Santa Hat Brownie Bites Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, delicious treat that is as charming to look at as it is delightful to eat, the Santa Hat Brownie Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. These bite-sized brownie treasures combine rich, fudgy brownie bases with luscious vanilla cream and juicy strawberries, perfectly topped to look like little Santa hats. They are simple to make, irresistibly tasty, and ideal for holiday parties or just a fun seasonal indulgence that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe is essential, coming together to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures—from the dense brownie base to the light, fluffy cream and fresh, vibrant strawberries. Every element plays its part in making these Santa Hat Brownie Bites truly special.

• Brownie mix: The foundation providing that rich, chocolaty flavor and fudgy texture everyone loves.
• 2 large eggs: They help bind the brownie batter while adding moisture and structure.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Adds tenderness and keeps the brownies wonderfully moist.
• 1/4 cup water: Helps achieve the right batter consistency for even baking.
• 24 large fresh strawberries: The star of the show, adding a juicy, sweet contrast atop each bite.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Whipped to create a silky, creamy texture that mimics Santa’s fluffy hat trim.
• 3 Tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds body and a subtle vanilla flavor that elevates the whipped cream.

How to Make Santa Hat Brownie Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Mini Muffin Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving your 24-cup mini-muffin pan a thorough spray with baking spray, then lightly dust it with flour. This simple step ensures your brownie bites come out easily and retain their perfect shape.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until no dry powder remains, making sure you achieve a smooth, glossy batter that promises a fudgy end result.

Step 3: Portion the Batter

Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of batter into each muffin cup, about three-quarters full. This portioning trick helps your brownie bites bake evenly and attain that ideal bite-sized shape.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the brownie bites for 12 minutes, then transfer the pan to a cooling rack for about 15 minutes. Cooling slightly before removing helps maintain their form without crumbling.

Step 5: Remove and Cool Completely

Carefully pop each brownie bite out of the pan, using a fork if needed to ease them out, and place on the cooling rack until they are completely cool. This is important for the cream to hold properly in the next steps.

Step 6: Whip the Cream

In a large bowl with a mixer fitted with a wire whip attachment, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This airy texture will be the perfect fluffy layer to mimic Santa’s hat.

Step 7: Add Vanilla Pudding Mix

Next, add the instant vanilla pudding mix to the cream and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. This step not only stabilizes the cream but also adds a gentle vanilla sweetness that complements the chocolate brownie perfectly.

Step 8: Pipe the Cream

Fill a piping bag fitted with a decorative #21 piping tip with your whipped cream mixture. This will make decorating precise and festive-looking.

Step 9: Prepare the Strawberries

Trim the green tops off every strawberry and slice off the pointed tip at the small end to create a flat base for placing on the cream. These red berries will form the iconic Santa hat shape.

Step 10: Assemble Your Santa Hat Brownie Bites

Pipe a layer of cream on each brownie bite, then place a strawberry large end down on the cream. Finish by piping a tiny dollop of cream on the tip of each strawberry to create the classic Santa hat pom-pom. How cute is that?

How to Serve Santa Hat Brownie Bites Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Santa Hat Brownie Bites even more festive, consider sprinkling a little powdered sugar over them to mimic a dusting of snow. Fresh mint leaves placed nearby can add a lovely pop of color and hint of freshness to balance the sweetness.

Side Dishes

These bites shine on their own but also make a wonderful dessert accompaniment to hot cocoa, eggnog, or even a spiced winter punch. Serve alongside a fruit platter or simple vanilla ice cream for a crowd-pleasing dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, arrange these brownie bites on a tiered cupcake stand to create a stunning Santa hat tower. Wrap individual bites in clear cellophane with a red ribbon for adorable gifts or take-home treats your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the brownie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The whipped cream topping means they’ll stay fresh and delightful for up to 2 days, but honestly, these rarely last that long!

Freezing

Freezing these bites is not recommended because the whipped cream and strawberry topping will lose their texture and freshness upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh for that perfect bite.

Reheating

Since these are served cold with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, reheating isn’t necessary and is best avoided. Just let them come to room temperature for about 10 minutes if they’ve been chilled.

FAQs

Can I make these brownie bites from scratch instead of using a mix?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade brownie recipe for the base. Just make sure the batter isn’t too runny to hold the mini muffin shape well.

What if I don’t have a piping bag or special tip?

No worries! You can simply spoon the whipped cream onto the brownie bites and use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a fluffy topping.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the Santa Hat Brownie Bites Recipe?

Fresh strawberries work best because they hold their shape and look vibrant. Frozen strawberries tend to become mushy and watery once thawed.

Is there a way to make these dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use a dairy-free vanilla pudding mix to keep your Santa Hat Brownie Bites Recipe dairy-free and delicious.

How far in advance can I assemble these treats?

It’s best to assemble the Santa Hat Brownie Bites no more than a few hours before serving to keep the cream fresh and strawberries looking their best.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to make these delightful Santa Hat Brownie Bites Recipe treats. They’re not just adorable but packed with scrumptious flavors that bring a smile with every bite. Whether for holiday parties or a sweet seasonal surprise, they are sure to be a standout favorite. Give them a try—you’ll be glad you did!

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