Santa Hat Brownies

Every holiday season, I find myself craving something chocolatey, festive, and just plain fun to share, and these Santa Hat Brownies always hit the spot. They bring that cozy December feeling right into the kitchen, with rich brownie bases and cheerful strawberry hats that instantly make people smile. If you want a dessert that looks special without feeling complicated, this recipe gives you that win with every bite.

Why This Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

There’s something magical about turning a simple brownie into a holiday showstopper, and that’s exactly what this recipe does. Trust me, you’re going to love this, especially when you see how quickly they come together and how adorable they look on a platter. This one’s a total game-changer for holiday baking because it delivers deep chocolate flavor, creamy topping, and festive flair all in one easy dessert.

Behind the Recipe

These brownies were inspired by a cozy winter afternoon, fairy lights glowing, holiday music playing softly, and the urge to make something playful for family and friends. I wanted a dessert that felt nostalgic and joyful, something that instantly said Christmas without requiring hours in the kitchen. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite, and every smile they bring.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how a few simple ingredients work together to create something that feels truly special, rich brownies, creamy topping, and fresh fruit for contrast.

1. Unsalted Butter: 170 grams melted, creates a moist, rich brownie base.
2. Granulated Sugar: 200 grams, adds sweetness and helps achieve that classic brownie texture.
3. Eggs: 2 large eggs, bind the batter and give structure.
4. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances the chocolate flavor.
5. All-Purpose Flour: 95 grams, provides structure without making the brownies cakey.
6. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 45 grams, delivers deep chocolate flavor.
7. Salt: 0.5 teaspoon, balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate.
8. Cream Cheese: 225 grams softened, forms the creamy white topping.
9. Powdered Sugar: 80 grams, sweetens and smooths the cream topping.
10. Heavy Cream: 60 milliliters, lightens the topping for a fluffy texture.
11. Fresh Strawberries: 12 medium strawberries, hulled, create the festive Santa hats.
12. Shredded Coconut: 60 grams, adds snowy texture around the base.

Time Needed to Make This Recipe

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Special Equipment You’ll Need

A few basic tools make this recipe smooth and enjoyable to prepare.

Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing both the brownie batter and the cream topping.
Whisk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly without overmixing.
Square Baking Pan: Ensures evenly baked brownies that are easy to cut.
Electric Mixer: Makes the cream cheese topping light and fluffy.
Piping Bag or Spoon: Used to neatly apply the topping onto the brownies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This process is simple and satisfying, and you’ll see everything come together beautifully as you go.

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk melted butter and granulated sugar until glossy, then add eggs and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt together, then gently fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
4. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 28 to 30 minutes until set but still slightly fudgy.
5. Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool fully before decorating to prevent melting the topping.
6. Prepare the Cream Topping: Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and heavy cream until light, smooth, and fluffy.
7. Cut the Brownies: Slice the brownies into even squares for neat presentation.
8. Decorate the Tops: Spread or pipe a layer of cream topping on each brownie.
9. Add the Coconut: Press shredded coconut gently around the edges for a snowy effect.
10. Create the Santa Hats: Place a strawberry point-side up on each brownie and finish with a small dot of cream on top.

Serving Suggestions & Presentation Tips

Serve these Santa Hat Brownies on a white platter to let the red strawberries and dark chocolate pop. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy finish that feels extra festive. Pair them with hot chocolate, spiced tea, or coffee for a cozy holiday treat that looks as good as it tastes.

Extra Tips for Best Results

A few small details make these brownies truly shine.

• Let the brownies cool completely before decorating to keep the topping firm.
• Use ripe but firm strawberries so they hold their shape.
• Chill the decorated brownies briefly for cleaner presentation.
• Sift the cocoa powder to avoid lumps in the batter.

Variations You Can Try

For a lighter version, use whipped topping instead of cream cheese for an airy finish.
Add mini chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra bursts of chocolate.
Swap shredded coconut for finely chopped nuts if you prefer more crunch.
Use heart-shaped cutters for a holiday-themed brownie base with a twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

These brownies are perfect for planning ahead, which makes holiday baking so much easier. You can bake the brownies a day in advance and store them tightly covered at room temperature. Add the cream topping and strawberries the day you plan to serve for the freshest look and texture. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days, and allow them to sit at room temperature briefly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320
Note: These are approximate values.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use boxed brownie mix instead of homemade?

Yes, a boxed mix works well if you want to save time, just bake according to package instructions and decorate as directed.

2. How do I keep the strawberries from sliding off?

Make sure the cream topping is thick and chilled slightly before placing the strawberries on top.

3. Can I make these gluten free?

Yes, use a gluten free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking brownies.

4. What if I don’t like coconut?

You can skip it entirely or replace it with powdered sugar or finely chopped nuts.

5. Can I freeze Santa Hat Brownies?

It’s best to freeze the plain brownies only, then decorate after thawing for best texture.

6. How far ahead can I decorate them?

They look best when decorated the same day, but they can be decorated up to 12 hours in advance and kept chilled.

7. Can I use whipped cream instead of cream cheese topping?

Yes, but stabilized whipped cream will hold its shape better for longer.

8. What size pan works best?

A standard 20 by 20 centimeter square pan gives ideal thickness for these brownies.

9. Can kids help make this recipe?

Absolutely, decorating the Santa hats is especially fun and kid-friendly.

10. How do I get clean brownie cuts?

Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat edges.

Conclusion

Santa Hat Brownies are the kind of dessert that instantly brings joy to the table and makes any holiday gathering feel more special. They’re festive, chocolatey, and surprisingly easy to make, and I hope they bring a little extra sweetness to your celebrations. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite, and I can’t wait for you to try them.

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