Christmas Grinch Brownies

If your heart grows three sizes during the holidays, these Grinch brownies are guaranteed to make it happen!

Legend says the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes, and after one bite of these brownies, I get it! I made these for a holiday bake sale, and they disappeared faster than you can say “Who pudding.” They’re equal parts festive, fudgy, and full of Christmas cheer, a treat even the Grinch himself couldn’t resist.

These rich milk chocolate brownies are topped with a layer of neon-green buttercream frosting, heart sprinkles, and green M&Ms for that unmistakable Whoville look.

The best part? You can make them your way, either start with a boxed brownie mix for quick, no-fuss baking, or go from scratch for a homemade touch. Both versions deliver the same holiday magic: soft, chocolatey centers, creamy frosting, and a little bit of Grinchy cheer in every bite.

Serve them at a Christmas movie night, bake sale, or holiday party, and watch everyone’s heart (and sweet tooth) grow three sizes!

Why You’ll Love These Easy Grinch Brownies

• Two options: quick boxed mix or homemade from scratch.
• Gorgeous green frosting and candy hearts for instant holiday spirit.
• Easy to make, even with kids.
• Perfect for Christmas parties, movie nights, or edible gifts.
• Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead holiday baking.

Ingredients for Grinch Brownies (Boxed and From Scratch)

For the Brownie Base

Option 1: Boxed Mix

• 1 box milk chocolate brownie mix (plus water, oil, and eggs as directed on the box)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Option 2: From Scratch

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks

For the Grinch Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (add more if you prefer a lighter texture)
• Neon green gel food coloring

For Decoration

• 1 tablespoon heart sprinkles
• 2 tablespoons green M&Ms

How to Bake and Decorate Grinch Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Brownies – Preheat your oven to the temperature listed on your brownie mix box. Prepare the batter as directed on the package, then pour it into a 9×9-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake according to package directions, until the center is set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

Step 2: Cool Completely – Let the brownies cool fully in the pan before frosting. This prevents the butter frosting from melting or sliding off.

Step 3: Make the Frosting – In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until creamy and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and continue to mix until smooth.

Step 4: Tint and Adjust Consistency – Alternate adding neon green gel food coloring and small splashes of heavy cream until the frosting reaches your desired consistency and the perfect shade of Grinch green.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate – Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Top with green M&Ms and heart sprinkles for that signature Grinch look. Cut into squares and enjoy your festive, fudgy holiday treat!

Variations & Serving Ideas

• Peppermint Grinch Brownies: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the frosting and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a minty twist.
• Cookies & Cream Grinch Brownies: Stir ½ cup of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies into the batter before baking, and sprinkle a few crumbs over the green frosting for texture.
• St. Patrick’s Day Twist: Keep the neon green frosting but swap the hearts for gold sprinkles or chocolate coins for a lucky-themed dessert.
• Giftable Treats: Pack brownies in cellophane bags tied with red ribbons and attach a tag reading, “My heart grew three sizes this Christmas!” Great for teachers or neighbors.

Storage, Make-Ahead & Freezing

Wondering how to store these holiday treats so they stay fresh and fudgy? Here’s what works best:

• Room Temperature: Keep brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store them in a cool spot away from direct heat or sunlight.
• Refrigerator: For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving so the frosting softens slightly.
• Freezer: Freeze frosted or unfrosted brownies for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then seal in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy that same soft, chocolatey texture.

No matter how you make them — from scratch or straight from the box, these Grinch brownies are guaranteed to make hearts grow three sizes this Christmas. Between the fudgy chocolate base, the bright green frosting, and those little red hearts, they’re a holiday dessert that spreads cheer with every bite.

If you make these fun brownies, I’d love to see your festive creations! Leave a comment below to share how your heart grew three sizes this season.

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