As the holiday season approaches, the cozy warmth of the kitchen becomes my favorite refuge. This year, with the scent of freshly baked treats dancing through the air, I found myself pulled towards a delightful concoction that celebrates joy in every bite—Christmas Snickers Brownies. Picture this: fudgy chocolate brownies studded with pieces of gooey Snickers bars and hints of vanilla, promising a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also warms your heart.
While rummaging through my kitchen, I stumbled upon a stash of Snickers bars, and the idea sparked like a candle on a winter night. In just under an hour, you’ll have a lavish treat ready to dazzle friends and family alike. These brownies strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nostalgia, merging familiar flavors of our childhood with the spirit of the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply needing a sweet escape from the chaos of life, these brownies will become your go-to dessert, proving that homemade magic truly is a spoonful away. Get ready to fill your kitchen with excitement and your plate with joy!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Snickers Brownies
- These Christmas Snickers Brownies are incredibly easy to make, taking just 15 minutes of prep time, which means you can whip them up in no time.
- The explosion of flavors from rich chocolate and gooey caramel is guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with delight.
- Their versatility allows you to serve them at any holiday gathering or enjoy a sweet treat during a cozy night in.
- Visually, these brownies are just as tempting, with the colorful Snickers pieces peeking through each decadent square, making them a showstopper on any dessert table.
Christmas Snickers Brownies Ingredients
• Get ready to indulge in a delightful treat!
For the Brownie Batter
- All-purpose flour – A key ingredient for structure, ensuring your brownies are perfectly chewy.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – This adds rich chocolate flavor; you can also use Dutch-process for a deeper taste.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter and helps achieve that desired fudgy texture.
- Brown sugar – Infuses the brownies with moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Unsalted butter (melted) – Provides a rich base; remember to let it cool slightly before mixing.
- Large eggs – Essential for binding and creating that coveted fudgy interior.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances flavors, making your brownies taste even more delightful.
For the Snickers Layer
- Snickers bars (chopped) – These bars bring gooey caramel and crunchy peanuts, embodying the holiday spirit in every bite!
- Chocolate chips – Add extra chocolatey goodness to take the brownies to the next level.
These Christmas Snickers Brownies are sure to become a beloved holiday tradition in your kitchen!
How to Make Christmas Snickers Brownies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can either grease it or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until well-mixed and free of lumps, celebrating that rich chocolate aroma!
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Melt the unsalted butter and allow it to cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is perfectly smooth and inviting.
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Combine the wet and dry mixtures. Pour the butter, egg, and vanilla mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—your brownies will thank you!
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Fold in the Snickers bars and chocolate chips. Gently mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the fudgy batter, ensuring every bite has a delightful surprise!
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Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs—not wet batter!
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Cool the brownies completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This helps the brownies set, enhancing their chewy, fudgy texture.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra decadent finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Christmas Snickers Brownies?
Imagine a gathering filled with laughter, sweetness in the air, and delightful treats to complement every bite of your fudgy brownies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess perfectly contrasts the chocolaty textures, creating a rich and velvety experience. A scoop on top brings warmth and nostalgia, enhancing the joy of every shared moment.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over each brownie square for an extra indulgent touch. It accentuates that sweet chocolate flavor, transforming every bite into a mini celebration.
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Peppermint Mocha: A festive drink that echoes holiday flavors, the rich coffee with a hint of peppermint is a cozy way to warm your heart alongside these brownies.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a fresh, smooth texture when served dolloped alongside your brownies. It balances the richness, tempting everyone to take just one more square.
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Hot Cocoa: Cozy up with a mug of homemade hot cocoa, deepening the chocolate embrace while making your dessert feel even more special. Top it with marshmallows for that extra holiday cheer!
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Sugary Spritz Cookies: Add a platter of buttery spritz cookies to the spread. Their delicate sweetness harmonizes beautifully with the richer flavors, making each bite a delightful surprise.
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Chopped Nuts: A small bowl of mixed chopped nuts—like pecans or walnuts—offers a crunchy contrast. Guests can sprinkle them over their brownies for an added layer of texture and flavor.
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Eggnog: Embrace the holiday spirit with a glass of creamy eggnog. Its spiced flavors wonderfully complement the sweetness of the brownies, creating a festive union on your dessert table.
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Fresh Berries: A vibrant mix of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries provides a refreshing pop of color and acidity that enlivens your plate. This adds a beautiful visual element and a burst of flavor with every bite.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Snickers Brownies are perfect for meal prep, making your holiday baking a breeze! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance. Just mix together the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separately, then store them in the refrigerator; this helps maintain their quality and keeps them fresh. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the mixtures, fold in the chopped Snickers bars and chocolate chips, and spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake as directed, and enjoy your ready-to-serve brownies that taste just as delicious as if they were freshly made! You can also cut them and refrigerate for up to 3 days after baking; just reheat briefly in the oven before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
Storage Tips for Christmas Snickers Brownies
Room Temperature: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, preserving their soft texture and delicious flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store brownies in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze individual squares in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before enjoying or reheating in the microwave for a warm treat!
Reheating: To bring back that fresh-baked goodness, reheat brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Christmas Snickers Brownies Variations
Feel free to put your own twist on these delightful brownies; after all, the best recipes are those you can make uniquely yours!
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Nutty:
Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. -
Spicy:
Incorporate a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a subtle heat that complements the sweetness perfectly. -
Gluten-Free:
Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix to enjoy these brownies without the gluten. -
Caramel Drizzle:
Top the cooled brownies with melted caramel for a luscious finish that enhances the indulgence. -
Minty Fresh:
Use mint-flavored chocolate chips instead of regular ones for a festive peppermint twist. -
Cheesecake Swirl:
Create a cheesecake filling by mixing 8 oz of cream cheese with sugar and vanilla, then swirl it into the brownie batter. -
Dairy-Free:
Use coconut oil in place of butter and substitute dairy-free chocolate chips for a deliciously vegan version. -
Fruit Infusion:
Fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a delightful burst of fruity tang amidst the chocolate decadence.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Christmas Snickers Brownies, be sure to measure your flour accurately for the best texture, as too much can make the brownies dry.
- Remember to let your melted butter cool slightly before adding it to the eggs to avoid cooking them, which can affect the consistency.
- Gently folding in chocolate chips and Snickers prevents them from sinking to the bottom, ensuring each bite is deliciously balanced.
- Always check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking, as brownies continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven for a perfect fudgy texture.
Christmas Snickers Brownies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best Snickers bars for my brownies?
Opt for fresh Snickers bars that have a smooth texture and vibrant packaging. Check for any dark spots or wrinkles on the wrappers, which might indicate age. The fresher the bars, the better the gooey caramel and crunchy peanuts will be in your brownies!
How should I store my Christmas Snickers Brownies?
After cooling, store your brownies in an airtight container. At room temperature, they will stay fresh for about 3 days. If you’re looking to extend their life, place them in the fridge where they can last up to a week. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to avoid drying out.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! To freeze your Christmas Snickers Brownies, allow them to cool completely after baking, then cut them into squares. Place them in an airtight container or resealable freezer bags, layering parchment paper between the squares to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a warm and gooey treat!
What if my brownies turn out too dry?
If your brownies are dry, it may have been due to overbaking or too much flour. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. For a fudgy texture, the toothpick should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. If they do turn out dry, you can enjoy them with a scoop of ice cream or drizzle with warm chocolate to add moisture!
Are these brownies safe for anyone with allergies?
While these brownies are a delightful treat, they contain common allergens such as gluten (from flour), dairy (from butter), and nuts (from Snickers bars). If you’re making them for someone with allergies, consider using gluten-free flour and dairy substitutes. Always check package labels for allergens to ensure safety for everyone.
Is there a low-sugar option for this recipe?
You can reduce the sugar in the Christmas Snickers Brownies by using sugar substitutes like Stevia or erythritol. However, make sure the substitute you choose is suitable for baking, as some can affect the texture. Additionally, you can experiment with using dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage to reduce overall sweetness.
Equipment
- oven
- large mixing bowl
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Whisk
- spatula
Ingredients
For the Brownie Batter
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large Large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
For the Snickers Layer
- 3 bars Snickers bars (chopped)
- 1 cup Chocolate chips
Instructions
How to Make Christmas Snickers Brownies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can either grease it or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until well-mixed and free of lumps.
- Melt the unsalted butter and allow it to cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is perfectly smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry mixtures. Pour the butter, egg, and vanilla mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the Snickers bars and chocolate chips. Gently mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the fudgy batter.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs.
- Cool the brownies completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
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