Introduction

These Christmas reindeer brownies are a festive twist on a classic chocolate treat. Rich, fudgy, and topped with fun decorations, they’re perfect for holiday parties and family gatherings. Easy to make and sure to delight both kids and adults alike!

Five square-shaped chocolate brownies are decorated to look like reindeer, each with two twisted pretzel pieces on top for antlers. The brownies have small white candy eyes with black pupils, and a round red candy nose placed near the center of the top surface. The cracks and texture of the brownies add a rough, homemade look. They are arranged on a white marbled surface with some crumbs scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

275 g (1 1/3 cup) butter, softened
375 g (1 1/3 cup) caster sugar
4 eggs
75 g (½ cup) cocoa powder
100 g (¾ cup) self-raising flour
100 g (2/3 cup) chocolate chips
30 icing eyes
15 red Smarties
30 small pretzels

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan) / 375°F. Grease and line a 30×23 cm baking tin with baking paper.
Step 2: Measure out all the brownie ingredients and add them to a large mixing bowl or freestanding mixer.
Step 3: Mix everything together using a hand mixer, wooden spoons, or the paddle attachment of your stand mixer until smooth and combined.
Step 4: Spoon or pour the brownie mixture into the prepared tin. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and level the top.
Step 5: Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil for the last 10-15 minutes.
Step 6: The brownies are done when the top has a nice crust and a skewer inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. A little gooeyness is fine if you prefer fudgy brownies.
Step 7: Allow the brownies to cool completely, then remove from the tin and cut into 15-20 squares depending on your desired size.
Step 8: For decoration, gently push a small pretzel into one corner of each brownie piece to form antlers, repeating for the other side.
Step 9: Attach one red Smartie for the nose and two icing eyes above it. Use a small dab of icing or melted chocolate to stick them securely.

Tips & Variations

Substitute self-raising flour with plain flour plus 1½ tsp baking powder if needed.
Use different colored candies for noses to personalize your reindeer.
For extra richness, add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to the batter.
Try using mini marshmallows or chopped nuts for added texture inside the brownies.

Storage

Store the decorated brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to one week. Before serving, bring them to room temperature or warm slightly for the best texture. These brownies also freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before decorating.

How to Serve

There are two small square chocolate brownies placed on a white marbled surface. Each brownie has two pretzels stuck at the top back to look like reindeer antlers. On the front, each brownie has two white candy eyes with black dots and a round red candy in the center as a nose, giving a reindeer face look. The brownies have a slightly cracked, textured top with a rich dark brown color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes a raising agent. Be sure to check the cocoa powder and chocolate chips are gluten-free as well.

How do I prevent the brownies from drying out?

Make sure to check the brownies slightly before the recommended baking time finishes; overbaking leads to dryness. Also, store them properly in an airtight container to maintain moisture.