Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive, fun, and ridiculously easy holiday treat, you’ll absolutely adore this Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe. I remember the first time I made these—they were an instant hit at my holiday party! Picture fudgy brownies topped with fluffy frosting and a bright red strawberry that looks just like Santa’s hat. It’s not only adorable but also super delicious and so simple you can whip them up in no time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how this recipe keeps things simple but uses quality ingredients that work beautifully together. Using a mix of homemade or store-bought brownies makes it versatile, and the no-churn frosting means you don’t need a fancy mixer—though it does help! Here’s what you’ll want to gather before diving in.

• Brownies: I usually use fudgy, chocolatey brownies—either homemade or a good-quality boxed mix works wonderfully.
• Fresh Strawberries: Choose firm, ripe strawberries with a nice red color—they form the “hat” and should sit nicely on the frosting.
• Unsalted Butter: Makes the frosting rich and smooth. Softened butter blends better, so remember to take it out of the fridge ahead of time.
• Powdered Sugar: For the frosting’s sweetness and fluffiness; sift it if you have time to avoid lumps.
• Half and Half: Adds creaminess to the frosting without thinning it too much—no heavy cream needed here!
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash lifts the frosting flavor and complements the chocolate.

Variations

I love playing around with these Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe—I find a little creativity makes the holidays even sweeter. Feel free to personalize the frosting, the berry topping, or even the brownie base to fit your family’s taste.

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped regular brownies with a gluten-free mix once, and they still were a huge hit; just make sure the frosting ingredients are free of gluten.
• Different Berries: I’ve used raspberries instead of strawberries when out of season, giving a tangy twist that’s just as charming.
• Flavored Frosting: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or peppermint extract adds a festive holiday vibe that your guests will love.
• Dairy-Free Option: Try coconut oil and powdered coconut milk to make a similar frosting, perfect if you’re catering to dairy-sensitive friends.

How to Make Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe

Step 1: Arrange Your Brownies

Start by placing your brownies in a single layer on a serving tray or platter. I like using brownies that are already cut into even squares so each “hat” has its own perfect base. This makes assembly way easier and gives a neat look that’ll wow your guests.

Step 2: Prepare the Fluffy Frosting

In a mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, half and half, and vanilla extract. Then beat it all together with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until the frosting is silky and fluffy. This step is key because it makes the frosting light enough to pipe smoothly on the brownies. If you don’t have a mixer, a vigorous hand whisking works, but it just takes a bit longer.

Step 3: Pipe the Frosting onto Brownies

Spoon the frosting into a piping bag, or if you’re like me and don’t own one, snip a tiny corner off a sturdy Ziploc bag. Pipe a swirl of frosting onto the center of each brownie square—it should look like the “fluffy” part of Santa’s hat. If you want to get fancy, try a star tip for a textured finish, but plain works perfectly too!

Step 4: Add Strawberries and Frosting Dot

Place one fresh strawberry on top of each frosting swirl, cut side down so it looks like the pointed top of the Santa hat. For that perfect finishing touch, pipe a tiny dot of frosting on the tip of each strawberry—like the fluffy pompom on Santa’s hat. This little detail makes all the difference visually and adds a sweet creaminess to every bite.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Pop the tray in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the frosting firm up a bit. This helps everything set together nicely and makes them easier to handle. I like to keep these chilled until right before guests arrive; that keeps the strawberries fresh and the frosting delightful.

How to Serve Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple here—the strawberry and frosting already make a statement! But if you want to add a sprinkle of festive magic, a light dusting of powdered sugar looks like snow and adds extra sweetness. Alternatively, a small mint leaf peeking out from under the strawberry adds a pop of green and freshness.

Side Dishes

This treat works well as a sweet finish to any holiday meal. I love pairing it with a simple cup of hot cocoa or a spiced tea. If you want to serve a spread, soft whipped cream or vanilla ice cream alongside really complements the fudgy brownies and strawberry tartness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging these brownies on a platter lined with pine needles or festive napkins to amp up the holiday spirit. Sometimes I use decorative toothpicks with a little flag or tiny bell to hold strawberries in place during transport—kids love it! You could also set them up like mini Santa hats standing tall on cupcake liners for an extra cute touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these brownies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh and the strawberries firm. They last well for up to 2 days, but honestly, they usually disappear by then because everyone can’t resist grabbing another!

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing assembled Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe because the strawberries don’t freeze well fresh. However, you can freeze the plain brownies beforehand and defrost them fully before frosting and assembling your hats. This trick saves time on busy holiday days.

Reheating

If you want to serve these warm, gently remove the strawberries and frosting first, warm the brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, then re-pipe fresh frosting and add the strawberries back. This way, you get that warm brownie goodness without melting the creamy frosting.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe has become my go-to for holiday parties and family gatherings because it’s easy, adorable, and absolutely delicious. The combination of rich chocolate, sweet creamy frosting, and fresh berries creates a treat that everyone loves. I hope you give it a try this season—you’ll impress your friends and family while enjoying the simple joy of festive baking together.

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