Santa Hat Brownies (Easy Gluten-Free Recipe)

• Unsalted Butter – vegan butter also works great if you’re wanting it dairy-free.
• Granulated Sugar – you can try coconut sugar as well, but you will most likely need more of it.
• Eggs 
• Vanilla Extract 
• Gluten-Free All purpose flour – I used Bob’s Red Mill, however any gluten free flour with xanthan gum will work.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder 
• Baking powder 
• Sea salt
• Semisweet Chocolate chips – can use chocolate chunks as well. 
• Red and white frosting – can make homemade frosting by combining icing sugar, butter, vanilla extract, milk and red food colouring. If cream cheese frosting is prefered, add some cream cheese to this mixture. 
• Optional – mini marshmallows for the top of santa’s iconic hat, fresh fruit, brown sugar, dark chocolate, white chocolate, boxed brownie mix, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE CHOCOLATEY BROWNIES

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low-medium heat. Add in sugar slowly and whisk continuously (this step is very important as it helps melt the sugar, which will give the brownies a the flakey crackly crust on the top). 
3. Continue whisking for approx 1-2 minutes after all the sugar has dissolved.
4. Transfer the butter mixture over to a large bowl and let cool slightly. Add in eggs one at a time, whisking vigorously between each egg, then add the vanilla.
5. In a separate bowl, sift the cocoa powder, gluten free flour, baking powder and salt.
6. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Transfer the brownie batter over to the prepared pan and top with chocolate chips, cacao nibs, or chopped nuts if you desire.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes in preheated oven, ensuring you do not over bake.
8. Remove from the oven and cool for about 15 minutes. Using a sharp knife, cut in half then cut in alternating diagonals into triangle shapes, as in the photo shown below.
9. Spoon the red icing into one zip lock bag or piping bag and the white icing into another.
10. Seal the bags and cut off a small corner with scissors.
11. Squeeze out the icing in a curvy zigzag as you fill the center with red icing. Finish the bottom and top off with white icing as pictured.
12. Enjoy your new favorite holiday sweet treat!

STORING THE LEFTOVER PERFECT DESSERT

Ah, the million-dollar question – how to keep those delightful Gluten-Free Santa Hat Brownies fresh and ready for enjoyment? Fear not, my friend! Here’s the scoop on storing these festive treats:

1. 1. Refrigerator: Since the buttercream frosting is perishable, store the brownies in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving to enjoy that soft, fudgy texture.
   2. Freezer: Want to save some for later? You can freeze these beauties! Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to firm up, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them in the fridge overnight and enjoy!
   3. Pro tip: If you’re stacking the brownies in a container, separate layers with parchment paper to keep the frosting from smudging.

FAQS

CAN I MAKE THE CHRISTMAS BROWNIE BITES AHEAD OF TIME?

Absolutely! These mini brownie bites are perfect for preparing in advance. You can bake and decorate them a day or two before your event, keeping them fresh and ready to impress.

HOW DO I PREVENT THE RED FROSTING FROM BLEEDING INTO THE WHITE FROSTING IN THE SANTA HAT BROWNIES?

Make sure the brownies are completely cooled before applying the red frosting. Additionally, store them in a single layer or separate layers with parchment paper to prevent any potential bleeding.

ARE THERE SOME DIFFERENT VERSIONS YOU CAN TRY OF THIS CHRISTMAS TREAT?

Yes, absolutely! You can decorate them with green icing and festive sprinkles to make Gluten-Free Brownie Christmas Trees.

CAN I DECORATE THESE SANTA HAT BROWNIES USING SOMETHING OTHER THAN BUTTERCREAM FROSTING?

You can actually make strawberry santa hat brownies with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Cut off the tops of the strawberries and add the tip of the strawberry upside down to the top of the brownie with whipped cream.

It works better by making these into round bite-sized treats by using a mini muffin tin. Strawberry santa hat brownie bites are a great alternative if you want less frosting.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO THAW FROZEN HOMEMADE BROWNIES?

To thaw frozen brownies, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. For a quicker option, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, but be cautious not to overheat them.

CAN I USE A BOX BROWNIE MIX TO SAVE TIME ON THESE SANTA HAT BROWNIES?

Yes. That time of year is always so busy, so to save yourself time you can absolutely used a boxed mix or store-bought brownie bites. I recommend a Betty Crocker box mix.

HOW LONG WILL THIS ADORABLE DESSERT STAY FRESH?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these brownies will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. If refrigerated or frozen, they can last even longer while maintaining their deliciousness.

This decadent brownie is perfect to make ahead of time for holiday gatherings or a Christmas party. They’re also the perfect last-minute treat if you can’t figure out what else to make.

Other Desserts You May Like To Try During The Holiday Season!

• Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Christmas Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
• Vegan Classic Rice Krispie Treats
• Heart Shaped Jam Thumbprint Cookies
• Vegan & Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Gluten Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
• Easy Chocolate Marshmallow Squares With Rice Krispies
• Gluten-Free Christmas M&M Cookies
• Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bites
• 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge
• Easy Snowman Cake Pops
• Cranberry Bliss Saltine Toffee
• Peanut Butter Marshmallow Butterscotch Squares
• Gluten-Free Hot Chocolate Christmas Cookies

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Yield: 10 santa hats

Gluten-Free Santa Hat Brownies (Easy Christmas Recipe)

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Indulge in festive sweetness with our Gluten-Free Santa Hat Brownies – a delightful blend of rich, fudgy brownies crowned with whimsical red frosting, resembling Santa's iconic hat. Perfect for gluten-sensitive treat lovers, these adorable brownies bring a taste of holiday magic in every chewy and gluten-free bite.

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

FOR BROWNIES

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/4 cups granulated white sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup gluten free flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips

FOR BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk
• Red food colouring

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low-medium heat. Add in sugar slowly and whisk continuously (this step is very important as it helps melt the sugar, which will give the brownies a the flakey crackly crust on the top). 
3. Continue whisking for approx 1-2 minutes after all the sugar has dissolved.
4. Transfer the butter mixture over to a large bowl and let cool slightly. Add in eggs one at a time, whisking vigorously between each egg, then add the vanilla.
5. In a separate bowl, sift the cocoa powder, gluten free flour, baking powder and salt.
6. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Transfer the brownie batter over to the prepared pan and top with chocolate chips, cacao nibs, or chopped nuts if you desire.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes in preheated oven, ensuring you do not over bake.
8. Remove from the oven and cool for about 15 minutes. Cut in half then cut in alternating diagonals into triangle shapes, as in the photo shown above in this blog post.
9. Spoon the red icing into one zip lock bag or piping bag and the white icing into another.
10. Seal the bags and cut off a small corner with scissors.
11. Squeeze out the icing in a curvy zigzag as you fill the center with red icing. Finish the bottom and top off with white icing as pictured.
12. Enjoy your new favorite holiday sweet treat!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 338Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 91mgCarbohydrates: 83gFiber: 2gSugar: 70gProtein: 5g

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

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