Easy Strawberry Santa Hat Brownie Bites Recipe - The perfect festive treat for a holiday party or cookie exchange. I mean, who doesn't love an edible Santa hat!
They're easy, delicious and super fun to make. Great for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or a sweet family snack.
Why I Love this Easy Strawberry Santa Hat Brownie Bites Recipe
• You know I love EASY! Just 3 ingredients are needed for this adorable dessert.
• Strawberry brownie Santa hats are so fun to make with the kids (and adults too).
• Great flavor combo! The combination of rich brownies, fresh strawberries, and creamy vanilla frosting is irresistible.
• Can be made with homemade brownies or a store-bought mix for convenience.
• Impress your guests with this fun holiday dessert. They look fancy but are surprisingly easy to create.
• Since they're bite-sized, they are really perfect for a holiday party or Christmas party.
What You Need
Ingredient Notes
• Pre-Made Brownie Bites: A convenient option if you're in a hurry. You could also use a boxed brownie mix in a mini muffin tin, if desired.
• Fresh Strawberries: Look for medium-sized strawberries with vibrant red color, firm texture and a pointed tip for the Santa hat shape.
• Butter: Use salted butter for extra flavor. Make sure it's softened to room temperature.
• Powdered Sugar: Essential for sweetening and thickening the frosting. Sift it to avoid lumps.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds richness and fluffiness to the frosting, making it easy to pipe.
• Vanilla Extract: If possible, select a really good quality brand of vanilla extract for optimum flavor.
How to make Adorable Santa Hat Brownie Bites
Start by preparing the buttercream frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla. Once fully incorporated, increase to medium speed and beat for another 3 minutes. Transfer the frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a small round tip (e.g., #5) and set aside.
Trim strawberry tops for a flat base to form Santa hats. Pipe frosting on top of each brownie bite in a circular motion, covering the surface. Place a strawberry on top, cut side down, and pipe a frosting dollop on top of each strawberry to complete the hat. Arrange on a serving platter. For best results, prepare the same day as serving.
Quick Tips
• Choose the Right Brownies: Use moist and fudgy store-bought brownie bites for the best flavor and texture.
• Prep Strawberries Ahead: Wash and dry strawberries thoroughly before trimming to avoid excess moisture on the brownies.
• Flat Tops for Hats: Trim strawberry tops evenly for a stable base to sit on the frosting.
• Chill the Frosting: If your frosting becomes too soft to pipe, chill it briefly to firm up.
• Assembly Tip: Pipe the frosting right before adding the strawberries to ensure they stick securely.
• Make Them Fresh: These are best assembled the day of serving for the freshest taste and appearance.
• Add a Festive Touch: Sprinkle powdered sugar "snow" around the platter for extra holiday cheer!
Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use homemade brownies instead of store-bought? Absolutely! Bake your favorite brownie recipe in a mini muffin pan for perfectly sized bites.
• Do I need to refrigerate my strawberry Santa hats after assembling? Yes, refrigerating them keeps the frosting firm and the strawberries fresh.
• How far in advance can I make them? These are best made the same day.
• What tip should I use for piping the frosting? A round tip works well, but you can snip the corner of a ziploc bag for a simple alternative to a piping bag.
• Can I use canned frosting instead of homemade buttercream? Yes, canned frosting works in a pinch, though homemade buttercream has a richer flavor and pipes better.
• What size strawberries work best for the Santa hat strawberry brownie bites? Medium-sized strawberries with a pointed tip are ideal for a proportionate and balanced Santa hat look.
Related Recipes
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Easy Strawberry Santa Hat Brownie Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 24 brownie bites we used Entemann's
- 24 fresh strawberries
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Start by preparing the buttercream frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla. Once fully incorporated, increase to medium speed and beat for another 3 minutes. Transfer the frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a small round tip (e.g., #5) and set aside.
- Trim strawberry tops for a flat base to form Santa hats. Pipe frosting onto brownie bites in a circular motion, covering the surface. Place a strawberry on top, cut side down, and pipe a frosting dollop on the tip to complete the hat. Arrange on a serving platter. For best results, prepare the same day as serving.
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