Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive and utterly adorable dessert to wow your holiday guests, I’ve got just the thing for you. These Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe are not only super easy to whip up but also absolutely delightful both visually and taste-wise. I love this recipe because it combines rich, fudgy brownies with the fresh burst of strawberries and creamy frosting – it’s a simple treat that feels fancy! Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to ensure your Santa Hat Brownies come out perfect every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, and that’s one reason I keep coming back to this Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe. Each component plays a role in balancing richness and freshness.

• Brownies: Use your favorite boxed mix or homemade brownies as the chewy, chocolatey base.
• Fresh Strawberries: Aim for firm, ripe strawberries since they’re the “hat” tops – washed and hulled for easy use.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened for a smooth frosting texture without extra saltiness.
• Powdered Sugar: This gives the frosting its sweet, silky finish and works perfectly with butter to create that fluffy feel.
• Half and Half: Adds creaminess to the frosting – you can also use milk if needed.
• Vanilla Extract: This little touch of vanilla elevates the frosting flavor to something special.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe is how flexible it is. I like playing around with it to suit my family’s tastes or different dietary needs – and you can totally make it your own!

• Using Cream Cheese Frosting: I swapped the buttercream for cream cheese frosting once, and the tanginess paired beautifully with the strawberries.
• Gluten-Free Brownies: I’ve tried this using gluten-free brownie mixes, and it worked just as well – no one noticed the difference!
• Vegan Version: Substitute vegan butter and plant-based milk to make this friendly for vegan friends, and the strawberries still shine.
• Mini Brownies: For parties, I like using mini brownie bites and topping them with smaller strawberry slices to keep it bite-sized and fun.

How to Make Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe

Step 1: Arrange Your Brownies

Start by laying out your brownies in a single layer on a serving tray or platter. If you’re using a boxed mix, make sure your brownies are fully cooled before decorating—that frosting won’t behave well on something warm! I usually make these the day before, so they’re nice and firm.

Step 2: Whip Up the Frosting

Combine the softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, half and half, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Beat them with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes or until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. When I first tried this, I underestimated the beating time and ended up with dense frosting – the extra minute really makes a difference, I promise!

Step 3: Pipe the Frosting “Brim” and Dot

Transfer the frosting into a piping bag. If you don’t have one, I use a simple Ziploc bag and snip off a small corner to pipe. Swirl or pipe a generous mound of frosting on top of each brownie, shaping it like the white brim of a Santa hat.

Step 4: Top with Strawberries

Place a fresh strawberry on each frosted brownie, cut side down. This strawberry becomes the Santa hat cone – vibrant red and juicy, it contrasts beautifully with the white frosting. For the finishing touch, pipe a small dot of frosting on the tip of each strawberry to mimic the pom-pom on Santa’s hat.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Pop the platter into the fridge until you’re ready to serve. I find chilling the brownies helps the frosting set up nicely and keeps the strawberries fresh. Plus, it makes handling them less messy!

How to Serve Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple here to let the brownies be the star. A light dusting of powdered sugar around the serving platter adds a snowy vibe, and sometimes I toss a few mint leaves nearby for a pop of green – it really amps up the seasonal feel.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or a spiced holiday tea. If you want to make your dessert table extra special, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday party, I like arranging these brownies on a tiered cake stand surrounded by fresh pine sprigs and fairy lights—instant festive centerpiece! Another fun idea is to package individual brownies in clear holiday bags tied with red ribbons as sweet edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always place leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for about 3-4 days without losing their texture or flavor. The frosting holds up nicely chilled, so it’s perfect for making ahead of time.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen these brownies (without the topping strawberries) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh strawberries and frosting right before the party.

Reheating

Since these are meant to be enjoyed chilled, I skip reheating—but if you want your brownies a little softer, bring them to room temperature for 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving with frosting on to keep its shape intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Santa Hat Brownies with Strawberries Recipe is one of those charming, no-stress desserts that really capture the spirit of the season. I always look forward to making them because they bring a smile to everyone’s face, from kids to adults. They’re easy enough for a quick weekday treat but festive and pretty enough for a holiday party. Give this recipe a try—trust me, once you do, your family will be begging for these each Christmas!

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