These Santa Hat Brownies are a festive and whimsical holiday treat that combine rich, fudgy brownies with cheerful Christmas-themed decorations. Cut into triangles and topped with bright red frosting, fluffy coconut trim, and mini marshmallow pom-poms, these brownies bring the jolly spirit of Santa Claus right to your dessert table. Perfect for parties, school events, or a cozy night of baking, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Santa Hat Brownies are a delightful mix of flavor, texture, and festive design. Here’s why they’ll become a seasonal favorite:

Rich, fudgy brownies serve as the perfect chocolatey base.
Eye-catching decorations make them a holiday showstopper.
Easy to cut and decorate—great for involving kids in the kitchen.
No complex tools or advanced decorating skills needed.
Ideal for holiday platters, gift boxes, or cookie swaps.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the brownies

unsalted butter
granulated sugar
large eggs
vanilla extract
unsweetened cocoa powder
all-purpose flour
salt
baking powder

For decoration

red buttercream frosting or red candy melts
shredded coconut or white snowflake sprinkles
mini marshmallows or piped frosting for pom-poms

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder to the mixture. Stir until well combined and the batter is uniform.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, lift out the brownies using the parchment paper and cut them into triangles to resemble Santa hats.
Pipe or spread red frosting over each triangle to create the hat.
Press shredded coconut or white sprinkles along the base of each hat to resemble Santa’s fur trim.
Add a mini marshmallow or a piped dollop of white frosting at the tip of each hat for the pom-pom.
Chill the decorated brownies until the frosting is set.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 brownies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories per Serving: 230 kcal

Variations

Use a boxed brownie mix: Save time by using your favorite boxed mix as the base.
Add peppermint extract: Stir 1/4 teaspoon into the batter for a minty holiday twist.
White chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosting for added flair.
Add crushed candy canes: Sprinkle over the frosting for extra holiday sparkle.
Use fondant: Cut small white fondant balls for pom-poms if you prefer a cleaner look over marshmallows.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Freeze undecorated brownies for up to 2 months. Decorate after thawing to maintain texture and appearance.

Reheating: Not necessary for these treats; enjoy them chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes. Bake and cool the brownies a day in advance, then decorate them the day you plan to serve.

What kind of red frosting works best?

Buttercream is easiest to work with and holds its shape well. Red candy melts also provide a smooth, glossy finish.

How do I keep the frosting from smearing when cutting?

Cut the brownies before decorating for cleaner edges and easier handling.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, you can tint white frosting red using gel food coloring for convenience.

Do I have to use shredded coconut?

No, white sprinkles or piped white frosting work well as a substitute.

How do I cut the brownies evenly into triangles?

Cut the square pan into 3 rows and then cut alternating diagonals through each row to create triangle shapes.

Are these good for bake sales?

Absolutely. They’re visually appealing, easy to package, and loved by both kids and adults.

What’s the best way to color the frosting red?

Use gel food coloring for vibrant results without thinning the frosting.

Can I add toppings like sprinkles or edible glitter?

Yes. Edible glitter adds sparkle and festive charm—just be sure it’s labeled food-safe.

Are these suitable for children to decorate?

Definitely. Kids will love adding the coconut trim and placing marshmallow pom-poms.

Conclusion

Santa Hat Brownies are the perfect fusion of festive flair and rich chocolate flavor. Easy to make, fun to decorate, and sure to brighten any holiday gathering, these treats bring the magic of Christmas to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, filling a holiday tray, or enjoying a family baking day, these brownies are a jolly addition to your seasonal celebrations.

Santa Hat Brownies

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Get merry with these Santa Hat Brownies! Fudgy and festive, these triangle-shaped brownies are topped with bright red frosting, coconut flake “fur,” and marshmallow pom-poms—making them the perfect Christmas party treat. Easy to make, kid-friendly, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser on your holiday dessert table!

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 brownies
Category: Dessert, Holiday Baking
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a saucepan, melt butter. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Mix in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined.
Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan.
Once cool, remove and cut into triangle shapes (like Santa hats).
Spread or pipe red frosting on each triangle.
Line the base of each hat with shredded coconut or white sprinkles to mimic fur trim.
Add a mini marshmallow or a piped dot of white frosting to the tip as the pom-pom.
Chill to set and serve your holly jolly brownie creations!

Notes

Use gel food coloring to get a vibrant red hue in frosting if making your own.
For even slicing, chill the brownies briefly before cutting.
Great for school parties, cookie exchanges, or decorating with kids.

Nutrition

Calories: 230 kcal per brownie