Description
Delight in festive Red Velvet Brownies topped with a rich Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting, perfect for holiday celebrations or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon McCormick Peppermint Extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 cup flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz. Cream Cheese softened to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened at room temperature
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons eggnog plus more as needed
- 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Ground Cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon McCormick Ground Nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal, and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and red food coloring until well blended.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time to the wet mixture, beating just until incorporated after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Combine Batter: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet batter until just combined, then fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly.
- Bake Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes. Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting.
- Shape Brownies: Once cooled, cut brownies into squares, triangles, or use cookie cutters to create festive shapes.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, 2 tablespoons eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Spices: Gradually beat in powdered sugar, adding more eggnog if needed to reach desired spreading consistency. Mix in ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Frost Brownies: Spread the eggnog cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Storage: Store frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, then refrigerate to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use parchment paper or foil with an overhang for easy removal of brownies from the pan.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies tender and moist.
- If desired, you can substitute peppermint extract with an equal amount of vanilla extract for a different flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your preferred intensity of red color.
- Ensure brownies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Frosted brownies can be refrigerated for up to 5 days but bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- For a dairy-free variation, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
