If you’re looking to add a festive twist to your holiday dessert lineup, the Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe is here to deliver all the joy and flavor you could wish for. This delightful treat transforms classic fudgy brownies into adorable, edible Christmas trees that bring both charm and flavor to your holiday table. With a simple brownie base, vibrant green frosting, and fun decorations that mimic real ornaments, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings, parties, or just because you want a sweet bite of Christmas spirit anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a crucial role in building texture, taste, and that festive look that everyone will adore.
- 1 box of store-bought brownie mix: The quick and easy base that keeps your brownies rich and fudgy without the fuss.
- ½ container of vanilla icing: A smooth canvas for adding color and sweetness to your tree decorations.
- Green food coloring: To achieve that perfect pine tree hue that screams Christmas cheer.
- Festive sprinkles: Tiny bursts of color that mimic tree ornaments and add playful texture.
- Candy canes or pretzel sticks: Use these as trunks to complete the tree look with a salty-sweet or crunchy touch.
How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Bake Brownies
Start by preparing the brownie mix exactly as the package directs, because this ensures you get the perfect fudgy texture we all love. Pour it into a rectangular pan for an easy cutting guide later. Once baked, cool the brownies completely so they hold their shape when you start trimming them into festive shapes.
Step 2: Cut into Trees
With a sharp knife, slice your cooled brownies into triangles. These triangles will form the base shape of your Christmas trees, so try to keep them uniform for the best presentation. This step instantly turns your plain brownies into a canvas ready for holiday magic.
Step 3: Color the Frosting
In a small bowl, mix the vanilla icing with green food coloring. You get to decide how vibrant your trees will be — a brighter green pops on the plate, while a deeper shade feels classic and cozy. Stir well until the color is even, making it easy to spread or pipe onto each brownie tree.
Step 4: Decorate
Using a piping bag, spoon, or knife, generously spread the green icing over each brownie triangle. The frosting adds moistness and sweetness that compliments the rich brownie underneath. Then, sprinkle festive sprinkles on top to mimic shimmering ornaments, adding bursts of color and fun texture.
Step 5: Add Trunks
For that charming finishing touch, gently insert a candy cane piece or a pretzel stick into the base of each triangle as the tree trunk. Candy canes give a sweet, minty crunch while pretzels add a salty balance — either way, it’s an adorable visual and tasty detail that completes each Christmas Tree Brownie perfectly.
Step 6: Optional Extras
Feel free to summon your inner decorator and add a star-shaped sprinkle or a tiny candy at the top of each tree. It’s these little bursts of charm that make your Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe so memorable and make everyone smile before the first bite.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your Christmas Tree Brownies with some additional festive garnishes can elevate their look instantly. Think powdered sugar dusted lightly like fresh snow, or a drizzle of white chocolate mimicking garlands. Fresh cranberries or edible glitter can also add sparkle and sophistication to your holiday spread.
Side Dishes
Pair these whimsical brownies with warm drinks like hot cocoa or spiced cider for a cozy treat everyone will love. You can also serve them alongside light vanilla or peppermint ice cream to balance the rich chocolate with smooth creaminess and extra holiday flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe beyond the plate by displaying the brownies on a tiered cake stand or arranging them on a platter decorated with evergreen branches or holly. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with festive ribbon makes a perfect edible gift to spread holiday joy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once decorated, store your Christmas Tree Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps the brownies moist and the frosting fresh for up to three days. Avoid refrigeration, as it can make brownies dry and frosting sticky.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, freeze the undecorated brownies after baking and cutting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to two months. Thaw completely before decorating, so your icing spreads smoothly and your sprinkles stick well.
Reheating
Brownies are delicious at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, microwave for 10-15 seconds on a plate. Avoid heating after frosting, as the icing may melt or lose its shape. Warm brownies without frosting are great for serving with ice cream or dipping into hot drinks.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownies instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Homemade brownies will add a personal touch and can be tailored to your favorite recipe. Just bake them in a rectangular pan for easy cutting, and follow the rest of the Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe as usual.
What if I don’t have green food coloring?
You can get creative with natural options like spinach powder or matcha for a green tint, although the color may be less vibrant. Alternatively, try using colored icing straight from the store if time is tight.
How do I keep the brownie triangles from breaking?
Make sure your brownies are fully cooled before cutting; warm brownies tend to crumble. Use a serrated knife and cut gently with a back-and-forth motion to keep clean edges.
Can I make these into other holiday shapes?
Yes, this recipe is very flexible! Try cutting brownies into stars, bells, or candy canes for festive variety, then decorate accordingly with your frosting and sprinkles.
Are these brownies kid-friendly to make?
Definitely! Kids love the decorating step especially — spreading green icing and placing sprinkles and candy trunks are fun and safe activities to get everyone involved in holiday baking.
Final Thoughts
The Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe is a joyful and easy way to bring a little magic into your kitchen this holiday season. It combines the rich comfort of brownies with bright decorations that celebrate the festive spirit. Whether you’re baking with family, hosting a party, or gifting friends, these charming treats are sure to light up faces and fill bellies with holiday happiness. Go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch the smiles grow!
Print
Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Tree Brownies. Using a simple boxed brownie mix as the base, this recipe transforms classic brownies into charming Christmas trees decorated with green vanilla frosting, colorful sprinkles, and candy cane trunks. Perfect for holiday parties or a fun family baking activity!
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 box store-bought brownie mix (prepared per package instructions)
Decorations
- ½ container vanilla icing
- Green food coloring (amount as needed to tint 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. Allow the brownies to cool completely before handling to ensure clean cuts.
- Cut into Trees: Once cooled, slice the brownies into triangles to resemble Christmas tree shapes, making sure the pieces are large enough to decorate.
- Color the Frosting: In a bowl, combine the vanilla icing with green food coloring. Stir well until the icing achieves the desired festive shade of green.
- Decorate: Use a piping bag or a spreading knife to coat each brownie triangle with the green icing. Sprinkle festive decorations on top to mimic tree ornaments.
- Add Trunks: Carefully insert a candy cane piece or a pretzel stick into the base of each brownie triangle to serve as the tree trunk, providing a cute and edible support.
- Optional Decoration: Add a small star-shaped sprinkle or candy at the top of each brownie tree for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- Allow brownies to cool fully before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Use gel-based food coloring for a vibrant green without altering the frosting texture.
- For a gluten-free version, select a gluten-free brownie mix.
- Store finished brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Sprinkles and candy canes can be swapped for any preferred holiday-themed decorations.
