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 truly magical about holiday flavors coming together in one bite. This Red Velvet Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe blends rich, chocolaty goodness with the warm spices of eggnog frosting — it's a festive treat that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat.

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 honestly get so excited every time I make these brownies because the flavors just sing holiday cheer. The red velvet base is decadently fudgy, while the eggnog cream cheese frosting adds that cozy, spiced touch you crave this time of year.

Festive Flavor Fusion: Combines classic red velvet and peppermint with a dreamy eggnog frosting that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even a newbie baker can follow with confidence.
Customizable Shapes: Whether you cut squares, triangles, or fun cookie-cutter shapes, you can tailor these brownies for any festive occasion.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The frosting isn’t overly sweet, striking just the right note alongside the rich brownie base.

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

Each ingredient in this Red Velvet Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect texture and flavor combo. I always recommend using quality cocoa and fresh spices to let the flavors shine. Here’s a quick rundown on the stars of the show:

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: Melts down smoothly, providing rich fat that helps create that fudgy brownie texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and creates structure when mixed with the butter and eggs.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor while keeping moisture balanced.
Vanilla Extract: Amplifies all the other flavors harmoniously.
Peppermint Extract: Brings a subtle holiday freshness without overpowering the red velvet notes.
Red Food Coloring: Gives the iconic red velvet appearance—don’t skimp here for that festive pop.
Flour: Provides structure and stability to the brownies without making them cakey.
Eggs: Bind everything together and make the batter silky.
Baking Powder: Just enough to give a slight lift without losing fudginess.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Little pockets of melty chocolate add extra indulgence.
Cream Cheese: The base for the frosting adds tang and creaminess you’ll adore.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that perfect spreadable consistency.
Eggnog: Infuses the frosting with that festive spice and creaminess that makes it special.
Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Essential spices that bring warmth and holiday spirit.

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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 to get playful with this Red Velvet Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe. Sometimes I swap out the peppermint extract for orange zest to add a citrusy twist — it’s unexpected but wonderful. Feel free to adapt it to your festive mood.

Variation: For a nutty upgrade, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting before it sets. I’ve done this when bringing the brownies to a holiday party, and they were a hit!
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes, plus powdered sugar made without cornstarch to keep it smooth.
Seasonal Change: During non-holiday months, swap the eggnog and spices for a cream cheese frosting flavored with fresh berries or lemon zest for a lighter feel.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Get that oven heated to 350°F and line a 9×13 pan with parchment or foil. I like to leave a little overhang on the sides—that way, once the brownies are cooled, you can lift them right out without a fuss. Spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This dry mix ensures even distribution and keeps the brownies balanced, so no bite ends up too salty or floury.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Build the Batter

In a large bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, peppermint extract, and red food coloring until it looks glossy and smooth. Then, add the eggs one by one, stirring just enough after each to incorporate—overmixing here can make the brownies tough. Gently fold in the flour mixture until just combined, then fold in chocolate chips.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep your eye on them; you want a toothpick to come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Once baked, let these beauties cool completely—it's crucial before frosting.

Step 5: Whip Up the Eggnog Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese, butter, 2 tablespoons eggnog, and vanilla extract till smooth. Then gradually add powdered sugar, adjusting the consistency with more eggnog if needed. Finally, mix in cinnamon and nutmeg for that unmistakable holiday warmth. Taste as you go; sometimes I add a pinch more cinnamon for extra zing.

Step 6: Frost and Enjoy

Spread the frosting generously over the completely cooled brownies. You can cut these into classic squares or get festive with triangles or cookie-cutters—holiday trees, stars, you name it. Then serve and watch them disappear!

Top Tip

After making this Red Velvet Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few things that really elevate the final result:

Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese and Butter: It makes frosting smoother and easier to spread—cold ingredients will leave lumps.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Fold in the flour gently to keep the brownies tender and fudgy, not cakey or dry.
Let Brownies Cool Completely Before Frosting: Otherwise, the frosting melts and loses its shape, making for a messy experience.
Lift Brownies from Pan to Cut: The parchment overhang tip saves so much time and keeps edges neat.

How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe

Red Velvet Brownies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these brownies with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy or a little dusting of extra cinnamon. It’s simple but adds a festive sparkle and an extra crunch that keeps folks coming back for more.

Side Dishes

Pair the brownies with a warm cup of spiced coffee, mulled wine, or a glass of cold milk. Sometimes I’ll serve alongside fresh fruit like orange slices or pomegranate seeds to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

One holiday, I cut these brownies into star shapes and layered them with frosted snowflakes on a pretty platter, then added sprigs of rosemary to mimic pine branches. It was a showstopper at the party and made them feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, just like the recipe says. After that, I pop them in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh. They stay moist and delicious even chilled.

Freezing

Freezing works great too—wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge, and the frosting softens up beautifully.

Reheating

If you want to warm a brownie, I recommend a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave (just enough to make it soft), but be careful not to melt the frosting completely. It keeps the edges soft and gooey, just how I like it!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of peppermint extract?

Yes! The peppermint extract adds a nice holiday twist, but if you prefer a more traditional red velvet flavor, simply omit the peppermint. Vanilla alone works great.

How do I prevent the brownies from drying out?

Be sure not to overbake them—pull out the brownies when a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Also, store brownies in an airtight container to keep moisture locked in.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup for cup. Just check your baking powder and other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free too.

What’s the best way to get that vibrant red color?

Using a good quality red food coloring and adding it to the wet ingredients ensures the color is vivid. Don’t be shy here — the red velvet charm depends on it!

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Brownies with Eggnog Frosting Recipe truly feels like a little slice of holiday magic. I always find that sharing these brings a cozy, joyful vibe to any gathering. Give it a try—you might just find your new festive favorite, too. You really can’t go wrong with that combination of rich, fudgy brownies and creamy, spiced frosting. Enjoy every bite like I do!