Christmas Tree Brownies

Introduction

Bring some holiday cheer to your dessert table with these adorable Christmas Tree Brownies! If you’re looking for a treat that’s equal parts fun and delicious, you’ve found it. These brownies are rich, fudgy, and decked out like little Christmas trees, complete with colorful “ornaments” and sparkling sprinkles. They’re a joy to make and an even bigger joy to eat—perfect for kids and adults alike.

The first time I made these, I was baking with my nieces, and let me tell you, it turned into one of the best afternoons ever. We had so much fun decorating the brownies together, and watching them get creative with the “ornaments” (a.k.a. candies) was such a treat in itself. These brownies are a great way to get everyone involved in holiday prep, no matter their age or baking skill level.

What’s great about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can use your favorite brownie recipe or a mix if you’re short on time. Once the brownies are baked and cooled, slice them into triangles, add a pretzel stick for the “trunk,” and let the decorating begin! Green frosting makes the perfect “branches,” and the rest is up to your imagination—sprinkles, candy-coated chocolates, edible glitter… you name it.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, creating edible gifts, or just looking for a festive activity to enjoy with loved ones, these Christmas Tree Brownies are guaranteed to spread joy. Plus, they’re almost too cute to eat—almost! Get ready for some sweet holiday magic that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Christmas Tree Brownies will become your new holiday favorite:

• Festive and Fun: Perfectly themed for holiday parties and gatherings.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps make them ideal for busy holiday schedules.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun activity for little hands to help with decorating!
• Rich and Chocolaty: Decadent brownies that melt in your mouth.
• Customizable: Get creative with decorations to match your holiday style.
• Great for Gifts: Wrapped individually, they make charming homemade presents.
• Minimal Equipment Needed: All you need is a pan and some holiday spirit.
• Show-Stopping Presentation: Eye-catching and delicious, they’re sure to impress.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Cooling and Decorating Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 12 brownies
• Calories per brownie: Approximately 275 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 1g, Fat: 12g, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your Christmas Tree Brownies:

For the Brownies:

• 1 box brownie mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

For Decoration:

• 1 cup green frosting (store-bought or homemade)
• Mini candy canes (halved)
• Sprinkles, mini M&Ms, or edible glitter for ornaments
• Powdered sugar for snow dusting

Ingredient Highlights

• Brownie Mix: Ensures a quick and easy base for your Christmas trees.
• Green Frosting: Adds a festive, tree-like touch to the brownies.
• Mini Candy Canes: Serve as adorable tree trunks for each brownie.
• Sprinkles and M&Ms: Turn these trees into edible works of art.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Brownies

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2. Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, water, and oil. Stir until smooth.
3. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
4. Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting.

Shape the Trees

1. Cut Triangles: Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into triangle shapes for the Christmas trees.
2. Insert Candy Canes: Gently press a halved mini candy cane into the base of each triangle to create the tree trunk.

Decorate the Trees

1. Add Frosting: Pipe or spread green frosting onto each brownie tree to resemble branches.
2. Decorate: Sprinkle with M&Ms, sprinkles, or edible glitter to mimic ornaments.
3. Dust with Snow: Sift powdered sugar over the brownies for a snowy effect.

How to Serve

Make your Christmas Tree Brownies even more magical with these serving ideas:

1. Holiday Platter: Arrange on a festive holiday tray surrounded by candy canes and holly leaves.
2. Wrap as Gifts: Place in clear treat bags tied with a red ribbon for gifting.
3. Dessert Table Showstopper: Display as a centerpiece on a tiered dessert stand.
4. Hot Cocoa Pairing: Serve alongside mugs of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
5. Kids’ Party Activity: Let kids decorate their own tree brownies for a fun event.

Additional Tips

Maximize the fun with these tips:

1. Chill for Easier Cutting: Refrigerate the brownies for 10 minutes before cutting to get clean edges.
2. Customize Colors: Use red or white frosting for a unique twist.
3. Use Cookie Cutters: Experiment with other holiday shapes like stars or snowmen.
4. Double the Recipe: For larger gatherings, double the batch and bake in two pans.
5. Make Ahead: Brownies can be baked a day ahead and decorated the day of serving.
6. Chill Your Frosting: If your frosting feels too soft, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes to firm it up for easier decorating.
7. Create Swirls: Use a star tip for a swirled frosting look, adding a touch of elegance to your cupcakes.
8. Flavor Boost: Add a drop of mint or orange extract to the frosting for a seasonal flavor twist.

Recipe Variations

Try these creative spins on Christmas Tree Brownies:

• Peppermint Twist: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter for a minty touch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free brownie mix for a celiac-friendly version.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the trees for extra sweetness.
• Vegan Version: Use an egg substitute and vegan frosting for plant-based brownies.
• Nutty Surprise: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.

Freezing and Storage

Store your Christmas Tree Brownies properly to enjoy them later:

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Store decorated brownies in the refrigerator to keep the frosting intact.
• Freezing: Freeze undecorated brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.

Special Equipment

You’ll need these tools for your Christmas Tree Brownies:

• Baking Pan: A 9×13-inch pan works best.
• Piping Bag or Spatula: For spreading or piping frosting.
• Sifter: For dusting powdered sugar.
• Knife: For cutting brownies into triangle shapes.

FAQ Section

• Can I use homemade brownie batter?
  Absolutely! Use your favorite homemade recipe if you prefer.
• What if I don’t have mini candy canes?
  Substitute pretzel sticks or popsicle sticks for the tree trunks.
• What if I don’t have candy corn?
• No problem! You can use other candies like chocolate kisses, gumdrops, or mini marshmallows to create the tip of the witch hats. Get creative with what you have on hand!
• How can I make these cupcakes nut-free?
• Most chocolate cake mixes and frostings are nut-free, but always check the labels to be certain. Stick to nut-free cookies and candies for the decorations as well.
• Can I use homemade frosting instead of store-bought?
• Of course! Homemade frosting adds a personal touch. Try making a simple chocolate buttercream or ganache for a rich, homemade flavor.
• How do I prevent the frosting from melting?
• If you’re working in a warm kitchen, refrigerate the cupcakes for 15–20 minutes before decorating. This helps the frosting set and prevents it from melting too quickly.
• What’s the best way to transport these cupcakes?
• Use a cupcake carrier or a sturdy box with a lid. To keep the hats from shifting, add a dab of frosting under each cookie to secure them before transporting.
• Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free or vegan?
• Yes! Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and check that your frosting, cookies, and candies are gluten-free. For vegan cupcakes, use a vegan cake mix, plant-based eggs (like flax or chia eggs), and dairy-free frosting.

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Conclusion

Christmas Tree Brownies are a delightful way to bring the festive spirit straight into your kitchen! With their rich, fudgy base and whimsical decorations, these treats capture the magic of the holidays in every bite. They’re perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings, making with the family, or enjoying as a fun project to brighten a chilly winter evening.

The best part? Decorating these edible trees is where the real fun begins! Let your imagination run wild as you transform simple brownies into sparkling, colorful masterpieces. From swirls of frosting to candy ornaments and sprinkles, no two trees have to look alike—making them as unique as the memories you’ll create while making them. It’s an activity that’s perfect for kids and adults alike, and it’s guaranteed to bring laughter, smiles, and maybe a little frosting on noses!

Whether you’re hosting a festive party, looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, or just in the mood for a creative baking adventure, these brownies are a must-try. So grab your decorating supplies, put on your coziest holiday sweater, and let the fun begin. And when you’re done crafting your sweet masterpieces, be sure to share the holiday cheer! Snap a photo of your beautiful creations and tag me on social media—I love seeing how your Christmas Tree Brownies turn out. Here’s to a deliciously merry holiday tradition!