Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe

“`html

If you’re looking to wow your guests with a festive treat that tastes as delightful as it looks, this Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe is here to save your holiday baking! Imagine rich, fudgy brownies cut and decorated to resemble charming Christmas trees, complete with green buttercream frosting, pretzel trunks, and twinkling sprinkles that bring the magic of the season to life. It’s a guaranteed showstopper that combines classic chocolatey goodness with a playful holiday twist, making every bite feel like a celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe is in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, taste, and appearance. From the creamy butter that adds richness to the cocoa powder that brings depth of chocolate flavor, every component is thoughtfully chosen to elevate your brownies into holiday decor you can eat.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides a luscious base for your brownie batter, ensuring moistness and richness.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the brownies perfectly without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
• 2 large eggs: Help bind the ingredients and add structure for that classic chewy brownie texture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate notes and a beautiful dark color.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Gives just enough structure while keeping the brownies tender.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Lightens the brownies just a bit for a perfect crumb.
• 1 cup chocolate chips: Melts into gooey pockets of chocolate for extra indulgence.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base for the frosting, creating that creamy, spreadable texture.
• 6 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting, making it perfect for piping.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a vanilla note to the frosting that complements the cocoa.
• 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream: Adjusts the frosting consistency to silky smooth perfection.
• 6-12 drops green food coloring: Brings the frosting to a festive green shade reminiscent of Christmas trees.
• 1 cup pretzel sticks: Serve as sturdy trunks, adding a salty crunch that balances the sweet.
• 1/4 cup rainbow confetti sprinkles: Bring colorful festive cheer to your frosting decoration.
• 2 tablespoons yellow star sprinkles: Perfect for topping your trees with a shining star, just like in holiday stories.

How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure the brownies come out cleanly and effortlessly. This initial prep step sets the stage for a perfect bake.

Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky and smooth. Then gradually add in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder, whisking gently to combine. Finally, fold in those chocolate chips for chunks of melty goodness hidden in every slice.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached — perfectly fudgy without being undercooked.

Step 4: Cool and Remove

Patience is key here! Allow your brownies to cool completely in the pan. This makes cutting easier and prevents the frosting from melting later on. Once cooled, carefully lift the brownies out using the parchment paper.

Step 5: Cut Into Christmas Trees

First, slice the brownies into three long rectangles. Then cut each rectangle into triangular tree shapes. This simple geometric trick transforms your decadent brownies into adorable, festive Christmas trees ready for decorating.

Step 6: Prepare the Green Frosting

Using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, adjusting the cream until your frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add green food coloring a few drops at a time until you reach the perfect Christmas tree green.

Step 7: Frost Your Tree Brownies

Pipe the green frosting in a zig-zag pattern across each triangular brownie piece, mimicking the branches of a Christmas tree. This step lets you get creative and adds festive texture that’s fun and delicious.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Touches

Stick a pretzel stick at the base of each brownie to act as the tree trunk, giving a satisfying crunch and a rustic look. Then sprinkle the rainbow confetti and yellow star sprinkles to decorate your trees as if they were dusted with holiday magic.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

Beyond the pretzel trunks and festive sprinkles, consider dusting a little powdered sugar over your brownies before serving to resemble freshly fallen snow. Mini edible silver balls or a drizzle of white chocolate can also add sparkle reminiscent of twinkling lights on your Christmas trees.

Side Dishes

These brownies shine as a standalone festive treat, but pairing them with a cup of rich hot cocoa or creamy eggnog elevates the cozy holiday experience. For a lighter contrast, serving with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream adds a refreshing balance to the rich chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the Christmas Tree brownies on a platter lined with pine branches or sprinkle some edible glitter around for extra sparkle. You could even stick toothpick “ornaments” made from candies or tiny marshmallows onto each tree. Turning these brownies into an edible centerpiece brings cheer and creativity to your holiday table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for savoring again or sharing with friends later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to prepare your holiday treats in advance, these brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual brownie pieces tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before frosting or serving.

Reheating

To enjoy the brownies warm, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make the chocolate soft and the frosting slightly melty—just like a freshly baked treat straight from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different shape instead of triangles for the Christmas trees?

Absolutely! While triangles give the classic Christmas tree shape, you can get creative with other shapes like stars or simple squares and still decorate with green frosting and sprinkles to keep the festive spirit alive.

Is it necessary to use pretzel sticks for the tree trunks?

Pretzel sticks add a charming look and a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet brownie and frosting, but you can substitute with other thin cookies or even edible licorice sticks for variation.

How do I make the frosting less sweet if I prefer a milder taste?

You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a dollop of cream cheese to the frosting for a tangier, creamier frosting that balances the sugar without compromising the vibrant green color.

Can I use a box brownie mix to speed things up?

Yes, using a box mix is a great shortcut! Just follow the package instructions and then proceed with cutting and decorating as described in the Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe for a festive look with less preparation time.

What’s the best way to pipe the frosting if I don’t have a piping bag?

If you don’t have a piping bag, simply use a zip-top plastic bag with one corner snipped off. It works just as well for creating the signature zig-zag pattern on your Christmas tree brownies.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe is one of those recipes that delights everyone from kids to adults with its joyful appearance and unforgettable chocolatey goodness. Baking and decorating these festive treats is not only fun but creates lovely memories that warm the heart during the holiday season. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and make these charming brownies a new holiday tradition – you won’t regret it!

“`

Print