Festive & Fun Ornament Brownie Balls: The Ultimate Holiday Treat
Step into a world of holiday magic with our delightful Ornament Brownie Balls! These charming, bite-sized treats are not just incredibly delicious but also a joy to create, bringing a festive touch to any celebration. Imagine a perfectly fudgy brownie center, encased in a smooth, sweet candy shell, adorned with colorful sprinkles and topped with a tiny candy cane ‘hanger’ – just like a real Christmas ornament, but completely edible! This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring a fun and rewarding baking experience for everyone, from seasoned bakers to enthusiastic beginners. Perfect for spreading holiday cheer, these brownie balls are destined to become a cherished part of your seasonal traditions.
Why Ornament Brownie Balls Are Your Holiday Season Must-Make
The holiday season calls for treats that are as enchanting to look at as they are delightful to eat. Our Ornament Brownie Balls perfectly fit the bill, offering a unique blend of visual appeal and irresistible flavor. They’re a fantastic addition to any holiday dessert spread, bringing a whimsical charm that captures the spirit of Christmas. Their individual size makes them perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, or as thoughtful homemade gifts for neighbors, friends, and teachers. Children and adults alike will be captivated by their festive appearance and rich, chocolatey goodness.
Beyond their charm, these brownie balls are incredibly versatile. They complement a wide array of other festive delights, making them a cornerstone of your holiday baking repertoire. Pair them with classic gingerbread men cookies, a savory-sweet Christmas Crunch Mix, or rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls for an epic holiday dessert table. Their fudgy texture and sweet candy coating create a truly unforgettable taste experience that will have everyone reaching for more. They’re also an excellent project for a family baking day, encouraging creativity and togetherness in the kitchen.
See How Easy It Is: Watch the Ornament Brownie Balls Recipe!
Curious to see these adorable treats come to life? Join us in the kitchen as we demonstrate each step of making these super cute and fun Ornament Brownie Balls! Our video tutorial walks you through everything, from baking the perfect fudgy brownies to expertly dipping them in candy coating and adding those charming candy cane toppers. It’s the perfect companion to this written recipe, ensuring you achieve picture-perfect results every time. Follow along and discover just how simple it is to create these show-stopping holiday treats, even if you’re new to holiday baking. Our aim is to make your festive baking experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible!
(A comprehensive video guide for making these Ornament Brownie Balls is available to visually assist you with each step of the recipe. Look for the embedded video player below for a detailed demonstration!)
(Note: The placeholder video above is for illustrative purposes. The original video source would be embedded here.)
Gather Your Ingredients & Essential Supplies for Holiday Baking
Creating these festive brownie balls requires a few simple, high-quality ingredients and some basic baking tools. You’ll find precise measurements and detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but let’s walk through what you’ll need to ensure a smooth and successful baking session. Good quality ingredients make a noticeable difference in the final taste and texture of your brownies, so choose wisely!
For the Rich, Fudgy Brownies:
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for rich flavor and a tender crumb. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in your brownies, providing a balanced flavor profile. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy melting.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The star of the brownie base, providing deep, satisfying chocolate flavor. Opt for a good quality brand for the best taste and a superior fudgy texture. These will melt beautifully with the butter.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the brownies and contributes significantly to their moist, dense, and wonderfully fudgy texture. Don’t skimp on the sugar; it’s key to the brownie’s characteristic chewiness.
- Large Eggs: Act as a crucial binder, adding structure, richness, and helping to create that perfect brownie chew. Ensure they are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter, preventing curdling.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer, bringing warmth, depth, and a subtle aromatic complexity that elevates the chocolate. Always use pure vanilla for the best results; imitation vanilla won’t quite deliver the same impact.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the necessary structure without making the brownies tough. Measuring it correctly (by weight if possible, or spooning into the measuring cup and leveling) is important to avoid dry brownies.
For the Festive Decoration & Ornament Toppers:
- Vanilla Candy Coating: This creates the smooth, colorful outer shell of your ‘ornaments.’ White candy melts, almond bark, or even good quality white chocolate (melted with a tiny bit of coconut oil) work perfectly. You can also use colored candy melts (red, green, blue) for a vibrant array of ornament colors!
- Festive Sprinkles: The most fun part! Choose an assortment of colorful holiday sprinkles – think red and green jimmies, silver and gold nonpareils, or elegant snowflake shapes – to give your brownie balls that true holiday sparkle and unique character.
- Chocolate Coated Caramel Candies (e.g., Rolos): These clever little candies form the ‘cap’ of your ornament, adding an extra layer of chocolatey caramel goodness and a delightful textural contrast. Their cylindrical shape is perfect for holding the candy cane ‘hanger’.
- Mini Candy Canes: The quintessential edible ‘hook’ for your ornaments, adding a touch of classic Christmas charm and a refreshing hint of peppermint flavor. They transform the brownie balls into delightful hanging ornaments.
Essential Supplies for Your Ornament Brownie Project:
- 8-inch Square Baking Dish: A sturdy glass or metal dish is ideal for baking your fudgy brownie base evenly. Make sure it’s the right size to ensure proper brownie thickness.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Your best friend for ensuring your brownies release cleanly and easily from the pan after baking, simplifying cleanup.
- Baking Sheets: You’ll need at least two – one for freezing the brownie balls before dipping and another lined with parchment paper for placing them after dipping, allowing the coating to set.
- Parchment Paper: An invaluable tool! Line your baking sheets with it to prevent sticking and make for incredibly easy cleanup. It’s also great for letting dipped treats set.
- Large Microwaveable Bowl: Essential for safely melting the butter and chocolate chips, as well as the candy coating.
- Mixing Spoons/Rubber Spatulas: For thoroughly stirring and combining your ingredients without overmixing.
- Wire Cooling Rack: Crucial for allowing your brownies to cool completely after baking, and also for placing dipped brownie balls on to allow excess coating to drip off and set cleanly.
- Fork or Dipping Tool: A standard dinner fork works perfectly, or you can invest in a specialized candy dipping tool for a more professional finish when coating the brownie balls.
Expand Your Holiday Baking Repertoire with More Christmas Cookies
Ready to truly impress at this year’s Christmas cookie exchange, or simply looking to expand your array of homemade holiday gifts? Look no further! While these Ornament Brownie Balls are a showstopper, there’s a whole world of festive cookies waiting to be explored. We’ve curated the Best Christmas Cookies to share at your annual cookie swap or to package beautifully for neighbors, teachers, and loved ones. These recipes are guaranteed to spread tons of cheer and delight every palate, from traditional favorites to exciting new creations.
Beyond the delicious recipes, we also offer invaluable tips on how to host your very own Christmas cookie exchange party, ensuring it’s a memorable and stress-free event. Learn about organizing themes, setting up your exchange for maximum fun, and presenting your cookies with flair. Discover clever packaging ideas and tips for managing a successful swap. From classic, easy-to-decorate sugar cookies to innovative gingerbread creations, our comprehensive collection provides endless inspiration for a truly sweet holiday season. Make sure to check it out for a complete guide to holiday cookie success and elevate your festive baking game!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Delightful Ornament Brownie Bites
Follow these detailed instructions to create your own batch of beautiful and delicious Ornament Brownie Balls. We’ve broken down each stage to ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking process, leading to perfect results every time. Read through all steps before you begin for the best outcome!
- Step 1: Prepare Your Brownie Base. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your batter is ready. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, making sure all corners and sides are well-coated to prevent any sticking. Set this prepared dish aside.
- Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave on high for approximately 2 minutes, stopping every 30 seconds to stir the mixture. Continue until the butter and chocolate are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Be careful not to scorch the chocolate.
- Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients. Once melted, stir the granulated sugar into the chocolate mixture until it is well combined and evenly distributed. Next, add the eggs, one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. This ensures a uniform and rich batter. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic touch, mixing until just combined.
- Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour into the wet mixture. Mix just until no dry streaks of flour remain in the batter. Be very careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough, dense brownies rather than the desired fudgy texture. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared 8-inch baking dish.
- Step 5: Bake to Perfection. Bake the brownies for approximately 30 minutes. The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, but the brownies still feel wonderfully moist and fudgy. It’s crucial not to overbake, as this will dry them out. Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow the brownies to cool completely to room temperature. This is a crucial step for the next stage; warm brownies will crumble when rolled.
- Step 6: Forming the Brownie Balls. Once fully cooled, use a spoon to scoop out the soft, fudgy middle of the brownies. You can leave the firmer edge pieces for a delicious chef’s snack later! Take about two-tablespoon portions of the brownie mixture and roll them firmly between your palms to form smooth, dense balls. The firmness helps them hold their shape. Place these uniformly shaped brownie balls onto a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.
- Step 7: Chill for Firmness. Once all brownie balls are formed and placed on the parchment-lined baking sheet, transfer the entire sheet into the freezer for 10-15 minutes. This chilling step is absolutely essential as it hardens the brownie balls significantly, making them much easier to dip into the warm candy coating without crumbling or falling apart.
- Step 8: Dip and Decorate. While the brownie balls are chilling, melt the vanilla candy coating according to the package directions (typically in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring frequently until smooth and pourable). Using a fork or a specialized candy dipping tool, carefully dip each chilled brownie ball into the melted candy coating until it is completely and evenly coated. Lift it out, gently tapping the fork against the side of the bowl to allow any excess coating to drip off, ensuring a clean finish. Immediately place the coated brownie ball onto a greased cooling rack or a fresh sheet of parchment paper. While the coating is still wet and tacky, generously sprinkle with your festive sprinkles. Let them set completely; this usually takes about 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or you can expedite it in the refrigerator.
- Step 9: Prepare the Ornament Toppers. Take your chocolate-coated caramel candies (like Rolos). Using the bottom, blunt end of a mini candy cane, gently press a small, shallow well or indentation into the top center of each caramel candy. Next, dip one end (the straight end) of a mini candy cane into a little bit of the melted candy coating, then insert it firmly into the well you just created in the caramel. Stand them upright on parchment paper and let them set completely. This creates the adorable ‘hook’ for your ornaments.
- Step 10: Attach Toppers. Once the candy cane toppers are fully set and firm, dip the bottom of each chocolate-coated caramel (the flat side that will connect to the brownie ball) into a small amount of melted candy coating. Press one prepared topper firmly onto the top center of each decorated brownie ball. Allow everything to set completely before serving. This ensures the toppers are securely attached.
- Step 11: Final Setting and Serving. Ensure all components – the candy coating, sprinkles, and attached toppers – are fully set and firm. This guarantees your Ornament Brownie Balls are sturdy and ready for display. Carefully arrange your beautiful and delicious Ornament Brownie Balls on a festive serving platter or pack them into gift boxes. They are now ready to be admired and, most importantly, devoured!
- Chef’s Note: Re-melting Candy Coating. If your candy coating starts to thicken or harden while you’re decorating the brownie balls, simply return it to the microwave for 15-30 seconds. Stir well until it regains its smooth, dippable consistency. This often happens if you’re working slowly or if your kitchen is cool.
Discover More Festive Delights with Holiday Boards
Elevate your holiday entertaining with an array of spectacular Fun and Festive Holiday Boards! These beautifully curated platters are perfect for family gatherings, parties, or simply adding a touch of elegance and abundance to your holiday spread. From decadent dessert boards featuring our Ornament Brownie Balls and other sweet indulgences to charming savory selections, there’s a board concept for every occasion and every taste bud. They encourage grazing and conversation, making them ideal for social events.
Imagine a vibrant “Healthy Santa Snack Board” bursting with colorful fruits, crisp vegetables, and wholesome dips, providing a refreshing contrast to richer holiday fare. Or perhaps a cozy “Hot Chocolate Board” piled high with marshmallows, mini cookies, various flavored syrups, and candy toppings, inviting guests to customize their warm beverages. Our extensive collection of holiday boards provides endless inspiration, offering innovative ideas for sweet treats, healthy snacks, savory bites, and everything in between. They are not only incredibly fun to assemble but also encourage communal enjoyment, making them a fantastic, interactive centerpiece for any holiday celebration. Explore our ideas and craft a memorable spread that you and your loved ones are sure to enjoy, adding a professional and delightful touch to your festive gatherings!
Tips for Perfect Ornament Brownie Balls Every Time
- Do Not Overmix Brownies: Overmixing flour can develop gluten, resulting in tougher, less fudgy brownies. Mix just until no dry streaks remain for the best texture.
- Cool Brownies Completely: Patience is key! Warm brownies will crumble when rolled into balls and will cause your candy coating to melt unevenly. Ensure they are fully cooled before handling.
- Freeze Thoroughly: The colder and firmer the brownie balls are, the easier and cleaner they will be to dip smoothly into the candy coating without falling apart or leaving crumbs in your coating.
- Work Quickly with Candy Coating: Once melted, candy coating can start to set fairly quickly, especially in a cool kitchen. Work in small batches if necessary, and don’t hesitate to reheat it briefly (15-30 seconds in the microwave) if it thickens too much.
- Use the Right Dipping Tool: A standard dinner fork or a specialized candy dipping tool works best. This helps in fully coating the balls and allowing excess coating to drip off for a cleaner, more uniform finish.
- Immediate Sprinkling is Key: Sprinkles need to adhere to wet coating. Have your chosen sprinkles ready and apply them immediately after dipping each brownie ball, before the coating begins to set.
- Proper Storage: Store your beautiful Ornament Brownie Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Gifting Inspiration: These make absolutely stunning homemade gifts! Package them in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, or arrange them elegantly in small decorative boxes for a truly personal and delicious present.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ornament Brownie Balls
- Can I use a box brownie mix instead of making them from scratch?
- Absolutely! While our recipe provides a delicious homemade brownie base, a good quality box brownie mix can be a fantastic time-saver, especially during the busy holiday season. Just prepare it according to the package directions, then follow the rest of our steps for rolling and decorating your festive Ornament Brownie Balls.
- What if my candy coating is too thick or starts to harden too quickly?
- If your candy coating becomes too thick, you can often thin it out by adding a very small amount of coconut oil or vegetable shortening (start with about 1 teaspoon at a time), stirring thoroughly until you achieve the desired smooth, dippable consistency. If it hardens during use, simply microwave it again for 15-30 seconds to re-melt.
- Can I make these Ornament Brownie Balls ahead of time?
- Yes, these are an excellent make-ahead holiday treat! You can bake the brownies and roll them into balls, then freeze them (before dipping) for up to a month. Once dipped and decorated, they store well for several days at room temperature or in the refrigerator, making them perfect for advance preparation for parties or gifts.
- Are there alternative toppings or decorations I can use for the ‘ornament cap’?
- Certainly! While Rolos and mini candy canes are adorable and iconic, feel free to get creative! You could use chocolate kisses, small chocolate truffles, a dollop of melted chocolate with a tiny pretzel stick for a different ‘hanger’ effect, or even a simple swirl of contrasting colored candy coating. The possibilities for customization are endless!
- How many Ornament Brownie Balls does this recipe yield?
- This recipe is designed to yield approximately 24 delightful Ornament Brownie Balls, making it perfect for a holiday gathering, a cookie exchange, or for preparing a batch of delicious gifts.
There you have it – adorable, delicious, and perfectly festive Ornament Brownie Balls, ready to bring joy and sweetness to all your holiday celebrations! We hope this detailed guide makes your baking experience wonderfully successful and enjoyable. If you create these festive treats, we’d absolutely love to see your beautiful creations. Be sure to snap a picture and share it with us, or tag us on Instagram @thebakermama. Your inspired and creative takes on our recipes truly warm our hearts and inspire our community. Enjoy every fudgy, festive bite, and happy holidays!
xoxo,
Ornament Brownie Balls
5 from 2 reviews
- Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins
Yield: 24 balls
Category: Dessert, Christmas, Holiday
Description
These adorable Ornament Brownie Balls are a festive and fun holiday treat! Imagine rich, fudgy brownie centers covered in smooth vanilla candy coating and decorated with colorful sprinkles, topped with a mini candy cane ‘hanger’. Perfect for Christmas parties, gifting, or a delightful family baking activity.
Ingredients
For the Fudgy Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For Decorating:
- 1 (16 ounce) package vanilla candy coating (or white chocolate melts)
- An assortment of festive sprinkles
- 24 chocolate coated caramel candies (such as Rolos)
- 24 mini candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large microwaveable bowl, combine the butter and chocolate chips. Microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until completely melted and smooth.
- Stir the sugar into the melted chocolate mixture. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean but the brownies are still moist and fudgy. Avoid overbaking. Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once the brownies are completely cooled, use a spoon to scoop out the soft, fudgy center, leaving the firmer edges (perfect for snacking!). Roll about two-tablespoon portions of the brownie mixture into smooth balls. Place these brownie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Transfer the baking sheet with the brownie balls to the freezer for 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial to harden the brownie balls, making them easier to dip and preventing them from falling apart in the warm candy coating.
- Melt the vanilla candy coating according to package directions (typically in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring frequently). Using a fork or a dipping tool, dip each frozen brownie ball into the melted candy coating until it’s fully covered. Lift, allowing excess coating to drip off, then immediately place it on a greased cooling rack or fresh parchment paper. While the coating is still wet, generously sprinkle with your festive sprinkles. Let the coating set completely.
- To create the ornament toppers: take each chocolate-coated caramel candy (like Rolos). Use the bottom of a mini candy cane to gently press a small indentation into the top of the caramel. Dip one end of a mini candy cane into a little melted candy coating, then insert it into the indentation in the caramel. Allow these toppers to set completely.
- Dip the bottom of each set caramel-and-candy-cane topper into a little melted candy coating, then press it firmly onto the top of each decorated brownie ball. Allow the toppers to set completely before serving your beautiful Ornament Brownie Balls.
- Chef’s Note: If your candy coating begins to thicken or harden while you’re decorating, simply return it to the microwave for 15-30 seconds to re-melt and regain its smooth consistency.