21 Holiday Brownie Recipe Ideas for People Who Skip the Fruitcake

Not everyone is on the fruitcake train, but 21 different holiday brownies to choose from are set to win over the dessert table. Each recipe idea brings the right kind of warmth, whether for cookie swaps, celebrations, or a simple night in front of the tree. I’ve always thought brownies add a laid-back feeling to the busiest season. At the end of a long day, nothing beats a rich, homemade square.

Several squares of chocolate brownies with a yellow and brown marbled pattern are stacked and arranged on parchment paper.
Fudgy Banana Pudding Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fudgy Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

A close-up of a brownie square topped with a swirl of cheesecake and cherry filling.
Fudgy Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Passing around these Fudgy Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies makes every holiday dessert table brighter and more fun. As soon as people see the soft swirls and bright colors, they can’t resist taking a bite. I find these bring together dessert lovers who want more than the usual fruitcake. Each square is a delicious mix of creamy, chocolatey, and fruity goodness.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

Rich Buckeye Brownies

Several squares of chocolate cake with a layer of peanut butter filling and a chocolate topping are arranged on brown parchment paper.
Rich Buckeye Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Brownies take on a festive twist with these Rich Buckeye Brownies piled high on a platter. The first bite always gets a reaction, some smiles, some wide eyes, and a few requests for the recipe. Anyone who loves that classic chocolate-and-peanut-butter combo will want to snag seconds. You’ll notice the tray empties faster than expected.
Get the Recipe: Rich Buckeye Brownies

Fudgy Pumpkin Spice Brownies

Close-up of several chocolate brownies with a swirl of orange filling on top, arranged on parchment paper.
Fudgy Pumpkin Spice Brownies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Holiday flavors meet chocolate in these Fudgy Pumpkin Spice Brownies. Each bite brings a little warmth and a rich, gooey texture that’s hard not to crave. Guests always seem surprised at how well pumpkin and brownie go together. It’s the treat I turn to when I want something a little cozier during winter baking.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Pumpkin Spice Brownies

Tiramisu Brownies

A close-up of a tray of tiramisu with a chocolate base, with one slice being lifted out, topped with dusted cocoa powder.
Tiramisu Brownies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert trays become the center of attention with these Tiramisu Brownies waiting to be tried. The familiar coffee aroma promises something unique among the usual brownie lineup. As soon as people dig in, whispers of “wow” float around the room. For coffee fans especially, this treat adds a holiday spark nobody sees coming.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu Brownies

Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies

Stack of four chocolate brownies with visible white chocolate chunks.
Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

The deep color of these Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies instantly gives that special holiday vibe to any dessert spread. I watch plates clear fast, since the rich flavor and soft middle appeal to everyone, even the pickiest sweet tooth. Sometimes it feels like one bite isn’t enough. They somehow make Christmas gatherings feel a little fancier in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Red Velvet Brownies

Chewy Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies

Close-up of Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies filled with white chocolate chips and raspberries, topped with fresh raspberries and white chocolate chunks.
Chewy Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet, tart, and chewy all in one, these Chewy Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies become a go-to treat for those who want a fruitier brownie experience. People often ask if there are any left for later, so I usually bake extra. Every bar brings a pop of color that stands out at winter potlucks. Kids and grownups both love that sweet surprise inside.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies

Fudgy Zucchini Brownies

Several brownies are arranged on parchment paper with crumbs scattered around and a piece of zucchini placed next to them.
Fudgy Zucchini Brownies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Surprising everyone at the table, these Fudgy Zucchini Brownies stand out for their incredible softness and deep chocolate flavor. No one expects veggies to make such a difference, which makes for fun conversations after the first bite. I love serving these to a group that likes to guess secret ingredients. The crowd always comes back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Zucchini Brownies

Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Close-up of sliced crumbly cakes topped with white icing. One piece is positioned vertically to show its texture.
Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet spice fills the air when these Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies hit the table during the holidays. The texture is just right, chewy, soft, and a bit comforting on colder nights. People relive memories of cinnamon rolls as soon as they taste the first bite. It’s a cozy twist on brownies that disappears before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies

Brownies with a cream cheese layer in the center are cut into squares and arranged on parchment paper.
Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Curious dessert fans gather fast when these Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies are on display. The marbled look makes them one of the first treats people reach for at holiday events. Rich chocolate and tangy creaminess in every bite keeps everyone coming back for more. Your dessert table will never look the same after serving these.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies

Chewy Pecan Pie Brownies

Close-up of pecan-topped brownies on parchment paper, showing their dense chocolate base and nutty topping.
Chewy Pecan Pie Brownies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Getting a taste of these Chewy Pecan Pie Brownies is like having the best of two classics in one square. The sweet, nutty chew keeps guests chatting long after dessert is served. I make sure to pile up an extra batch since they seem to vanish at every get-together. There’s no better way to upgrade brownies for holiday parties.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Pecan Pie Brownies

Fudgy Sugar-Free Sweet Potato Brownies

A close-up of several chocolate brownies drizzled with chocolate and sprinkled with orange zest on a white surface.
Fudgy Sugar-Free Sweet Potato Brownies. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Holiday treats can be both indulgent and balanced, as proven by these Fudgy Sugar-Free Sweet Potato Brownies. Friends who watch their sugar are always surprised by the deep flavor in each bite. The rich texture never feels like a compromise. It’s a recipe that gets everyone, even the skeptics, coming back to the dessert tray.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Sugar-Free Sweet Potato Brownies

Eggless Brownies

A stack of rich, fudgy brownies on a white plate, accompanied by a glass of milk in the background.
Eggless Brownies. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Bringing these Eggless Brownies to festive events guarantees no one feels left out of dessert. People without dietary worries dive in, too, thanks to the chewy bite and rich taste. I often save a few at home because they’re just as popular the next day. Brownie lovers all agree that you never miss what’s missing.
Get the Recipe: Eggless Brownies

Fudgy Strawberry Brownies

Two pieces of chocolate brownies with a swirl of red fruit, possibly raspberry or cherry, stacked on a surface with more brownies in the background.
Fudgy Strawberry Brownies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

The pop of color in these Fudgy Strawberry Brownies always causes a stir at holiday potlucks. They’re as beautiful to look at as they are inviting to bite into. I notice that people are drawn in by the fruity aroma, then surprised by the extra-rich chocolate flavor. Each batch seems to disappear before anyone’s quite ready to say dessert is over.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Strawberry Brownies

Tangy Lemon Brownies

Close-up of a square piece of yellow cake with a smooth white icing layer on top, sitting on a light-colored surface.
Tangy Lemon Brownies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bright and unexpected, these Tangy Lemon Brownies break up the usual parade of chocolate during winter celebrations. Their sweet-tart taste feels refreshing, especially after a hearty meal. I bring these out when people want something a little different to end the night. Lemon fans light up at the first bite, wishing they’d been introduced sooner.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Lemon Brownies

Fudgy Pink Snoball Brownies

Three stacked slices of chocolate coconut candy, reminiscent of Pink Snoball Brownies, topped with pink shredded coconut.
Fudgy Pink Snoball Brownies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Making these Fudgy Pink Snoball Brownies feels like bringing a bit of fun to the Christmas dessert table. People can’t resist trying something with such a cheerful look and unique texture. It’s always interesting to see which guests become new fans after one taste. Just a little color and creativity can turn a classic into a holiday showstopper.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Pink Snoball Brownies

Chewy Chocolate Brownies

Close-up image of several chocolate brownies featuring a slightly crumbly texture and a sprinkling of coarse salt on top.
Chewy Chocolate Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes the classic wins the day, like with these Chewy Chocolate Brownies stacked high on a plate. Each bite has a richness and softness that just feels like pure comfort. I serve them whenever I want people to feel instantly at home. No matter what else you offer, plain brownies never stick around for long at Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Brownies

Sourdough Brownies

Close-up of a square cut chocolate brownie with a rich, dense texture, resting on a light-colored surface. More brownies are visible in the background.
Sourdough Brownies. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Trying these Sourdough Brownies is a once-a-year event for many, since they make the whole house smell amazing. Guests perk up with curiosity as soon as they learn what makes these different. The flavor is just a touch more complex, but not in a way that loses the crowd. If you like sharing something with a twist, this one’s too good to skip.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Brownies

Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

A stack of rich peanut butter brownies with a spoonful of creamy peanut butter on the side.
Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chocolaty, rich, and extra gooey, these Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies get snatched up right away at every holiday party. The peanut butter layer always starts conversations among dessert fans. I make double batches so no one misses out on seconds. For true brownie lovers, this is one recipe that gets talked about long after the holidays end.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

Christmas Brownies

Several brownies decorated with candy eyes, red candy noses, and pretzel antlers are arranged on a white surface to resemble reindeer faces.
Christmas Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Decked out with holiday cheer, these Christmas Brownies bring the celebration right to your dessert table. Each square feels special, setting the mood for laughter and stories after dinner. I find guests of all ages want a piece, especially with the festive touches on top. Nothing brings out holiday joy quite like classic brownies dressed for the season.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Brownies

Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Close-up of a stack of gooey caramel-filled Biscoff Brownies, sprinkled with flaky sea salt, on parchment paper.
Decadent Biscoff Brownies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Dessert lovers often circle back for seconds when these Decadent Biscoff Brownies are in the lineup. Each bar packs in richness that keeps conversations going around the snack table. I serve these when I want to wow guests with something unexpected. Every bite adds just a bit more magic to the sweetest time of the year.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Fudgy Banana Pudding Brownies

Several squares of chocolate brownies with a yellow and brown marbled pattern are stacked and arranged on parchment paper.
Fudgy Banana Pudding Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Blending two iconic treats, these Fudgy Banana Pudding Brownies deliver softness and a sweet aroma everyone remembers. The first slice always sparks comments about its inviting look and nostalgic flavor. Yours might become the most-requested recipe of the season. Folks line up for this dessert that stands out from the usual holiday lineup.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Banana Pudding Brownies

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