If you want to bring some joyful holiday spirit to your dessert table, look no further than this delightful Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe. It’s an irresistibly charming treat that transforms classic brownies into festive little trees decorated with green icing and colorful sprinkles. This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat, perfect for sharing with loved ones or brightening up any holiday gathering with a smile and a sweet bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe fool you; each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a festive, flavorful treat that’s both easy and delightful. From the fudgy brownie base to the bright green icing and sprinkles, every component adds its own magic.
- 1 box of store-bought brownie mix: A convenient shortcut ensuring rich and fudgy brownies without the fuss.
- ½ container vanilla icing: Provides a creamy canvas that’s perfect for coloring and decorating.
- Green food coloring: Brings the iconic Christmas tree color to life with a vibrant shade.
- Festive sprinkles: Adds pops of color and a little crunch, mimicking ornaments on your tree brownies.
- Candy canes or pretzel sticks: Acts as sturdy, edible tree trunks giving your brownies a charming, realistic finish.
How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Brownies
Start by preparing your brownie mix exactly as the package instructions suggest, then pour the batter into a rectangular baking pan. Baking in a single layer makes it easier to cut your brownies into perfect triangle “trees.” Once baked, let them cool completely—this is key to clean, sharp edges when you slice them next.
Step 2: Cut into Trees
Now the fun part—cutting! Slice the cooled brownies into triangles that closely resemble Christmas trees. You can make them uniform or vary sizes for a whimsical forest effect. Take your time here, as the triangular shape is what gives the treat its festive identity.
Step 3: Color the Frosting
In a bowl, mix your vanilla icing with green food coloring until you achieve a rich, vibrant shade of green. This frosting will be the star of the show, acting as the lush “foliage” that dresses your brownie trees. Adjust the amount of food coloring to your taste—you want it bright enough to pop but still creamy.
Step 4: Decorate
Spread or pipe your green icing generously over each brownie tree, covering all surfaces. Then, sprinkle colorful festive sprinkles over the top. They act as shiny ornaments and add a delightful texture contrast to the soft brownie and smooth icing.
Step 5: Add Tree Trunks
For the finishing touch, gently insert a piece of candy cane or a pretzel stick into the base of each triangle to serve as the sturdy trunk. This little detail not only makes your brownies even more adorable but also gives them a sturdy hold when serving or eating.
Step 6: Optional Extra Charm
If you’re feeling extra festive, pop a small star sprinkle or tiny candy at the top of each brownie tree. It’s a simple yet delightful touch that makes these treats truly shine on your holiday dessert spread.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
These brownies are already charming, but you can create an even more festive feel by adding edible glitter or dusting powdered sugar like snow around the trees. A few extra mini candies or edible pearls can enhance the look, making your Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe a centerpiece dessert that wows everyone.
Side Dishes
Serve your Christmas Tree Brownies alongside classic holiday treats such as peppermint hot chocolate, spiced eggnog, or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm, gooey richness of the brownies pairs beautifully with cool creamy sides, offering balance with each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your brownie trees on a large platter with green-colored coconut flakes or crushed pistachios as “grass.” Or create a snowy landscape with shredded coconut sprinkled lightly around. You could even display them on wooden boards or holiday-themed trays for a rustic, festive look that invites compliments and eager hands.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the brownies soft and the icing fresh. If you need to keep them longer, refrigeration is a better option but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap each decorated brownie snugly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and let come to room temperature before eating to preserve the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheating brownies isn’t absolutely necessary, but if you prefer them a bit warm, a quick zap in the microwave for 10–15 seconds works wonders. Be careful not to overheat or the icing may melt. Warm brownies with cool frosting is a dreamy contrast that heightens the festive indulgence.
FAQs
Can I make the brownies from scratch instead of using a mix?
Absolutely! While this Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe is designed to be quick and convenient, homemade brownies will add a lovely personal touch with whichever recipe you love best. Just ensure they bake in a rectangular pan for easy tree cutting.
What kind of sprinkles work best for decorating?
Mini round colorful sprinkles or small holiday-themed shapes like stars and snowflakes work beautifully to mimic tree ornaments. Avoid anything too large or heavy that might slide off the icing.
Can I use other colors besides green for the icing?
Of course! Green is traditional for Christmas trees, but feel free to experiment with different shades or even alternate colors to create a variety of festive treats that suit your style.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite vegan or gluten-free brownie mix and substitute vegan icing to keep with the dietary needs. Most food colorings and sprinkles are vegan-friendly, but double-check labels to be safe.
How long do these brownies last once decorated?
Decorated Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe treats are best enjoyed within three days, as the icing can start to dry out or crack. Storing them in an airtight container helps maintain freshness and moisture for as long as possible.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe is a simple, charming way to celebrate the season with sweetness, color, and a whole lot of holiday spirit. Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting a festive party, or just craving a whimsical treat, these brownies bring joy from the first step to the last delicious bite. Give them a try and watch smiles grow like lit-up Christmas trees all around your table!
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Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (typical for boxed brownie mix baking)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 brownie trees
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These festive Christmas Tree Brownies are a fun and delicious holiday treat, combining rich, chewy brownies with vibrant green vanilla icing and colorful sprinkles. Perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings, these brownies are shaped into festive trees and decorated with candy cane trunks to spread holiday cheer.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 box of store-bought brownie mix (prepared per package instructions)
Frosting and Decorations
- ½ container of vanilla icing
- Green food coloring (to tint the icing)
- Festive sprinkles (for ornaments)
- Candy canes or pretzel sticks (for tree trunks)
Instructions
- Bake Brownies: Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions and bake it in a rectangular pan. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
- Cut into Trees: Slice the cooled brownies into triangle shapes to resemble Christmas trees. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure consistent decorating.
- Color the Frosting: In a bowl, mix the vanilla icing with green food coloring until you achieve your desired shade of green. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth, even color.
- Decorate: Use a piping bag or a knife to spread the green icing over each brownie triangle. Decorate with festive sprinkles to represent ornaments and add a joyful holiday vibe.
- Add Trunks: Carefully insert a candy cane piece or pretzel stick at the base of each triangle to serve as the tree trunk, enhancing the Christmas tree look.
- Optional Decoration: For an extra charming touch, place a star-shaped sprinkle or small candy at the top of each tree.
Notes
- Ensure brownies are completely cooled before cutting and decorating to prevent icing from melting.
- Use gel food coloring for a vibrant green without thinning the icing.
- For a gluten-free option, choose a gluten-free brownie mix.
- Store decorated brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- These brownies can be made ahead of time and decorated on the day of serving.
