Gluten-Free Santa Hat Brownies (Easy Christmas 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 and milk. If cream cheese frosting is prefered, add some cream cheese to this mixture. 

HOW TO MAKE

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 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!

HOW TO STORE STRAWBERRY SANTA HAT BROWNIES

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. Room Temperature Magic: If you plan on devouring these brownies within a few days, storing them at room temperature in an airtight container is your best bet. Make sure the container has a snug lid to keep the brownies moist and delicious.
2. Fridge for Extended Freshness: If you anticipate keeping your Santa Hat Brownies for a bit longer – perhaps you’re planning ahead for holiday gatherings – the refrigerator is your ally. Place the brownies in an airtight container or cover them tightly with plastic wrap before storing in the fridge.
3. Freezing for Future Delight: Need to save these festive treats for a special occasion or want to make a big batch in advance? Freeze them! Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, place them in a zip-top freezer bag, and voila! When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Pro Tips for Storage:

• Layer with Parchment Paper: When stacking brownies in a container, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This way, each brownie will be as pristine as Santa’s freshly fallen snow.
• Avoid Odor Absorption: If you’re storing these brownies in the fridge or freezer, be cautious of odors. Ensure they are sealed well to prevent any unwanted scents from infiltrating your delicious treats.
• Separate Frosting from Brownies: If you need to stack the brownies, consider placing a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent the red frosting from sticking to the brownies above or below.

FAQS

CAN I MAKE THE CHRISTMAS BROWNIE BITES AHEAD OF TIME?

Absolutely! These brownies 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 AND 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?

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

CAN I DECORATE USING SOMETHING OTHER THAN BUTTERCREAM FROSTING?

You can actually make strawberry santa hats 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?

Yes. That time of year is always so busy, so to save yourself time you can absolutely used a boxed mix. 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.

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