Santa hat brownie bites are an adorable and festive holiday treat that combines rich, fudgy brownies with the sweetness of strawberries and whipped cream. These bite-sized desserts are easy to make and perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or as a fun holiday activity with kids.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive, eye-catching design that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Combines fudgy brownie bases with fresh strawberries and fluffy cream.
- Easy to prepare and assemble, even for beginners.
- A fun activity to make with kids or for holiday parties.
- Customizable with different toppings or decorations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Brownie mix (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh strawberries (hulled)
- Whipped cream or cream cheese frosting
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- Prepare the Brownies: Preheat your oven according to the brownie mix instructions. Grease or line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. Fill each cavity about 2/3 full with brownie batter. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely before removing them from the tin.
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash and hull the strawberries, cutting off the tops to create a flat surface.
- Assemble the Santa Hats:
- Pipe or dollop a small amount of whipped cream or frosting onto the top of each brownie bite.
- Place a strawberry on top of the whipped cream, flat side down.
- Pipe or dollop a small dot of whipped cream on the tip of the strawberry to complete the “hat.”
- Decorate and Serve: Optionally dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 24 brownie bites
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
Variations
- Frosting Base: Use cream cheese frosting or buttercream for a richer flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the assembled Santa hats for extra decadence.
- Healthier Option: Use Greek yogurt or coconut whipped cream for a lighter topping.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the brownie mix with a gluten-free alternative.
- Add Sparkle: Sprinkle edible glitter or colored sugar on the whipped cream for a festive touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store assembled brownie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unassembled brownie bases for up to 2 months. Thaw and assemble before serving.
- Reheating: These treats are best enjoyed chilled and do not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought brownies?
Yes, you can use store-bought brownies cut into small pieces or pre-made brownie bites for convenience.
How do I keep the whipped cream from melting?
Use stabilized whipped cream or assemble just before serving to prevent melting.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare the brownie bases ahead, but assemble the Santa hats just before serving for the freshest appearance.
What can I use instead of whipped cream?
Try cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or even marshmallow fluff.
Do I need a piping bag?
No, you can use a spoon or a resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off for piping.
Can I use different fruits?
Yes, raspberries or small apples could work, but strawberries are ideal for the Santa hat shape.
How do I prevent the strawberries from sliding?
Ensure the whipped cream base is thick enough to hold the strawberries securely in place.
Can I add decorations to the brownies?
Absolutely! Sprinkle crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, or holiday sprinkles on the brownies for extra flair.
Are these suitable for gifting?
Yes, place the assembled bites in festive cupcake liners and pack them in a decorative box for gifting.
Can I make a larger version?
Yes, use regular-sized cupcakes or brownies and larger strawberries for a jumbo Santa hat treat.
Conclusion
Santa hat brownie bites are the perfect holiday dessert to add a touch of festive fun to your celebrations. With their rich brownie base, fresh strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream, they’re as delicious as they are charming. Whether for a party or a holiday baking project, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Try it out and spread the holiday cheer!
PrintSanta Hat Brownie Bites
These adorable Santa Hat Brownie Bites are the perfect holiday treat! Fudgy brownies topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries make a festive and delicious dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12–15 brownie bites 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday Treat
Ingredients
For the Brownies (or use store-bought):
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
For Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 12–15 small fresh strawberries (hulled)
Instructions
Make the Brownies:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake the Brownies:
- Spoon the batter into the mini muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before removing.
Prepare the Topping:
- Whip the Cream:
- In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip.
Assemble the Santa Hats:
- Create the Hats:
- Pipe a small dollop of whipped cream onto the center of each brownie to act as the “glue” for the strawberry. Place a hulled strawberry on top of the cream, pointed side up.
- Pipe a ring of whipped cream around the base of the strawberry and a small dollop on the tip to complete the “hat.”
- Serve:
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For extra holiday flair, dust the brownies with powdered sugar before decorating.
- Substitute cream cheese frosting or marshmallow fluff for whipped cream if preferred.