If holiday baking has you searching for the cutest, most festive treat around, look no further than this Santa Hat Brownies Recipe. Brownie bites topped with fluffy clouds of whipped cream and capped with bright red strawberries are as fun to make as they are to eat. Every bite delivers rich, chocolatey decadence, light cream, and juicy fruit—basically, they’re guaranteed to spread holiday cheer, whether you set them out at a party or share them with your family by the tree.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Santa Hat Brownies Recipe is how you only need a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one does something special. From rich brownie mix to sweet fresh strawberries, every component plays its part in texture, flavor, and festive colors.
- Brownie Mix: The base of your treat, delivering moist, chocolatey goodness in every bite and saving loads of time.
- Eggs, Oil, and Water: Essential for bringing the brownie mix together for that classic, fudgy texture.
- Fresh Strawberries (12, hulled): These make the signature ‘Santa hats’—pick small, bright red berries for the cutest results.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup): Whipped until pillowy soft, this adds a light, creamy contrast to the rich brownies.
- Powdered Sugar (3 tablespoons): Sweetens the whipped cream just the right amount for a balanced treat.
- Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Infuses a lovely, subtle flavor in the whipped cream that ties everything together.
- Mini Marshmallows or White Chocolate Chips (optional): A playful extra for the hat’s tip if you want to add a finishing candy flourish.
How to Make Santa Hat Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Brownies
Start by prepping your oven according to the directions on your brownie mix box. Mix up the batter as the instructions specify, making sure it’s well combined. Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners—these will make popping the brownies out a breeze! Spoon the batter into each cup, filling about two-thirds of the way. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let your brownie bites cool completely in the pan, resisting the urge to dig in just yet!
Step 2: Whip the Cream
While the brownies are cooling, it’s time to whip up the magic fluff. In a cold mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form—meaning the cream holds its shape beautifully when you lift the beaters. This step transforms your brownies into the ultimate bite-sized holiday delight with a cloud-like, sweet topping.
Step 3: Assemble the Santa Hats
Once your brownies have cooled completely, remove them gently from the pan. Transfer your whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a round tip (or a resealable plastic bag with the end snipped off works in a pinch). Pipe a generous circle of whipped cream on top of each brownie. Next, take a hulled strawberry, and place it upside-down right in the center of each creamy swirl—the pointed end points up, like Santa’s hat! Finish each one with a tiny dot of whipped cream on top (or use a mini marshmallow or white chocolate chip if you’re feeling extra fancy).
Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately
These little bites are perfect for prepping ahead or serving up right away. If you’re planning to set them out at a party, pop them in the fridge so the whipped cream stays fluffy and the strawberries fresh. Otherwise, gather everyone and dig in—there’s nothing quite like seeing the delight when these adorable treats make their entrance!
How to Serve Santa Hat Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect finish, dust your platter of Santa Hat Brownies with a shower of powdered sugar to mimic snow. You can also tuck in a few sprigs of fresh mint around your brownies—the contrast of green leaves with the red and white is irresistibly festive! If you love a little sparkle, edible glitter will make them twinkle on your dessert table.
Side Dishes
Set your Santa Hat Brownies Recipe beside mugs of hot cocoa for a classic December combo. They’re also a match made in heaven with a frosty glass of milk, or nestled among other cookies, truffles, and candies on a holiday sweets board. If you’re going for all-out decadence, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a mini sundae effect!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn the presentation of your Santa Hat Brownies into a showstopper: arrange them in a wreath shape on a round platter, alternate them with other festive goodies, or box up a batch for your favorite neighbors. For parties, display them on a tiered cake stand or set each one in a cupcake wrapper with a pretty holiday print. However you serve them, they’re guaranteed to bring out big smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few Santa Hat Brownies left after the celebration, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The whipped cream stays airy for 1 to 2 days, and the strawberries keep their bright, fresh flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the brownie bites themselves (without toppings) for up to two months in a sealed container. Thaw them in the fridge overnight, then assemble with fresh cream and strawberries the day you serve for that just-made feel.
Reheating
Since these treats are best enjoyed cool or at room temperature, skip reheating. If you do freeze the plain brownies, bring them to room temperature first before frosting and finishing them as Santa hats.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite from-scratch recipe, go right ahead—it might make your Santa Hat Brownies Recipe even more special. Just be sure it’s one that stays moist and fudgy so the brownies hold their shape and taste rich under the cream and berries.
How do I keep the whipped cream stable for a party?
If you need your Santa Hat Brownies to look perfect for hours, consider using stabilized whipped cream by dissolving a little gelatin in the cream before whipping, or reach for a tub of store-bought whipped topping for easy handling.
What’s the best way to hull strawberries for this recipe?
You can hull strawberries easily by inserting a small paring knife at an angle, then circling around the stem to remove it. For extra speed, a sturdy straw poked through the bottom of the berry pushes out the stem in one go!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely—just use your favorite gluten-free brownie mix and double-check that your other ingredients, especially the toppings, are gluten-free as well. The Santa Hat Brownies Recipe is wonderfully adaptable for all to enjoy.
Do these travel well for gifting or potlucks?
They sure do! Just chill them thoroughly, use a container with a tight-fitting lid, and consider adding a little wax paper between layers so the hats stay intact. They’re always a hit at cookie swaps and holiday gatherings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about pulling a tray of these Santa Hat Brownies Recipe out for friends and family. They’re quick, crowd-pleasing, and almost too adorable to eat—almost! I’d love for you to share these at your next gathering and see just how much joy a single bite can bring. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with sweet moments!
Print
Santa Hat Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Santa Hat Brownies are adorable and delicious festive treats that are perfect for Christmas or holiday gatherings. With a moist brownie base, sweet whipped cream, and juicy strawberries, these cute little bites will bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Ingredients
Brownie Base:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box – usually oil, water, and eggs)
Toppings:
- 12 fresh strawberries (hulled)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: mini marshmallows or white chocolate chips for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare Brownie Base: Preheat your oven and prepare brownie mix as directed. Fill mini muffin tin with batter and bake.
- Make Whipped Cream: Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble Santa Hats: Pipe whipped cream on brownies, place strawberry on top, and add a small dot of cream on the berry.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- To keep whipped cream stable longer, use stabilized whipped cream or swap for store-bought whipped topping.
- Mini brownies freeze well and can be assembled the day of serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
