Red Velvet Brownies Recipe

Red Velvet Christmas Brownies

Transform your holiday dessert table with these stunning Red Velvet Christmas Brownies! With their vibrant crimson color, fudgy texture, and festive appearance, these brownies combine the classic appeal of red velvet cake with the irresistible density of a perfect brownie. The subtle cocoa flavor, tangy cream cheese frosting, and optional festive toppings make these treats an absolute showstopper at any Christmas gathering. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or contributing to a family potluck, these brownies will quickly become a cherished part of your Christmas baking tradition!

Why Red Velvet Brownies Are Perfect for Christmas

The rich red color of these brownies makes them naturally festive and perfect for your Christmas dessert spread. Their vibrant hue pairs beautifully with the snowy white cream cheese frosting, creating that classic holiday color combination that everyone associates with Christmas celebrations.

Beyond their stunning appearance, these brownies offer the perfect balance between cake and brownie textures. They're fudgy and dense like a good brownie should be, but with that distinctive red velvet flavor profile that combines subtle cocoa with a hint of tanginess.

These brownies are also incredibly versatile for holiday entertaining. You can dress them up with festive sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or white chocolate drizzle for an elegant dessert platter, or keep them simple for a comforting treat with hot cocoa after a day of winter activities. Their make-ahead friendly nature means you can prepare them in advance during the busy holiday season!

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Red Velvet Brownies:

• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter
• 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil
• ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar
• 1-2 oz red gel food coloring
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (85g) white chocolate chips (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) block cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons milk (if needed for consistency)

Optional Festive Toppings:

• Crushed candy canes
• Red and green sprinkles
• White chocolate drizzle
• Gold or silver edible glitter
• Sugared cranberries

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Step-by-Step Preparation

Preparing the Brownie Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in 30-second intervals until completely melted. Let it cool slightly.
3. Add both granulated and brown sugars to the melted butter and whisk until well combined.
4. Add the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Whisk gently until just incorporated – avoid overmixing as this will add too much air and make the brownies cakey rather than fudgy.

5. Add the vegetable oil and cocoa powder to the mixture and whisk until completely combined.
6. In a small bowl, take 2-3 tablespoons of the batter and mix it with the red gel food coloring until completely incorporated with no streaks. Return this colored mixture to the main batter and stir until evenly distributed.
7. Switch to a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Gently fold in the flour, cornstarch, and salt until just combined with no dry spots visible.
8. Add the vinegar and mix until incorporated – this helps achieve that classic red velvet flavor.
9. If using white chocolate chips, fold them in now.

Baking the Brownies

10. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
12. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

13. In a large bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
14. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated, then increase to high speed and beat for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
15. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined. If the frosting seems too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Decorating Your Christmas Brownies

16. Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
17. For a festive touch, add your choice of holiday toppings like crushed candy canes, festive sprinkles, or a white chocolate drizzle.
18. For clean slices, refrigerate the frosted brownies for 30 minutes before cutting with a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for perfect edges.

Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Christmas Brownies

Getting the Perfect Texture

• Don't overmix the batter after adding the flour – this will develop too much gluten and make the brownies cakey instead of fudgy.
• Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the batter.
• Measure flour accurately by spooning it into measuring cups and leveling off, or better yet, use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Don't overbake! The brownies will continue to cook slightly as they cool. Remove them when a toothpick shows moist crumbs.
• The combination of butter and oil creates the perfect balance between flavor and fudgy texture.

Achieving Vibrant Red Color

• Use gel food coloring rather than liquid for a more intense color without affecting the texture.
• Mix the coloring with a small portion of batter first to avoid streaks.
• Dutch-processed cocoa powder works best as it's less acidic and won't react with the food coloring.
• The vinegar helps maintain the vibrant red color during baking.
• The brownies will appear darker before baking but will brighten to a beautiful red as they cool.

Holiday Serving Suggestions

Transform your Red Velvet Christmas Brownies into a stunning holiday dessert with these festive presentation ideas:

• Christmas Dessert Board: Arrange brownie squares alongside Christmas cookies, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and sugared cranberries for a spectacular dessert platter.
• Individual Dessert Cups: Cut brownies into small cubes and layer with whipped cream and crushed candy canes in clear dessert cups for an elegant individual serving.
• Brownie Tree: Arrange brownies in a tree shape on a large platter, dust with powdered sugar "snow," and add a star-shaped brownie on top.
• Gift Packaging: Stack brownies in festive holiday tins or boxes lined with parchment paper for a homemade gift that will delight friends and family.

Perfect Pairings

Hot Beverages

• Peppermint hot chocolate
• Vanilla chai latte
• Eggnog coffee

Cold Treats

• Vanilla ice cream
• Peppermint ice cream
• Eggnog whipped cream

Adult Options

• Bailey's Irish Cream
• Port wine
• Peppermint schnapps coffee

Festive Variations

Peppermint Cream Cheese Swirl

Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the cream cheese mixture and swirl it into the brownie batter before baking. Top with crushed candy canes for extra festive flavor.

White Chocolate Cranberry

Fold ½ cup white chocolate chunks and ¼ cup dried cranberries into the batter for a festive red and white color scheme with bursts of sweet-tart flavor.

Christmas Tree Design

Add green food coloring to a portion of the cream cheese frosting and pipe Christmas tree designs on top of each brownie square for a festive decoration.

"The secret to truly festive Red Velvet Christmas Brownies is in the details - a touch of peppermint, a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, or a drizzle of white chocolate can transform these brownies into a holiday masterpiece that tastes as magical as it looks."

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Room Temperature Storage

Unfrosted brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigerator Storage

Frosted brownies must be refrigerated due to the cream cheese. They'll keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezer Storage

Both frosted and unfrosted brownies freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. For best results:

• Cut brownies into individual squares
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil
• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
• Bring to room temperature before serving

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare these brownies up to 2 days before your holiday gathering! The flavor actually improves after the first day as the ingredients meld together. Frost them the day before or the day of serving for the freshest presentation.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	320	-
Total Fat	16g	21%
Saturated Fat	9g	45%
Cholesterol	75mg	25%
Sodium	150mg	7%
Total Carbohydrates	42g	15%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	35g	-
Protein	3g	6%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Nutritional information is calculated based on using all ingredients listed in the recipe, including the cream cheese frosting. Values may vary based on specific brands used and any substitutions made.

Photography Tips for Food Bloggers

Capture the beauty of your Red Velvet Christmas Brownies with these photography suggestions:

• Highlight the texture: Take close-up shots showing the fudgy interior alongside the crackly top for that irresistible texture contrast.
• Showcase the color: Use natural lighting to bring out the vibrant red color against the white frosting.
• Create a festive scene: Style your brownies with holiday elements like pine branches, cinnamon sticks, or fairy lights in the background.
• Action shots: Capture the process of drizzling white chocolate or sprinkling crushed candy canes for engaging content.
• Serving suggestions: Show the brownies on a holiday dessert platter or paired with a cup of hot chocolate for context.

Make These Red Velvet Christmas Brownies Part of Your Holiday Tradition

These Red Velvet Christmas Brownies are more than just a dessert – they're a festive experience that brings joy to your holiday celebrations. Their stunning appearance, delicious flavor, and versatility make them perfect for everything from casual family gatherings to elegant Christmas parties. The combination of rich cocoa, tangy cream cheese, and festive decorations creates a treat that appeals to all ages and tastes.

Whether you follow the classic recipe or experiment with one of the festive variations, these brownies are sure to become a requested favorite year after year. From our kitchen to yours, we wish you a delicious holiday season filled with sweet memories!

Share Your Red Velvet Christmas Brownies!

Did you make these festive treats? We'd love to see your creation! Tag us on social media or leave a comment below with your experience and any creative variations you tried.

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Red Velvet Christmas Brownies Recipe

Perfect fudgy red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting for your holiday celebrations!

4.8

from 42 reviews

Flavor

4.8

Texture

4.7

Ease

4.5

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 16 brownies

Calories: 320 kcal per serving

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these brownies without food coloring?

Yes! You can omit the red food coloring for a traditional chocolate brownie with all the same delicious flavor. They won't have the festive red appearance but will still taste wonderful with the cream cheese frosting.

Why do my brownies sink in the middle after baking?

Sinking can occur if the brownies are underbaked or if the oven temperature is too high. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated and test for doneness with a toothpick. Some settling is normal for fudgy brownies, and the cream cheese frosting will cover any slight dips!

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

While gel food coloring is preferred for its concentrated color without adding excess liquid, you can use liquid food coloring if that's what you have. You may need to use more (about 2-3 tablespoons), which could slightly affect the texture of the brownies.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. For fudgy brownies, it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. The edges will be set, but the center may still look slightly soft. Remember that brownies continue to cook slightly as they cool.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time for a holiday party?

Absolutely! These brownies actually taste even better the day after baking as the flavors have time to develop. You can make them up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Frost them the day before or the day of your event for the freshest presentation.