The holiday season is the perfect time to mix baking with creativity, and these Rudolph Brownies are the cutest treats you’ll make this year! With fudgy, chocolatey brownies serving as the base and fun decorations like pretzel antlers, candy noses, and googly eyes, these are sure to bring big smiles to kids and adults alike. These brownies are so much fun to assemble, and they’re perfect for holiday parties, school events, or even as a sweet family activity. Let’s bake some adorable Rudolph Brownies together!
What You’ll Need
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For Decorating Rudolph:
- Small pretzel twists (for antlers)
- Red M&Ms or red candy-coated chocolates (for noses)
- Candy googly eyes (or mini marshmallows with dots of melted chocolate for eyes)
- ½ cup melted chocolate or chocolate frosting (to attach the decorations)
Pro Tips
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined for the fudgiest texture. Overmixing can make brownies tough.
- Line the Pan: Use parchment paper to line your baking pan for easy removal and clean cuts.
- Chill Before Cutting: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares—this ensures clean edges and prevents cracking.
- Make Decorating Easier: Assemble your decorating station with pretzels, candies, and melted chocolate ahead of time to make the process smoother (and mess-free).
- Get the Kids Involved: Let kids place the candy eyes and noses—imperfections make these treats even cuter!
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free.
- Chewy vs. Fudgy: For a more cakey brownie, add an extra egg. For ultra-fudgy brownies, use less flour (¾ cup).
- Nose Variations: Swap red M&Ms for small gumdrops or red candy hearts for a different look.
- Antler Ideas: Use candy canes broken into small pieces instead of pretzels for antlers.
- Vegan Option: Use flax eggs and dairy-free chocolate to make these vegan-friendly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Brownies: You can bake the brownies up to 2 days in advance. Store them tightly wrapped at room temperature and decorate the day you plan to serve them.
- Decorations: Prep the candies and pretzels ahead of time and store them in airtight containers until you’re ready to decorate.
How to Make Rudolph Brownies
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk again until combined.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
4. Bake the Brownies
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
5. Cut and Decorate
Cut the brownies into 9 or 12 squares. Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals. Use the melted chocolate to attach the candy eyes, red M&M noses, and pretzel antlers to each brownie.
6. Serve
Arrange the decorated Rudolph Brownies on a festive serving plate. Garnish with sprinkles or powdered sugar for extra holiday flair, and enjoy!
Leftovers and Storage
- Room Temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze undecorated brownies for up to 2 months. Thaw and decorate when ready to serve.
Conclusion
These Rudolph Brownies are the ultimate holiday treat—festive, delicious, and so much fun to make! Whether you’re baking them for a party or just for fun with your kids, these adorable treats will be a hit. The fudgy brownies paired with the salty crunch of pretzels make every bite irresistible. I’d love to hear how your Rudolph Brownies turned out! Leave a comment below with your feedback or any creative twists you added to the recipe. Happy baking and happy holidays!
