These Santa Belly Brownies are a whimsical treat that’s guaranteed to spread holiday cheer. With a rich, fudgy brownie base and a glossy red glaze, each square is dressed to impress with a chocolate belt and a golden buckle—making them look like Santa’s iconic outfit. They’re fun to make, visually striking, and incredibly indulgent with a deep cocoa flavor and chewy, dense bite.

Whether you’re planning a Christmas party, a cookie exchange, or just a cozy baking day with the kids, these brownies make the season a little more magical. They’re festive enough to be the centerpiece of your dessert table, yet easy enough for beginners to whip up with joy.

Why You’ll Love These Santa Belly Brownies

From their striking presentation to their decadent taste, these brownies are a holiday hit. The combination of moist chocolate brownie and silky ganache-style topping satisfies any sweet tooth, while the decorative belt adds a playful, edible twist. They also travel well, making them perfect for gifting or packing in holiday treat boxes.

What Kind of Brownie Base Should I Use?

You can absolutely use a homemade brownie recipe or a box mix—both work beautifully! The key is choosing a dense, chewy brownie rather than a cakey one. A fudgy texture holds its shape better and pairs well with the rich toppings.

Ingredients for the Santa Belly Brownies

Each ingredient plays a delicious role in creating these festive brownies. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Unsalted Butter: Rich and creamy, it adds moisture and flavor to the brownie base.
Granulated Sugar: For the perfect balance of sweetness and structure.
Brown Sugar: Enhances depth of flavor and adds chewiness.
Eggs: Essential for structure and fudgy texture.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and enhances the chocolate.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the brownie batter.
Cocoa Powder: Use Dutch-processed or dark for an intense chocolate flavor.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens the cocoa.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks: Pockets of melty goodness in every bite.
Red Candy Melts or Glaze: For the shiny Santa suit top.
Chocolate Fondant or Candy Strips: Used to craft the belt.
Gold Fondant or Candy Buckles: The iconic Santa belt buckle!

How To Make the Santa Belly Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Preheat your oven and line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment. In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in both sugars. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients and fold in chocolate chunks.

Step 2: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into the pan and bake until the center is just set. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting—this helps them stay neat and dense.

Step 3: Add the Glaze

Once cooled, spread red candy melts or glaze evenly over the top. Smooth it out using an offset spatula for a clean finish.

Step 4: Create the Santa Belts

Cut the brownies into squares. Use chocolate fondant or flat candy strips to form the belts across each brownie. Then, top with a gold buckle to complete the look.

Step 5: Set and Serve

Let the decorations set slightly before serving. They’re ready to impress!

Serving and Storing These Santa Belly Brownies

These brownies make about 12 squares, depending on how you slice them. They are ideal for holiday dessert tables or gifting in treat bags. Serve them at room temperature to enjoy the perfect chewy texture.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to make them ahead, you can freeze the undecorated brownies and decorate them the day of your event.