Name: Red Velvet Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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

There’s something undeniably festive about combining rich chocolate with a splash of holiday cheer, and that’s exactly why the Red Velvet Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe is such a special treat. These brownies bring that beautiful red velvet color and melt-in-your-mouth texture together with a spicy, creamy eggnog frosting that truly elevates the whole dessert experience.

A close-up of a triangular chocolate brownie shaped like a Christmas tree with three layers: the bottom dark brown brownie layer is rough and crumbly; the middle thick white cream layer covers the brownie evenly; the top layer is bright green glossy icing shaped like a tree, decorated with colorful round candy pieces in red, blue, yellow, and orange, and sprinkled with green sugar crystals. A small red and white candy stick is placed at the tree's base to look like a trunk. The treats sit on a white marbled surface with more decorated brownies blurred in the background, some with red and white icing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Red Velvet Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these brownies every winter for years, and they never disappoint. What makes this Red Velvet Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe stand out isn’t just the festive flavors, but how they come together so easily—you get festive looks with classic brownie comfort.

Festive Flavor Combo: The peppermint and eggnog notes give these brownies a delightful holiday twist without overpowering the classic chocolate base.
Easy to Make: The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, which means you can whip up a batch without fuss.
Fun to Serve: Cutting the brownies into festive shapes adds that extra bit of charm that guests and kids love.
Moist & Rich Texture: Thanks to melted butter and sour cream cream cheese frosting, each bite melts in your mouth.

There is one square brownie with three layers stacked: a thick dark brown base that looks moist and crumbly, topped with a smooth pale cream layer of frosting, and finished with a red jelly shaped like a spider web covering the top, with shiny texture. Behind it are several more brownies decorated with colorful toppings including red jelly, white frosting with red and green sprinkles, and multicolored candy sprinkles. They are on a white marbled surface with a silver knife and a red-striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Red Velvet Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe has a purpose—whether it’s building that rich texture, packing in flavor, or making the frosting irresistibly creamy. Choosing high-quality extracts and fresh spices really makes a noticeable difference.

Flat lay of a small mound of unsalted butter sticks, a white ceramic bowl filled with granulated sugar, a white ceramic bowl holding unsweetened cocoa powder, a tiny white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a tiny white bowl of clear peppermint extract, a small white bowl containing red liquid food coloring, a white ceramic bowl with all-purpose flour, four large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a white ceramic bowl with baking powder, a white ceramic bowl with fine salt, a small pile of semi-sweet chocolate chips, a white ceramic bowl of cream cheese softened and creamy, a few small chunks of unsalted butter softened, a white ceramic bowl heaped with powdered sugar, a tiny white bowl filled with smooth eggnog, a tiny white bowl of ground cinnamon powder, a tiny white bowl of ground nutmeg powder, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Melting it adds richness and moisture while allowing for smoother batter mixing.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create that tender brownie crumb.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives a deep chocolate flavor without adding fat.
McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract: Boosts overall flavor with warmth and depth.
McCormick Peppermint Extract: Adds a subtle, refreshing holiday note that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Red Food Coloring: Essential for that signature red velvet color—don’t skip or skimp here.
Flour: Provides structure while keeping the brownies soft.
Eggs: Bind ingredients and help with leavening for a perfect chewy texture.
Baking Powder: A touch helps balance density without making the brownies cakey.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors — even in desserts!
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melt slightly while baking, adding bursts of melty chocolate goodness.
Cream Cheese: The base for the eggnog frosting, it adds tang and creaminess.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting smoothly without grit.
Eggnog: Brings festive spice notes and helps adjust frosting consistency.
Ground Cinnamon & Ground Nutmeg: Classic warming spices that give the frosting its seasonal kick.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this recipe, especially with the frosting. It’s easy to adjust based on your tastes or what you have on hand—like swapping peppermint extract for a drop of almond or vanilla for a completely different vibe. You can even lighten up the frosting or make it dairy-free with just a few tweaks.

Variation: One winter, I tried orange extract instead of peppermint, and the brownies gained a warm, citrusy twist that everyone adored.
Dietary Modification: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes to make an allergy-friendly version without losing texture.
Seasonal Change: For a non-holiday occasion, skip the eggnog and spices in the frosting and keep it classic cream cheese instead.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and prep your 9×13 pan by lining it with parchment paper or foil. I always let the edges hang over the sides—that way, I can easily lift the whole batch out without risking breaking the edges. Also, a light spray of nonstick cooking spray keeps everything from sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Together

Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set it aside. Mixing these first makes sure they’re evenly distributed, so you don’t bite into pockets of baking powder or salt—which I’ve definitely had happen before!

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients for Deep Flavor

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and red food coloring. The vivid red combined with the dark cocoa makes me smile every time. Once smooth, add eggs one at a time, beating after each until just combined—we don’t want to overmix here to keep that tender brownie texture.

Step 4: Combine Carefully

Fold the dry ingredients into your wet batter gently, just until incorporated. If you overmix, your brownies might turn out tough instead of soft and chewy. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips for pockets of gooey chocolate that make each bite magical.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter evenly into your pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. I usually start checking at 30 minutes: insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting; patience here makes for cleaner frosting and cleaner slices.

Step 6: Whip Up That Eggnog Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter with the eggnog and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, adjusting with more eggnog as needed for a spreadable but firm consistency. Finish with cinnamon and nutmeg for that unmistakeable holiday warmth. Taste as you go here—you’ll want that balance of sweet and spice.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. To decorate, I sometimes cut mine into festive shapes like triangles (Christmas trees) using cookie cutters—it’s such a fun way to brighten up your dessert table!

Top Tip

I’ve baked lots of red velvet and chocolate desserts over the years, and what’s key to these brownies is attention to mixing—and cooling! I’ve learned the hard way that rushing can ruin texture or frosting ease.

Slow and steady mixing: Fold the flour mixture in gently to avoid tough brownies.
Don’t skip cooling: Frosting softens if the brownies are warm; let them cool fully for a smooth finish.
Use room-temp cream cheese and butter: This makes the frosting ultra creamy and easy to spread without lumps.
Watch your bake time: Oven temps vary; check around 30 minutes to avoid over-baking and drying out the brownies.

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe

Red Velvet Brownies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle crushed candy canes over the frosting for a pop of color and crunchy peppermint surprise, but chopped pecans or a light dusting of cocoa powder are lovely too. It adds that extra festive vibe and texture without overpowering the frosting.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these brownies with a simple cup of spiced hot chocolate or a creamy eggnog latte for a cozy treat combo. They also hold up well alongside a fresh fruit salad, which balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange brownies on a festive platter and scatter edible glitter or holiday sprinkles on top. Making mini brownie bites and skewering them on pretty sticks for a “brownie pops” presentation is always a hit with guests of all ages.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat them within two days. After that, refrigeration helps keep the frosting fresh, though it might firm up—just bring to room temp before serving for the best taste.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen these brownies after frosting them by wrapping the whole pan or individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. When thawed overnight in the fridge, the frosting stays creamy and delicious—perfect for making ahead of holiday events.

Reheating

If you want warm brownies, I recommend removing the frosting first or microwaving just a plain brownie square for 10-15 seconds. Reheating with frosting on can cause it to melt and separate, which changes the texture quite a bit.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for best results. Just be mindful the texture might be slightly different, but still delicious.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

You can substitute vanilla extract or almond extract in equal amounts. Peppermint just adds a festive touch, but the brownies will still be great without it.

How long do these brownies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, the brownies will stay fresh on the counter for up to 2 days and in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I use store-bought eggnog or homemade?

Either works perfectly! Homemade eggnog can add a richer flavor, but store-bought eggnog is convenient and tasty. Just make sure it’s fresh and well chilled before using in the frosting.

Final Thoughts

Making these Red Velvet Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy holiday hug. I always find that the special touch of eggnog frosting takes traditional brownies to a whole new festive level. Whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself, these brownies truly deliver that warm, slightly spiced joy you crave during the holidays. Go ahead, give them a try—you’ll be glad you did!