Description
Delicious Red Velvet Brownies featuring a rich chocolate base infused with peppermint and a vibrant red color, topped with a creamy eggnog-flavored cream cheese frosting. Perfect for festive occasions and holiday celebrations.
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
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil so it overhangs slightly for easy removal, then lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine wet ingredients and sugar: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and red food coloring until thoroughly combined.
- Add eggs: Add eggs one at a time to the wet mixture, beating after each addition just until incorporated to maintain batter texture.
- Incorporate dry ingredients and chocolate chips: Gently fold in the flour mixture just until combined, then fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Bake brownies: Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool brownies: Remove from oven and allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before applying frosting.
- Prepare frosting: Beat softened cream cheese, butter, 2 tablespoons eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, adding extra eggnog if needed to reach spreadable consistency, then mix in ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Frost brownies: Spread the eggnog cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. Let set before cutting into desired shapes or squares.
- Store: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, then refrigerate to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For easy removal, ensure parchment paper or foil overhangs the pan edges.
- If desired, use cookie cutters to create festive shapes like Christmas trees or presents once frosted.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Adjust the amount of eggnog in frosting to achieve preferred spreadability.
- Store refrigerated brownies for up to 5 days for best freshness.
- Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a balanced chocolate flavor without added sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
