gets me in the spirit quite like Santa Hat Brownies. These little brownies are a festive twist on the classic, topped with a fluffy white icing and a bright red strawberry to create the most adorable mini Santa hats you’ve ever seen. Seriously, they’re so cute, you almost won’t want to eat them (but, let’s be real—you definitely will).

What makes these brownies extra special isn’t just their looks—it’s the rich, fudgy texture that’s perfectly balanced with the light and creamy icing and the sweetness of the strawberries. They’re a showstopper dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe. And the best part? They’re easy to make! So even if you’re not a baking pro, don’t worry—you can totally nail these.

I first made Santa Hat Brownies as part of a holiday baking tradition with my family, and let me tell you, they quickly became a favorite. The kids love decorating them, and the adults love devouring them just as much. It’s the perfect recipe to share with your loved ones, whether you’re hosting a holiday party or sending them as a sweet gift. So let’s dive in, get those ingredients ready, and make some Santa magic happen in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me give you a few reasons why Santa Hat Brownies should be at the top of your holiday baking list:

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these brownies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You don’t need fancy equipment—just a mixing bowl, a baking pan, and your creativity to decorate!
• Kid-Friendly: If you’ve got little helpers around the kitchen, they’ll love decorating these mini Santa hats with the whipped cream and strawberries. It’s a fun way to get the whole family involved.
• Festive and Fun: The combination of the rich, fudgy brownies with the bright red strawberries makes these treats irresistible to the eyes and taste buds. They’re the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table.
• Perfect for Gift-Giving: Need a sweet gift for a friend or neighbor? These Santa Hat Brownies look gorgeous on a platter and are a thoughtful homemade treat that everyone will appreciate.

On top of all that, they’re a delicious crowd-pleaser! The rich brownie base is complemented by a creamy topping that’s just sweet enough without overpowering the chocolatey goodness. Plus, the tart strawberry on top provides the perfect balance of freshness and sweetness. Trust me, these will disappear fast!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Cooling & Decorating Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: This recipe makes about 12-16 Santa Hat Brownies, depending on how large you cut them.
• Nutrition Facts:
  • Calories per serving: 350
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbs: 40g
  • Fat: 18g

Ingredients

To make these adorable Santa Hat Brownies, you’ll need:

Brownies:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder

Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (120g) heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Santa Hats:

• Fresh strawberries (about 12-16, depending on the size)
• Extra powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Notes:

• Butter: The key to rich and fudgy brownies. Melt it to add that smooth, delicious texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Use a high-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
• Whipped Cream: This will be the “fluffy” part of the Santa hat, so make sure to whip it up nice and thick.
• Strawberries: The star of the show! You want fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and to make your Santa hats look perfect.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1st Step: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your brownies come out perfectly without sticking to the pan.

2nd Step: Make the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth and combined. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Next, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be thick and fudgy.

3rd Step: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).

Once baked, remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Cooling the brownies ensures that they hold their shape when you decorate them.

4th Step: Make the Frosting

While the brownies are cooling, it’s time to make the whipped cream. In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream on high speed for about 3-5 minutes, or until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or you’ll end up with butter instead of cream!

5th Step: Assemble the Santa Hats

Once your brownies have cooled and been cut into squares, it’s time to assemble your Santa hats!

• Top each brownie with a dollop of whipped cream. Use a spoon or an icing bag if you want a cleaner, more uniform look.
• Slice the strawberries: Cut the green tops off and slice the strawberries to form a triangular shape that fits neatly on top of the whipped cream.
• Place the strawberry on top of the whipped cream to create the iconic Santa hat.
• Dust with powdered sugar (optional): For an extra touch, lightly dust the finished Santa hats with powdered sugar to give them that snowy effect.

How to Serve

Once your Santa Hat Brownies are assembled, they’re ready to be enjoyed! Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve them on a holiday platter: These festive brownies make an eye-catching centerpiece at any holiday gathering.
• Pair with a cup of hot cocoa: The chocolatey richness of the brownies pairs perfectly with a warm mug of cocoa for a cozy holiday treat.
• For a fun twist: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

These brownies also make a great gift! Package them in a festive box with a cute bow, and they’ll be a hit at any holiday party.

Additional Tips

Here are some helpful tips to make sure your Santa Hat Brownies turn out perfectly every time:

1. Use a Toothpick to Test the Brownies: To avoid overbaking, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, they’re ready.
2. Cool the Brownies Before Decorating: Don’t rush this step! Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the whipped cream and strawberries. This will help everything stay in place.
3. Whip the Cream Just Right: Don’t overwhip your cream. Stop once soft peaks form for the perfect texture. Too much whipping will make the cream too thick, and you’ll lose that fluffy, light texture.
4. Use Fresh, Firm Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key for making the hats look perfect. Choose firm strawberries that can hold their shape, and slice them carefully to create a neat triangle.
5. Store Leftovers in an Airtight Container: If you have any leftovers (although I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The strawberries may soften over time, but they’ll still taste great.

Recipe Variations

If you want to get creative with your Santa Hat Brownies, here are some variations you can try:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the whipped cream for an extra chocolatey touch.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free.
• Vegan: Use dairy-free butter and coconut cream for the frosting to make these Santa Hat Brownies vegan-friendly.
• Mini Brownie Bites: Instead of making full-sized brownies, bake them in mini muffin tins for individual-sized Santa Hat treats.

No matter how you make them, these brownies are bound to be a holiday favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make the brownies ahead of time?

Yes! The brownies can be baked and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days before decorating. This makes it super easy to prepare in advance for holiday parties or gatherings. Just wait until they’re fully cooled before adding the whipped cream and strawberries to ensure they stay fresh and perfectly topped.

2. Can I use a different fruit for the Santa hats?

Absolutely! While strawberries are the classic choice because of their bright red color and shape, you can also use raspberries, cherries, or even red grapes. Just make sure the fruit you choose has a similar size and shape to fit the whipped cream “hat” perfectly.

3. How do I prevent the whipped cream from deflating?

Whipped cream can deflate over time, especially if it’s made too far in advance. To help prevent this, whip the cream just until soft peaks form. If you’re making the frosting ahead of time, store it in the fridge and give it a quick whisk before using it to top the brownies.

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Conclusion

Santa Hat Brownies are the perfect holiday treat—festive, fun, and totally delicious! With their rich, fudgy base, creamy whipped topping, and bright red strawberry hats, these brownies are sure to be the star of your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re baking for a family party, a gift exchange, or just a cozy night in, these little treats will make everyone smile.

So grab your ingredients, put on your holiday playlist, and get ready to make the most adorable—and delicious—Santa Hat Brownies ever. Happy holidays, and happy baking!