It’s foodie Friday! (that’s not a thing) For today’s blogmas post I’m going to be doing my favorite desert Christmas edition! I thought this was a fun little idea to do as a post because I love baking and brownies are my absolute favorite! Today I am going to showing you two festive brownie recipes! i guess it’s not really a recipe because they’re just pretty basic box brownies but with a little flare!

Easy Christmas Present Brownies

Prep Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 2 hr 45 mins | Serving Size: 24

Ingredients:

• 1 box (18.3 oz) Betty Crocker fudge brownie mix
• Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix box
• 1 container (16 oz) Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting
• 2 teaspoons Betty Crocker holiday candy sprinkles
• 1 pouch (7 oz) Betty Crocker Decorating Cookie Icing red icing
• 3/4 cup red and green M&M’s milk chocolate candies

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line 13×9-inch pan with foil, letting foil hang 2 inches over sides of pan. This will help with removing the brownies later for decorating. Spray foil with cooking spray. Make brownie batter as directed on box. Spread in pan.

2. Bake 22 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out clean. Transfer to cooling rack to cool completely in pan, about 1 hour. Freeze in pan 30 minutes.

3. Using foil to lift, remove brownies from pan, and peel foil away. Frost top with frosting; sprinkle with candy sprinkles. For easier cutting, refrigerate 15 minutes to set frosting.

4. Use sharp knife to cut brownies into 6 rows by 4 rows, making 24 brownies, cleaning knife with paper towel after each cut to keep frosting clean of brownie crumbs. Pull brownie squares slightly apart before piping tops.

5. On each frosted brownie, pipe 2 lines using red icing across top to intersect in middle. Place in center 5 red M&M’s™ tipped on sides in a circle for a bow. Repeat with remaining brownie squares. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

If you’re not a fan of icing but a fan of peppermint do I have the best recipe for you! Peppermint, cheesecake.. Brownies.. Yes, I couldn’t dream of a better combination. These cheesecake brownies are the perfect Christmas brownies, because what is the main candy you think of during christmas?Candy canes! I’m sure this is safe to make year round too. They’re delicious!

Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies

Ingredients:

Brownie Layer:

• 1 box (18.3 oz) brownie mix
• Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix box
• 1/2 cup peppermint crunch baking chips or crushed candy canes (if crushing the candy canes, place in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin over the sealed bag)

For Peppermint Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 ounces low fat cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 1/2 cups peppermint crunch baking chips or crushed candy canes, divided

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with foil or spray with nonstick spray.
• Mix together brownie ingredients.
• Pour the brownie mixture into your baking dish. Smooth out the top and spread the mixture to the edges.
• Bake for approximately 20 minutes. (The brownies won’t be fully cooked, but a film will begin to bake on top.)

• While brownies are baking prepare cheesecake layer.
• Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add in sour cream, sugar, lemon juice, and peppermint extract. Beat until fully combined. (If you have a mixer this will make it easier.)

• While the mixer is on or in-between beats, add the eggs one at a time. Beat fully in between each egg. Add in 1/2 cup peppermint crunch baking chips and fold it in until just combined.

• Pour mixture on top of pre baked brownie bottom, smoothing to completely cover the brownie layer. Top with remaining 1 cup peppermint crunch baking chips, making a solid layer of the chips if possible.
• Place baking dish back in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until center no longer wobbles and the edges are slightly browned.
• Remove from oven and let cool completely.
• Once cool, place in the refrigerator until serving, at least 2 hours. Cut and serve!

Those are my two festive brownie recipes that I plan on making for my Friendsmas and maybe even santa will want some too! He gets enough cookies.. Right? They go good with milk too! What is your most favorite dessert? Do you think you can make it festive? Let me know in the comments!

with love,

c.p