Christmas Fudge Brownie Bites

These Christmas Fudge Brownie Bites are the ultimate rich and chocolatey treats for the holiday season. Bite-sized and bursting with fudgy goodness, they bring a festive touch with colorful sprinkles on top. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a special homemade gift, each decadent bite melts your heart and satisfies your chocolate cravings like no other.

I made these during my first holiday baking spree and my family couldn’t stop eating them. Now they are a cherished tradition every Christmas season.

Ingredients

• One cup unsalted butter: for a rich, creamy base – choose high quality for best flavor
• Two cups granulated sugar: to balance the deep chocolate notes
• Four large eggs: at room temperature ensure a smooth, shiny batter
• One teaspoon pure vanilla extract: to enhance the chocolate’s aroma
• One cup all-purpose flour: for structure – sift to avoid lumps
• One cup unsweetened cocoa powder: for intense chocolate flavor – Dutch processed if you want a mellow taste
• Half teaspoon salt: to elevate sweetness and balance flavors
• One cup chocolate chips: for delightful melty pockets of chocolate
• Half cup holiday sprinkles: for a cheerful festive touch on top

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. This consistent heat is essential for baking the bites evenly without drying them out.

Prepare Muffin Tin:

Grease a mini muffin tin thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and helps the brownie bites release smoothly after baking.

Melt Butter:

Place one cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until completely melted but not browned. Removing from heat immediately stops cooking and keeps the butter smooth.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

Pour the melted butter into a large mixing bowl. Add two cups granulated sugar, four room temperature eggs, and one teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and fully combined.

Add Dry Ingredients:

Gradually sift in one cup flour, one cup cocoa powder, and half teaspoon salt. Mix carefully but thoroughly to avoid overworking the batter, which can make brownies tough. Stop once the batter is uniform and thick.

Fold in Chocolate Chips:

Gently fold one cup of chocolate chips into the batter so they are evenly distributed. This step ensures melty pockets of chocolate in every bite.

Fill Muffin Tin:

Spoon the batter into each muffin cup, filling about three quarters full. This allows room for the brownies to rise without overflowing.

Bake:

Place the muffin tin on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out with fudgy crumbs but no wet batter.

Cool and Decorate:

Let the brownie bites cool completely right in the tin to set their fudgy texture. Once cooled, sprinkle half a cup of holiday sprinkles on top for a festive finish.

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The sprinkles remind me of childhood holiday parties where the table was always filled with joy and sweet treats. These bites bring back that warm feeling of celebration and togetherness in every bite.

Storage Tips

Store the brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them moist and chewy. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer inside a zippered freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have cocoa powder, you can use melted unsweetened chocolate but reduce the butter slightly. For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a 1 to 1 gluten-free baking blend. Instead of chocolate chips, chopped chocolate bars work beautifully too for a more rustic texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the brownie bites alongside a cup of hot cocoa or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast their fudgy richness. They also pair excellently with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a festive dessert platter.

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Cultural Context

Brownies are an American classic dessert dating back to the early 20th century. This bite-sized twist harks back to holiday traditions where sharing small, sweet treats filled with colorful sprinkles embodies the spirit of Christmas cheer and family gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the brownie bites stay fudgy?

To keep them fudgy, avoid overbaking by checking at 15 minutes. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

→ Can I substitute holiday sprinkles with other toppings?

Yes, chopped nuts or shredded coconut make excellent alternatives for a different texture and flavor.

→ What is the best way to prepare the muffin tin?

Greasing thoroughly with butter or using a non-stick spray helps the bites release easily after baking.

→ Why should eggs be at room temperature?

Room temperature eggs blend better with the batter, ensuring an even and smooth texture.

→ How should I store leftover brownie bites?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.