Picture this: rich, velvety brownies with that signature red velvet flavor, topped with a luxurious cream cheese swirl, and dusted with a light coating of powdered sugar that looks just like fresh snow. These Red Velvet Christmas Brownies are about to become your new holiday tradition! They combine the beloved flavors of classic red velvet cake with the fudgy texture of brownies, creating a dessert that’s both festive and absolutely irresistible.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, bringing treats to the office, or just want to fill your home with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked goods, these brownies deliver on every front. The gorgeous red color makes them perfect for Christmas celebrations, while the tangy cream cheese topping adds that signature red velvet taste everyone craves.
Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Christmas Brownies
Effortlessly elegant: One bowl mixing means less cleanup, but the stunning red color and cream cheese swirl make them look like they came from a fancy bakery
Perfect flavor balance: The subtle chocolate base paired with tangy cream cheese creates that classic red velvet taste that’s not too sweet but incredibly satisfying
Incredibly versatile: Add white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even a hint of peppermint extract to make them uniquely yours
Holiday party ready: These brownies are ideal for Christmas celebrations, cookie exchanges, or any time you want to spread some festive cheer
Ingredient Highlights & Notes
The magic of Red Velvet Christmas Brownies lies in the perfect balance of ingredients. The cocoa powder provides a subtle chocolate base without overwhelming the delicate red velvet flavor, while the cream cheese mixture adds that signature tangy richness. Don’t skimp on the vanilla extract – it really enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted (European-style butter gives the richest flavor)
- 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature (this helps create a smoother batter)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (use pure vanilla, not imitation)
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel food coloring gives the most vibrant color)
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (don’t pack the measuring cup)
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed works beautifully)
- ½ teaspoon salt (enhances all the flavors)
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened (leave out for 2-3 hours before baking)
- ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Finishing:
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional but makes them look so festive)
Equipment & Tools
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer works great)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
- Knife or toothpick for swirling
- Fine mesh sieve for dusting (if using powdered sugar)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep your workspace (5 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper – this prevents any sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Make the brownie batter (8 minutes)
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the mixture is evenly colored and gorgeous. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined – don’t overmix or your brownies might turn out tough.
3. Prepare the cream cheese mixture (5 minutes)
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
4. Layer and swirl (5 minutes)
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top of the brownie batter. Using a knife or toothpick, gently swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter to create beautiful marbled patterns. Don’t overdo it – you want distinct swirls, not a muddy mixture.
5. Bake to perfection (25-30 minutes)
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the brownie portion (not the cream cheese swirl) comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should look set but still have a slight jiggle in the center. Remember, they’ll continue cooking slightly as they cool.
6. Cool and finish (2 hours)
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting – this usually takes about 2 hours. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Cut into squares and watch them disappear!
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
🔧 Troubleshooting Tips:
- If your cream cheese mixture is lumpy, make sure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature
- Brownies cracking on top? Your oven might be too hot – try reducing the temperature by 25°F
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them and let the residual heat finish the cooking process
🌟 Delicious Variations:
- White Chocolate Red Velvet: Fold in ½ cup white chocolate chips to the brownie batter
- Peppermint Red Velvet: Add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract to the cream cheese mixture for a holiday twist
- Nutty Red Velvet: Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture
🔄 Substitution Options:
- Gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend
- Dairy-free: Use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese (though the texture will be slightly different)
- Lower sugar: Reduce the sugar in both mixtures by ¼ cup each, though this will affect the texture slightly
Serving Suggestions
These Red Velvet Christmas Brownies are absolutely divine on their own, but they pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee. For an extra special treat, serve them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings and make stunning additions to dessert tables.
Consider cutting them into smaller squares for cookie exchanges or larger portions for a more indulgent dessert. They look absolutely gorgeous arranged on a festive platter with some fresh berries or a sprig of rosemary for a pop of green.
Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
Room Temperature Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day as they have time to meld together.
Refrigerator Storage: These brownies will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture, or enjoy them chilled if you prefer a firmer bite.
Freezer Storage: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare these brownies up to 2 days before serving – they actually taste better after the flavors have had time to develop. For busy holiday schedules, consider mixing the dry ingredients ahead of time and storing them in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
Per brownie (assuming 24 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 185
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 22g
Note: These brownies are a delightful treat to enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced holiday celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these brownies without food coloring?
A: Absolutely! While you won’t get that signature red velvet color, the flavor will still be delicious. The brownies will have a light brown color from the cocoa powder.
Q: Why do my brownies look more brown than red?
A: This usually happens when there’s too much cocoa powder or not enough food coloring. Make sure you’re measuring the cocoa powder correctly (3 tablespoons, not packed) and use gel food coloring for the most vibrant results.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes! Double all ingredients and use two 9×13 inch pans. The baking time should remain about the same, but keep an eye on them and test with a toothpick.
Q: How do I know when they’re done baking?
A: Insert a toothpick into the brownie portion (avoiding the cream cheese swirl). It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. The top should look set but still have a very slight jiggle.
Q: Can I use a different pan size?
A: You can use a 9×9 inch pan for thicker brownies (increase baking time by 5-10 minutes) or a larger pan for thinner brownies (decrease baking time by 5-10 minutes).
Conclusion
These Red Velvet Christmas Brownies are more than just a dessert – they’re a celebration of the holiday season wrapped up in one perfect, fudgy square. The combination of rich chocolate undertones, vibrant red color, and tangy cream cheese swirl creates a treat that’s both nostalgic and exciting.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is designed to give you confidence in the kitchen while delivering bakery-quality results. The straightforward mixing method and clear visual cues make success practically guaranteed.
Ready to create some holiday magic? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the most amazing aromas. These brownies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with loved ones as you create new holiday traditions.
Your next step: Head to the kitchen and start mixing up a batch of these incredible Red Velvet Christmas Brownies. Trust us, once you taste that first perfect bite, you’ll understand why these are destined to become a holiday staple in your home for years to come!