Description
These Santa Belly Brownies are the ultimate holiday dessert—fun to make, rich and chocolatey, and topped with a festive red glaze that steals the spotlight. With a fudgy brownie base and Santa’s iconic belt crafted from candy, these treats are perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or a creative family baking night. Whether you’re looking for a fun food idea, an easy recipe for a Christmas treat, or just need new dessert or snack inspiration, these brownies will check every box. They’re a delightful blend of visual appeal and decadent flavor, making them a must-try for your next winter gathering.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips
1 cup red mirror glaze or melted red candy melts
1/4 cup modeling chocolate or licorice strips
1/4 cup yellow fondant or candy buckles
1 tablespoon gold sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in granulated and brown sugar until dissolved. Let cool slightly.
2. Whisk in eggs and vanilla until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Combine with the wet ingredients.
4. Fold in chocolate chunks.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
6. Pour batter into the pan, spread evenly, and bake for 30–35 minutes.
7. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan—about 1 hour.
8. If using mirror glaze, let it cool to about 90°F. If using candy melts, melt and let slightly thicken.
9. Lift brownies out and cut into squares once cooled.
10. Pour red glaze over each square, letting it drip slightly over edges.
11. Form belts with modeling chocolate or licorice strips and place across the top.
12. Add a yellow fondant buckle or candy buckle to the center of each belt.
13. Sprinkle gold glitter if using.
14. Let the decorations set at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For clean cuts, use a serrated or plastic knife and wipe between each slice.
Let the brownies cool fully before decorating to avoid melting the glaze.
Mirror glaze works best when cooled to about 90°F for a shiny finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg