These brownies are SO delicious that I only make them once a year. Otherwise, I would eat these things all day, every day. THAT’S how delicious they are. What could be better than a rich, chocolatey, velvety brownie with delicious cream cheese frosting?!

Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Recipe from Southern Living Magazine

Recipe Ingredients:

• 1 (4-oz) bittersweet chocolate baking bar
• 3/4 cup butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (1-oz) bottle red liquid food coloring
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

For Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 3 Tablespoons butter
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a 9×9 inch square baking pan, line the bottom and sides with aluminum foil. Let the foil extend over the edges by a couple of inches, because you will be using the foil to lift the brownies out of the pan. We used two pieces of foil for the pan. Lightly grease the foil.

In a large bowl, microwave the butter and the chocolate (break the chocolate into several pieces) for about 90 seconds, stopping to stir every 30-seconds or so.

When this is completely melted and smooth, whisk in the sugar. Then add the eggs, one at a time, whisking just until blended after each one.

Stir in flour, food coloring, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt.

Once everything is combined well, pour into the pan.

Bake for 45-50 minutes. Test to make sure they’re done by sticking a toothpick in the center and making sure it doesn’t come out wet! Place the pan on a wire rack and let the brownies cool for about 2 hours.

While the brownies are baking, you can whip up the delicious cream cheese frosting! Add the softened cream cheese and butter to a medium bowl and beat with an electric mixer 30 seconds to one minute until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt, beating until well blended. Then stir in the vanilla extract.

Once your brownies have completely cooled, lift them out of the pan by using the extended foil. Cut the brownies into square and frost! You can then garnish them with white chocolate curls, sprinkles. or whatever your heart desires! We used some red sprinkles (though I wish we’d had some green ones to make them extra Christmas-ey!)

We give these brownies 5 out of 5 herbs! You will not regret trying these. Share some bright red joy this Christmas!