Festival brownies are the kind of dessert I turn to when I want something indulgent, festive, and full of fun. They’re rich, fudgy brownies packed with colorful toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, and candy-coated treats—perfect for parties, celebrations, or just because I feel like adding some cheer to my day. Every bite delivers gooey chocolate goodness with pops of texture and color.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these brownies take a classic treat and turn it into something extra special with barely any extra effort. The base is a deep, chocolatey brownie with a soft center and chewy edges, and the festive toppings make it feel tailor-made for birthdays, holidays, or seasonal gatherings. It’s a no-fuss recipe that always impresses, whether I’m baking for a crowd or just treating myself.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Unsalted butter
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Granulated sugar
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Brown sugar
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Eggs
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Vanilla extract
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Unsweetened cocoa powder
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All-purpose flour
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Salt
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Baking powder
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Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
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Colorful sprinkles, M&Ms, or other festive toppings
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
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I melt the butter and mix it with both sugars until smooth.
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I whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is glossy.
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I sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, then fold the batter until just combined.
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I stir in chocolate chips and pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
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I scatter my chosen toppings—sprinkles, candies, or more chocolate—across the surface.
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I bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
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I let them cool before slicing into squares for the perfect chewy texture.
Servings and timing
Serves: 12
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
I love changing up the toppings to match the occasion:
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Red and green sprinkles or crushed peppermint for the holidays
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Pastel candy for spring celebrations
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Orange and black candy pieces for Halloween
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Mini marshmallows and graham cracker bits for a s’mores twist
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Swirls of peanut butter or caramel for an extra decadent layer
storage/reheating
I store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If I want to keep them longer, I freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper. When I’m ready to enjoy, I let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for that just-baked gooeyness.
FAQs
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
I check by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not raw batter.
Can I use a boxed brownie mix instead?
Yes, when I’m short on time, I use a boxed mix and just add the fun toppings before baking.
What size pan should I use?
An 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square pan works best for thick, fudgy brownies. I adjust the baking time slightly if I use a different size.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. I double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. I increase the baking time by about 5–10 minutes and keep an eye on doneness.
Do I need to refrigerate these brownies?
Not unless it’s very warm where I live. Otherwise, they stay fresh at room temperature in a sealed container.
Conclusion
Festival brownies are my favorite way to turn a classic treat into a celebration. They’re rich, chewy, and bursting with color and fun. Whether I’m baking for a holiday, a party, or just to brighten someone’s day, this recipe never fails to bring smiles—and second helpings.
PrintFestival Brownies
These festival brownies are rich, chewy, and bursting with fun and color—perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a celebratory treat. Loaded with chocolate chips, sprinkles, and candy toppings, they turn a classic brownie into something extra special with barely any extra effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- Toppings: colorful sprinkles, M&Ms, or other candy-coated treats
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter and mix it with granulated and brown sugar until smooth.
- Whisk in eggs and vanilla extract until glossy.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold gently until just combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips, then pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top.
- Scatter festive toppings over the surface.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Use holiday-themed toppings (peppermint, candy corn, pastel candies) to match the occasion.
- Add swirls of peanut butter or caramel before baking for an extra-decadent twist.
- Don’t overbake—pull them out when they’re still slightly gooey for the best texture.
- Can be made with a boxed brownie mix for a faster version—just add toppings!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
