Name: Easy Santa Hat Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490013H16M1S
Total time: PT-490013H16M1S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 batch brownie mix (prepared and baked, or homemade brownie batter); 12–16 fresh strawberries, hulled; 1 cup whipped cream, stabilized whipped cream, or vanilla frosting; Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

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Easy Santa Hat Brownies are a festive, fun treat I love making during the holiday season. They’re rich, fudgy brownies topped with fresh strawberries and a swirl of whipped cream or frosting to mimic Santa’s iconic red hat. They look adorable, taste amazing, and add a cheerful, Christmasy touch to any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, quick to put together, and always gets compliments. The combination of rich chocolate, fresh fruit, and creamy topping is as tasty as it is cute. It’s also a fun project to do with kids, and since the design is so easy, I never have to worry about decorating skills. They’re perfect for parties, cookie swaps, or a sweet surprise for Santa himself.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Brownie mix (or homemade brownie batter)
Fresh strawberries, hulled
Whipped cream, stabilized whipped cream, or vanilla frosting
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Directions

I bake a batch of brownies in a square or round pan according to the package or recipe instructions and let them cool completely.
I cut the brownies into small rounds or squares, depending on the look I want. A small round cookie cutter works great for perfect shapes.
I wash and hull the strawberries, trimming the bottoms if needed so they sit flat.
I place a small dollop of whipped cream or frosting in the center of each brownie, then press a strawberry on top (pointed side up).
I pipe a tiny swirl or dot of cream on the tip of each strawberry to finish the Santa hat look.
I refrigerate until ready to serve, and sometimes I dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–16 Santa Hat Brownies, depending on how large I cut them. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare if using a pre-baked batch of brownies, or about 35–40 minutes total including baking time with a boxed mix.

Variations

I sometimes use chocolate cupcakes instead of brownies and top them the same way.
For a richer version, I spread a thin layer of ganache before adding the strawberry.
If I want extra texture, I add crushed candy canes or sprinkles to the whipped cream.
I’ve used mini cheesecake bites as a base instead of brownies for a different flavor twist.
When I need them to hold up longer, I use stiff buttercream instead of whipped cream.

storage/reheating

I store these brownies in the refrigerator for up to 2 days because of the fresh fruit and cream. I avoid freezing them once assembled, but I do freeze brownie bases ahead of time and decorate them fresh for best results. No reheating is needed—they’re served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I bake the brownies in advance and assemble them the day I plan to serve them. The strawberries and cream are best when fresh.

What’s the best frosting or cream to use?

I like using stabilized whipped cream or buttercream for structure, especially if I’m taking them to a party or leaving them out for a while.

Can I use boxed brownie mix?

Absolutely. I use any brand I like, or go homemade if I have extra time. The base just needs to be firm enough to hold the toppings.

How do I get perfect round shapes?

I use a small round cookie cutter, but a knife works too if I want square shapes. Letting the brownies chill first helps with clean cuts.

Are there alternatives to strawberries?

Yes, I’ve seen versions using raspberries or even red-dyed marshmallows when strawberries aren’t in season.

Conclusion

Easy Santa Hat Brownies are a fun, festive way to bring holiday cheer to the dessert table. I love how simple they are to make, how cute they look, and how well they blend rich chocolate with fresh, fruity flavor. Whether I’m baking for a party or just spreading Christmas magic at home, these little treats are always a hit.