Christmas Santa Hat Brownies

Every December, my kitchen turns into a holiday workshop, half baking zone, half glitter explosion. Between the sugar cookie chaos and endless gift wrapping, I’m always hunting for easy desserts that still feel magical. That’s how these Santa hat brownies became a family tradition.

They’re festive, foolproof, and guaranteed to bring a smile, because honestly, who can resist a brownie dressed like Santa?

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Brownies

These holiday brownies are the kind of dessert that makes holiday baking stress-free, festive, and fun. They look impressive but take very little effort — perfect for busy December days!

✅ Quick & Easy: Start with your favorite brownie mix — no complicated baking steps needed.
🎅 Festive & Adorable: The red and white frosting turns simple brownies into mini Santa hats in minutes.
👩‍👧 Kid-Friendly Fun: Little helpers will love decorating (and sneaking a few strawberries).
🍫 Minimal Ingredients: Just brownies, frosting, and a few tools — that’s it!
🎄 Perfect for Parties: Great for cookie swaps, classroom treats, or family gatherings.
✨ Customizable: Try fun twists with frosting colors, sprinkles, or even different shapes for other holidays.

💡 Tip: Link this section to related recipes, like [Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes] or [Holiday Party Dessert Ideas], to keep readers exploring your site.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Santa Hat Brownies

You don’t need a long shopping list to make these easy Christmas dessert — just a few simple ingredients to turn your favorite holiday dessert into festive little Santas!

For the Brownies

• 1 (9×13-inch) pan of prepared and cooled brownies
  (Use a boxed mix for convenience or your favorite homemade recipe — either works beautifully!)

For Decorating

• ½–⅔ cup red cupcake icing or frosting
  (Tube icing works great if red frosting isn’t available.)
• ⅓ cup vanilla frosting

Tools You’ll Need

• Piping bag
• Wilton #22 tip (or similar star tip)
• Sharp knife for cutting

💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t have a piping bag, use a zip-top sandwich bag — just snip off a small corner to pipe your frosting!

Tools You’ll Need

• Piping bag
• Wilton #22 tip
• Sharp knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Christmas dessert — they’re fun, foolproof, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your holiday table!

1. Cut the brownies

Once your brownies are completely cool, cut the pan in half lengthwise. Then, slice each half into 7 triangles. (You can snack on the uneven edge pieces 😋)

2. Arrange for decorating

Place your brownie triangles on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper. This makes it easier to decorate and move them later.

3. Pipe the red frosting

Using the red icing fitted with a star tip, pipe the red frosting onto each brownie. Start about ½ inch below the tip of the triangle and work in a gentle back-and-forth motion, stopping about ½ inch before the base.

4. Add the vanilla frosting details

Next, add the “Santa hat” trim. Pipe a small dot of vanilla frosting at the top for the pom-pom, then a line along the base of the hat to complete the look.

5. Let them set (optional)

If you’d like cleaner edges, refrigerate the brownies for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the frosting firm up and makes them easier to handle.

💡 Tip: These brownies are best enjoyed the same day, but they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2–3 days in an airtight container.

Variations and Creative Twists

Even though these no-fuss holiday treats are simple and festive just as they are, you can easily switch them up to fit your taste, ingredients, or holiday theme.

• Mini Santa Hats: Cut your brownies into smaller triangles or squares for bite-size party treats.
• Frosting Swap: Try chocolate frosting for a richer look, or use pink frosting for a fun twist at kids’ parties.
• Add Sparkle: Sprinkle edible glitter or sanding sugar on top for extra shimmer.
• Different Base: Instead of brownies, use chocolate cake or brownie bites from the store for a no-bake shortcut.
• Holiday Remix: Use green and white frosting to make “Christmas Tree Brownies” or pastel colors for Easter.

These Santa hat brownies prove that you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something festive and fun. With a pan of brownies, a swirl of frosting, and a few juicy strawberries, you’ve got a dessert that’s as cute as it is delicious.

They’re the perfect treat for Christmas parties, cookie swaps, classroom celebrations, or cozy nights in with hot cocoa and holiday movies.

Save this recipe to Pinterest so you can find it again next Christmas!
Share it with a friend who could use a little holiday baking inspiration.

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