If you’re looking for an irresistible and festive treat this holiday season, the Santa Hat Brownies Recipe is just what you need. These adorable mini brownies topped with fresh strawberries and fluffy whipped cream not only capture the joyful spirit of the season but also deliver a delightful combination of rich chocolate and sweet cream. It’s a fun, simple dessert that brings smiles to any gathering, and once you try this recipe, you’ll find it hard to go back to ordinary brownies again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this Santa Hat Brownies Recipe. Each component, from the fudgy brownie mix to the fresh strawberries and silky whipped cream, plays an essential role in creating a treat that’s as delicious as it is charming.
- 1 box brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water): The base of our brownies, providing that classic rich and chocolaty flavor with ease using a mix.
- 12 fresh strawberries (hulled): These act as the perfect “hat” topper, adding brightness and natural sweetness.
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped into stiff peaks, this cream is what brings a luscious, light texture to mimic the fluffy trim of Santa’s hat.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream gently without graininess for a smooth finish.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the whipped cream’s flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Nonstick spray or parchment paper for pan: Essential for easy removal of the mini brownies from the muffin tin without breaking.
How to Make Santa Hat Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Brownies
Begin by preheating your oven according to the instructions on your brownie mix box. Grease a mini muffin tin well with nonstick spray or line with parchment liners to prevent sticking. Mix your brownie batter as directed on the box for the best fudgy texture. Then, carefully spoon the batter into each mini muffin cup, filling them approximately three-quarters full to allow space for rising and easy handling after baking.
Step 2: Bake to Perfection
Bake the mini brownies for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye toward the end of baking to avoid drying them out—these should stay moist and tender. Once out of the oven, let them cool completely while still in the pan so they firm up slightly and release easily without crumbling.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
While your brownies simmer in cooling bliss, it’s time to make the whipped cream that will give your Santa hats their signature puff. Use a chilled bowl and beaters if possible for quicker whipping. Combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, then whip until stiff peaks form—this means the cream holds its shape well without drooping.
Step 4: Assemble the Santa Hats
Transfer your freshly whipped cream into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off for easy piping. Pipe a swirl of whipped cream on the top of each mini brownie, giving it a fluffy appearance reminiscent of Santa’s hat trim. Gently place a hulled strawberry upside down on each whipped cream swirl, pointy side up, creating the iconic red hat shape. Finish by piping a small dot of cream onto the tip of each strawberry to replicate Santa’s fluffy pompom.
How to Serve Santa Hat Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the festive look by dusting your plate lightly with powdered sugar to resemble snow or adding a few small sprigs of fresh mint for a pop of green contrast. Edible glitter or red and white sprinkles can also take these brownies to the next level of holiday cheer.
Side Dishes
These brownies shine all on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot cocoa can create an indulgent winter dessert duo. Additionally, a simple bowl of mixed fresh berries complements the strawberries on the brownies and adds a refreshing burst of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming party centerpiece, arrange the Santa Hat Brownies Recipe treats on a festive platter lined with pine needles or holiday-themed napkins. You can also serve them individually in mini cupcake liners or place them atop a layer of whipped cream in clear cups for portable and fun holiday treats that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Santa Hat Brownies fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The whipped cream topping is delicate but will hold up well for up to two days when chilled properly. If the cream loses a bit of volume, you can gently re-pipe fresh dollops before serving.
Freezing
These mini brownies freeze beautifully if you want to prepare in advance. Freeze the plain mini brownies (without whipped cream) on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and add whipped cream and strawberries fresh for best results.
Reheating
Warm your leftover brownies slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back some softness and warmth, but avoid heating the whipped cream. Instead, reassemble the hats by adding fresh whipped cream and strawberries after reheating for that perfect presentation and taste.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using homemade brownie batter will work just as wonderfully and allows you to customize the richness and texture to your liking. Just bake the batter in the mini muffin tins similarly and follow the rest of the steps as usual.
What if I don’t have heavy whipping cream?
If heavy whipping cream isn’t available, you can substitute with canned coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just chill and whip it the same way to get a light and fluffy texture that will hold up beautifully with the strawberries.
How do I keep the whipped cream stable for longer periods?
To keep whipped cream stable, chill all your equipment before whipping, and consider adding a small amount of cream stabilizer or powdered gelatin. This helps the cream maintain its shape, especially if you need to prepare the brownies ahead of time.
Can I make these brownies without strawberries?
If strawberries aren’t your favorite or you want to try something different, try substituting with raspberries or even small pieces of red bell pepper for a creative twist. Just remember the classic look is best achieved with those sweet strawberries!
Are these brownies suitable for kids’ parties?
Yes, they’re perfect for kids because they are small, easy to eat, and visually fun. Plus, there’s no complicated decorating needed, so little ones can try their hand at assembling their own Santa hats as a festive activity.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Santa Hat Brownies Recipe that instantly lifts the spirit of any holiday celebration. They’re charming, simple to make, and a crowd-pleaser that brings both sweetness and a playful visual treat to your dessert table. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and add a little extra joy to your festive festivities!
Print
Santa Hat Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini Santa hat brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Santa Hat Brownies are a festive and fun holiday treat featuring rich mini brownies topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh strawberries shaped like Santa hats. Perfect for Christmas parties and kids, these delightful bite-sized desserts are easy to make using a boxed brownie mix and simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 box brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed on box)
- Nonstick spray or parchment paper for pan
Whipped Cream Topping
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration
- 12 fresh strawberries, hulled
Instructions
- Prepare the Mini Brownies: Preheat the oven according to the brownie mix package directions. Prepare a mini muffin tin by spraying with nonstick spray or lining with parchment paper mini liners. Mix the brownie batter according to the box instructions, then spoon the batter into the mini muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake the Brownies: Bake the mini brownies for the time indicated on the box for mini muffins, usually between 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely before handling.
- Whip the Cream: While the brownies are cooling, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled mixing bowl. Beat until stiff peaks form, which means the cream holds firm when the beaters are lifted.
- Assemble the Santa Hats: Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off for easy piping. Place a swirl of whipped cream on top of each cooled mini brownie. Place a hulled strawberry upside down on the whipped cream, with the pointed end facing up to resemble a Santa hat.
- Finalize Decoration: Pipe a small dollop of whipped cream on the tip of each strawberry to mimic the fluffy pom-pom of a Santa hat. Chill the finished brownies until ready to serve or serve immediately to enjoy the whipped cream at its freshest.
Notes
- Chilling the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream helps achieve better volume and stability.
- Store-bought whipped topping or buttercream can be used as alternatives to freshly whipped cream.
- This recipe is ideal for holiday parties and is especially loved by children for its festive appearance.
