If you’re ready to bring a burst of festive cheer to your holiday dessert table, this Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the rich, fudgy goodness of classic brownies with playful holiday decorations, these treats are as fun to make as they are delicious to eat. Each brownie is transformed into a charming little Christmas tree, complete with green frosting garlands, sprinkles like twinkling lights, and a candy cane trunk. Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing a special dessert for guests, this recipe turns simple ingredients into an enchanting holiday centerpiece that’s sure to spread smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and festive look, making this dessert both approachable and impressive.
- Brownie mix: Use your favorite boxed mix for a quick and reliably fudgy base.
- Eggs, oil, and water: These are essential for preparing the brownie mix and achieving the perfect texture.
- Green frosting or icing: Whether homemade or store-bought, this adds the perfect pop of holiday color and richness.
- Holiday sprinkles: Colorful and festive, these give your brownies that joyful tree-decorating feel.
- Mini candy canes (halved): They serve as adorable “tree trunks” and add a subtle peppermint twist.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A light dusting can create a beautiful snowy effect on your holiday treats.
- Star-shaped candies or yellow M&Ms: Top each tree with a shining star for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Brownies
Start by preheating your oven according to the brownie mix instructions, typically around 350°F (175°C). Mix the brownie batter as directed on the box, combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake until just set and fudgy. Once baked, it’s important to let the brownies cool completely so they’re easier to cut without crumbling.
Step 2: Cut the Brownies Into Tree Shapes
Once cooled, cut the brownies into long rectangles first. Then slice each rectangle diagonally to form triangle shapes that resemble Christmas trees. If you want super clean cuts, chill the brownies for a bit before slicing — this helps keep the edges sharp and neat.
Step 3: Add the Candy Cane Trunks
Take your halved mini candy canes and gently insert one into the bottom of each brownie triangle. This candy cane not only gives the tree a whimsical trunk but also adds a subtle minty flavor that complements the chocolate superbly.
Step 4: Decorate With Frosting and Sprinkles
Using green frosting, pipe or spread zigzag lines across each triangle to create your tree garland. Sprinkle colorful holiday sprinkles over the frosting to mimic twinkling lights, and carefully place a star-shaped candy or yellow M&M at the top of each tree for a festive finishing touch.
Step 5: Optional Snowy Dusting
For an extra bit of holiday magic, lightly dust the finished brownies with powdered sugar to give the impression of freshly fallen snow. This subtle addition makes the trees feel even more inviting and picturesque.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe by adding a touch of extra whimsy. Fresh mint leaves can add a bit of herbal freshness, while a drizzle of white chocolate over the tops creates a snowy effect. Tiny edible glitter or silver dragees also add sparkle that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich chocolate flavors. A warm cup of peppermint tea or classic hot cocoa completes the experience and keeps the holiday spirit flowing.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Christmas Tree brownies on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or holly leaves for a natural touch. You can also stack the brownies to form a small “forest” centerpiece or place each one in a decorative cupcake liner to make grab-and-go servings easy and attractive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once decorated, store your Christmas Tree Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the brownies moist and keeps the frosting from drying out, perfect for a few days of holiday snacking.
Freezing
You can freeze the undecorated brownies before cutting and decorating. Wrap the cooled brownie slab tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw completely before slicing and decorating to maintain the best texture and appearance.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy a slightly warm brownie, gently microwave a piece for about 10 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the frosting from melting and preserve the crispness of candy decorations. Warmed brownies offer a lovely, fudgy experience perfect for winter evenings.
FAQs
Can I make the frosting from scratch for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can whip up your own frosting using butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and green gel food coloring. Homemade frosting lets you control sweetness and color intensity for a personalized touch.
What if I don’t have candy canes for the tree trunks?
No worries! Pretzel sticks or small cookie sticks work wonderfully as tree trunks and add a delightful crunch without the peppermint flavor if that’s preferred.
Can I make this Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free brownie mix, you can easily adapt this recipe. Just make sure all other decorations and frostings are gluten-free as well to keep it safe for dietary needs.
How do I keep the brownies from crumbling when cutting?
Chilling the brownies before cutting makes slicing much easier and helps maintain clean edges. Using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts also minimizes crumbs.
Is this recipe kid-friendly for holiday baking?
Definitely! Kids will love helping to decorate the brownies with frosting, sprinkles, and candy stars. It’s a fun and safe holiday activity that encourages creativity and results in delicious treats.
Final Thoughts
The Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe is not only a delightful twist on a classic dessert but also a joyful way to celebrate the season through baking. With minimal fuss and maximum festive fun, these brownies are perfect for sharing with family and friends or gifting to neighbors. Give this recipe a try and watch your holiday spirit grow with every decorated tree.
