Oh, the magic of Christmas! There’s something truly special about gathering around the table, surrounded by loved ones, with a spread of festive desserts that bring joy and warmth to our hearts. Personally, my favorite holiday memory involves my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of rich chocolate filled the air as we baked together. We’d laugh and share stories while stirring batter, and then, oh, the delight of sharing those warm treats fresh from the oven! Christmas party desserts have a way of transforming ordinary moments into cherished memories. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a lively holiday party, nothing brings people together quite like delicious homemade sweets. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to be the star of your holiday celebrations, making your Christmas parties even more memorable. Get ready to treat your family and friends to something truly special this season!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
How to Prepare Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get baking! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that the cake starts baking evenly right from the moment you put it in. While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. You’ll want to mix it until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes, and trust me, it makes a world of difference!
Next, add in those three large eggs and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Now comes the fun part! In a separate bowl, combine your dry ingredients: the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to whisk them together so there are no lumps lurking around. This mix is where all the rich chocolatey goodness comes from!
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in three parts—starting with a third of the dry mix, then adding some wet, and so on. This helps prevent the batter from getting too dense. Stir gently until just combined; don’t worry if there are a few flour streaks left; you don’t want to overmix!
Finally, fold in those chocolate chips. They’re the little treasures that make every bite a delight! Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, making sure it’s evenly spread out. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once it’s baked to perfection, let it cool in the dish for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling step is key—don’t rush it! Now you’re all set for the best part: serving and enjoying your irresistible Christmas party dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious dessert and get back to enjoying your holiday festivities!
- Decadent Flavor: The rich chocolate flavor, combined with gooey chocolate chips, makes every bite a pure delight.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert is sure to impress your guests, making it a highlight at any Christmas party.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can bake it a day in advance, so it’s one less thing to worry about on the big day.
- Flexible Serving: Serve it warm with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra special treat!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas party dessert turns out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, let your butter sit at room temperature for about an hour before you start; it should be soft but not melted. This helps create that fluffy texture when you cream it with sugar. Keep an eye on your baking time—every oven is a little different, so start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark. And don’t forget to let the dessert cool completely before slicing; this helps it hold its shape beautifully. For presentation, dust with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream for that festive touch!
Variations
One of the best parts about this Christmas party dessert is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste! For a nutty twist, try folding in a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor. If you’re a fan of white chocolate, swap out half of the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to create a beautiful contrast and a sweeter bite. Feeling festive? Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday touch, or mix in some crushed candy canes for that classic flavor. You can even substitute some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty richness. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Christmas party dessert experience, I highly recommend serving it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creaminess pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate flavor, creating a delightful contrast. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel can also take it to the next level—trust me, your guests will be raving about it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious Christmas party dessert fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For reheating, simply pop individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up, or enjoy it cold if you prefer! Either way, it’s sure to be a delightful treat that lasts through the holiday season!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each serving of this delightful Christmas party dessert. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Each piece contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
Enjoy this sweet treat guilt-free, knowing it brings joy to your holiday gatherings!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about this delightful Christmas party dessert.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free? Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
What can I use instead of butter? If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use a good-quality vegan butter or even coconut oil in equal amounts. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to let it cool completely before storing!
Can I freeze the batter? Yes! You can freeze the batter in a sealed container for up to a month. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions—happy baking!
Print
Christmas Party Desserts: 5 Irresistible Treats to Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious desserts perfect for your Christmas party.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: christmas party desserts
