If you’re searching for a festive, fun, and utterly delicious treat to bring holiday cheer to your gatherings, look no further than this Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe. Imagine rich, fudgy brownies cut into perfect little triangles, frosted with vibrant green buttercream, and adorned with colorful sprinkles and pretzel trunks that make each piece look like a mini Christmas tree. It’s a dessert that not only tastes amazing but also amps up the holiday spirit in the most joyful way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet come together to create a perfect balance of chocolatey goodness, smooth frosting, and festive decorations. Each one plays a special role, from providing that fudgy brownie base to the lush green frosting that makes these treats so visually stunning.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a tender texture to the brownies.
- Sugar: Sweetens the brownies, balancing the cocoa’s intensity.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the fudgy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor and color.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure without making the brownies cakey.
- Salt: Amplifies all the flavors for a richer taste.
- Baking powder: Ensures a slight lift to keep the brownies from being too dense.
- Chocolate chips: Melt pockets of gooey chocolate inside each bite.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Key for the creamy, fluffy frosting texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
- Heavy cream: Smooths the frosting for easy piping and luscious mouthfeel.
- Green food coloring: Gives frosting that unmistakable Christmas tree hue.
- Pretzel sticks: Fun and salty ‘tree trunks’ that add crunch and contrast.
- Rainbow confetti sprinkles: Brighten up the frosting with colorful ‘ornaments.’
- Yellow star sprinkles: Perfect for crowning each brownie like a shining star.
How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This simple prep step ensures your brownies bake evenly and lift out flawlessly for decorating.
Step 2: Create the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until silky and well combined. Gradually add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, stirring gently so the batter remains dense but smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips last, so they stay nicely distributed for gooey bites throughout.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Resist the urge to overbake—the fudgy texture is the magic here.
Step 4: Cool and Cut
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This helps them set up for clean cuts without crumbling. Remove from the pan and cut the brownies into three long rectangles. Next, slice each rectangle diagonally into triangular shapes that will become those adorable Christmas tree forms.
Step 5: Whip Up the Frosting
Using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough heavy cream to reach a smooth, pipe-able consistency. Add green food coloring gradually, mixing until you get that perfect evergreen shade that screams holiday cheer.
Step 6: Frost and Decorate the Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
Pipe the green frosting onto each brownie triangle in a zig-zag pattern, mimicking tree branches. Then, get creative—add pretzel sticks to the base for the trunk, scatter rainbow confetti sprinkles like shiny ornaments, and top off each tree with a bright yellow star sprinkle. This delightful decorating step is where your Christmas Tree Brownies really come alive.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of this Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe continues with the garnishes. Pretzel sticks add a salty crunch that beautifully complements the sweet, fudgy brownie, and the vibrant sprinkles bring that playful, festive sparkle. Don’t be shy about adding extra sprinkles—they make each bite feel like a little celebration.
Side Dishes
Pair these festive brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich chocolate and add a cool contrast. A warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or eggnog on the side also enhances the cozy, holiday vibe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the brownies on a large platter dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy effect, or place them upright on a tiered dessert tray for an eye-catching display. You can even string a ribbon around the platter and add small pinecones or ornaments around the edges to transform your dessert into a centerpiece that dazzles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe treats fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to three days—easy to grab for a festive snack anytime.
Freezing
If you’re making these brownies ahead of time, wrap the triangular pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to one month without losing their great flavor and texture. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
For a warm, gooier treat, pop a brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds once thawed. This quick reheating brings the chocolate chips back to melty perfection and makes the frosting soft and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using a gluten-free all-purpose blend should work well without sacrificing the fudgy texture. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best results.
How can I make the frosting less sweet?
You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a little cream cheese to the frosting for a tangy balance. Just be sure to adjust the consistency with extra cream if needed.
Is it necessary to frost the brownies green?
For the Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe to really shine with its holiday look, the green frosting is key. However, you can get creative and use white or red frosting and decorate accordingly—just keep it festive!
Can I use store-bought frosting to save time?
Definitely! Choose a good-quality buttercream and tint it green with gel food coloring. Just note that homemade frosting has a fresher taste and better texture, but store-bought works fine in a pinch.
What’s the best way to cut the brownies into perfect triangles?
Cutting into three long rectangles first gives you a nice guide. Then slice diagonally across each rectangle. Using a sharp knife and wiping it clean between cuts helps achieve neat, tree-like triangles.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe is one of those delightful holiday treats that can instantly turn your dessert table into a celebration of flavors and festive fun. Whether you’re baking for a party or cozying up at home, these brownies bring smiles, warmth, and that perfect touch of Christmas magic. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy some joyful baking—these trees are waiting to be devoured!
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Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Christmas Tree Brownies are a delightful holiday treat featuring rich, fudgy brownies cut into tree shapes, decorated with creamy green frosting and colorful sprinkles to resemble Christmas trees. Perfect for holiday parties or a fun family baking activity.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Frosting & Decorations
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–4 tablespoons heavy cream
- 6–12 drops green food coloring
- 1 cup pretzel sticks (for trunks)
- 1/4 cup rainbow confetti sprinkles
- 2 tablespoons yellow star sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder, whisking gently until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Bake Brownies: Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let Cool: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. This will make cutting easier and prevent crumbling.
- Cut into Triangles: Once cooled, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper. Cut the brownies into three long rectangles. Then cut each rectangle into triangular shapes to resemble Christmas trees.
- Make Frosting: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough heavy cream to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add green food coloring drops gradually until you achieve the desired shade of green.
- Frost Brownies: Using a piping bag or a spoon, pipe or spread the green frosting in a zig-zag pattern over each brownie triangle to create the look of a Christmas tree.
- Decorate: Place a pretzel stick at the bottom of each frosted brownie triangle to serve as the tree trunk. Then sprinkle the rainbow confetti sprinkles over the frosting, and top each tree with a yellow star sprinkle to complete the festive look.
Notes
- Ensure brownies are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- Adjust green food coloring according to your preferred tree color intensity.
- Use piping bags with different nozzles for creative frosting designs.
- Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
