As the holiday season approaches, the cozy warmth of gingerbread and the festive cheer of eggnog come together to create the ultimate indulgence: Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine biting into a fudgy brownie where rich chocolate meets a hint of spice—each mouthful bursting with the essence of ginger and cinnamon. And to top it all off, a velvety eggnog frosting that balances sweetness with a creamy texture.
After a whirlwind day of shopping and decorating, I found myself craving a dessert that was not only delicious but also easy to whip up. These brownies emerged as my sweet savior! They are a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats, perfect for sharing at gatherings or giving as thoughtful homemade gifts. With simple ingredients and minimal fuss, you’ll have a stunning dessert that will impress everyone, from festive guests to your family’s most discerning taste testers. Let’s dive into this recipe that promises joy with every bite!
Why Are Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting So Irresistible?
Decadence in Every Bite: These brownies offer the perfect combination of rich chocolate and holiday spices that will have your taste buds dancing.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this festive treat without a hitch.
Shareable Delight: Ideal for parties or as memorable gifts, these brownies are guaranteed to become a crowd favorite during the holiday season.
Make Ahead: Prepare them in advance for a stress-free dessert option that tastes even better the next day!
Versatile Twist: If you’re a fan of traditional gingerbread, this recipe elevates the classic with an indulgent brownie twist, making it a unique addition to your holiday spread.
For more festive inspiration, don’t miss my selection of Holiday Desserts that are sure to impress!
Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Ingredients
For the Brownies
- Semisweet Chocolate – Provides a rich chocolate flavor and moisture; for a more intense experience, substitute with dark chocolate.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and helps create a moist texture; margarine or coconut oil works as a dairy-free option.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the brownies; substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Enhances the chocolaty flavor; no direct substitution is suggested for best results.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – These provide leavening for a light texture; ensure they are fresh for optimal rise.
- Ground Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves) – Add warmth and holiday flavor; feel free to adjust quantities to taste.
- Eggs – Essential for binding and moisture; no substitutes are recommended for maintaining structure.
- Light Brown Sugar – Contributes sweetness and moisture; can be replaced with granulated sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor.
- Molasses – Adds depth of flavor and moisture; dark corn syrup is a suitable substitute in a pinch.
- Crystallized Ginger – Provides a zesty ginger flavor and chewy texture; optional to reduce for milder ginger notes.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; you can substitute another extract or omit if desired.
For the Frosting
- Cream Cheese – Adds creaminess and tang; opt for a plant-based cream cheese for a vegan twist.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve a smooth texture; a suitable sugar alternative can work here too.
- Eggnog – Provides flavor and moistness; if unavailable, milk and a pinch of nutmeg can be used as a substitute.
These Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting are sure to become your new holiday go-to! Happy baking!
How to Make Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting
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Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper. Gather all your ingredients so you’re ready to go—this makes the process smooth and easy!
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Melt Chocolate & Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter. Microwave in short bursts, stirring until the mixture is smooth and melted together—this usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, ground spices, and salt until well combined; this will help ensure even distribution of flavors in your brownies.
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Combine Mixtures: In a third bowl, beat the eggs and light brown sugar until fluffy. Stir in the molasses, the melted chocolate mixture, and the vanilla. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies tough!
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Add Crystallized Ginger: Gently fold in the chopped crystallized ginger, allowing the delightful ginger flavor to be evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour it into your prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
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Bake: Place your pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges have set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
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Cool: After baking, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—this will ensure they maintain their chewy texture.
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Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, eggnog, and the spices, mixing until smooth. Once your brownies are fully cooled, frost them generously and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for a festive touch!
Optional: Garnish with additional crystallized ginger for an extra zing.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting
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Make Ahead Magic: Bake the Gingerbread Brownies a day in advance for enhanced flavor—amazing how it develops overnight!
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Avoid Overmixing: When combining mixtures, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so be gentle!
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Testing for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are perfectly baked.
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Storage Secrets: Keep brownies covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week to maintain freshness.
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Frosting Flexibility: Adjust the eggnog in the frosting to your taste. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash more until you achieve your desired consistency.
What to Serve with Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting?
As the holidays roll in, finding the perfect accompaniments to these fudgy delights can elevate your festive gatherings to new heights.
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Spiced Hot Chocolate: A rich and creamy drink that mirrors the cozy flavors of the brownies, making it a match made in dessert heaven.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy coldness balances the warm, spiced flavors of the brownies beautifully—always a crowd-pleaser!
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Gingerbread Cookies: For an added kick of spice and texture, serve alongside classic gingerbread cookies to create a delightful holiday platter.
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Chai Tea: The aromatic warmth of chai, with its mixture of spices, complements the flavors of the brownies, providing a cozy drink option.
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Pecan Pie Bars: Nutty, sweet, and rich, these bars echo the holiday spirit, offering a complementary contrast to the chocolatey goodness.
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Cranberry Sparkler: A refreshing and tart drink, this sparkling beverage lightens the indulgent dessert experience while adding a pop of festive color.
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Maple Walnut Fudge: For a decadent touch that pairs perfectly with the flavors in the brownies, serve this rich fudge to satisfy sweet cravings.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: Keep the flavors of the season flowing with this creamy beverage; it adds a wonderful warmth alongside your brownies.
Embrace the flavors of the season and let these pairings create an unforgettable holiday experience!
How to Store and Freeze Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting
Room Temperature: Keep the brownies covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their fudgy texture; they’re perfect for snacking!
Fridge: To prolong freshness, store brownies in the refrigerator for up to a week; ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping individually in plastic, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. Warm in the microwave for a few seconds if you like them a bit gooey, then add frosting just before serving!
Make Ahead Options
These Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. For a smoother workflow, bake the brownies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their decadent texture, frost the brownies just before serving with the eggnog cream cheese frosting. When ready to enjoy, simply pull them out, frost them, and watch as everyone devours these festive treats—all with minimal effort!
Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Variations
Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences—you’ll discover delightful options here!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine for a rich, creamy texture without the dairy.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour, ensuring everyone can join in on the indulgence.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for a lovely crunch that complements the chewy texture.
- Pumpkin Spice: Stir in a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice in place of some ground spices for a cozy, autumnal flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a touch of cayenne pepper or ground black pepper to the brownie batter for a surprising heat that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: After frosting, drizzle melted white chocolate on top of the brownies for a beautiful and delicious finishing touch.
- Frosting Variations: Replace eggnog in the frosting with vanilla or almond-flavored milk for a lighter frosting option that still tastes divine.
- Chocolate Ganache Layer: Create an indulgent layer by spreading a rich chocolate ganache on top of the brownies before frosting for an extra chocolaty experience.
With these variations, your Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting can go from classic to adventurous, making each batch uniquely delightful!
Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ingredients for Gingerbread Brownies?
When selecting ingredients for your Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting, opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate for a richer flavor. Check for unsalted butter that’s creamy and smooth. For spices, choose fresh ground cinnamon and ginger, as their potency can significantly enhance the overall taste—don’t use spices that have been sitting in your cupboard for years!
What’s the best way to store Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting?
Store your brownies covered at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal taste and texture. After that, to maintain their chewy quality, refrigerate them for up to a week in an airtight container. I often like to wrap them in plastic wrap or foil to keep them cozy!
Can I freeze Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting?
Absolutely! To freeze your brownies, first ensure they’re completely cooled. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, or leave them out at room temperature for a few hours. A quick zap in the microwave can bring back that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness!
Why did my brownies turn out dry?
If your brownies turned out dry, it could be due to overbaking. Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs. If the brownies are overmixed during preparation, it can also create a denser and drier texture. To avoid this, mix until ingredients are just combined; remember, a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Can I make substitutions for dietary needs?
Definitely! For a gluten-free option, swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, ensuring it includes xanthan gum for that brownie stretch. If you’re looking to make the brownies dairy-free, use coconut oil instead of butter and opt for a plant-based cream cheese in the frosting. Remember to check your ingredients for any allergies—especially to nuts or gluten—to keep everyone safe while enjoying these festive treats!
Gingerbread Brownies with Eggnog Frosting: Holiday Bliss Awaits
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter. Microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, ground spices, and salt.
- In a third bowl, beat the eggs and light brown sugar until fluffy. Stir in the molasses, melted chocolate mixture, and vanilla. Fold in the dry ingredients.
- Gently fold in the chopped crystallized ginger. Pour into prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until edges set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, eggnog, and spices. Frost cooled brownies.