12 Days of Christmas Treats: Santa Hat Brownies

Editor’s Note: Welcome to the 2014 edition of The 12 Days of Christmas Treats! Over 12 days we’ll bring you a new, scrumptious recipe for a holiday cookie, cake, or other sweet treat. Whether you leave them out for Santa or simply sample them all yourself is up to you, we just encourage you to try them all! Leave your comments below each recipe and upload a photo if you make your own batch at home. Season’s Eatings!

by Amy Johnson, Director of Communications & Administration, Rocket Sports Media

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Making a fun treat for Christmas doesn’t have to mean spending an entire day in your kitchen.  There are plenty of ways to dress up even the simplest desserts for some festive centerpieces on your dessert table!  Today’s creation is perfect for kids and adults alike, and they’re perfect for a cookie exchange!

Santa Hat Brownies

Prep/Cook Time: 1 hour

Yield: 24 brownie bites

Ingredients: 
1 box brownie mix
24 strawberries
1 cup vanilla frosting

1. Mix and bake brownies according to package instructions in an 8 x 8 square pan.  Allow them to cool completely.

2. Remove the brownies to a cutting board and cut them into one-inch squares.  (Clean the knife with cold water in between slices to avoid brownie buildup as you cut.)

3. Spread a thick layer of vanilla frosting onto the top of each brownie square – don’t be stingy with it!

4. Cut the tops off of each strawberry, along with a small bit off of each tip.  Place one strawberry, top side down, into the frosting on each brownie.

5. Finally, add a tiny “puff” of vanilla frosting to the tip of the strawberry to mimic the fuzzy top of Santa’s hat!  It’s an easy and festive way to make a treat that tastes like chocolate-covered strawberries!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for our next holiday recipe – Maple Walnut Sandies! And if you missed any of our previous recipes in this series, take a moment to check them out below:

Day 1 – Chewy Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Day 2 – Lemon-Ginger Wafers

Photo credits: Amy Johnson

Tags: baking, brownies, chocolate, christmas, cookies, featured, game day meal, holiday, strawberry, treats