These Christmas Tree Brownies are my go-to festive treat that brings joy to every holiday gathering. I first tried this idea a few years ago, combining the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the cheerful shape of a Christmas tree. The best part? They’re as fun to make as they are to eat. You’ll want to serve these at your next holiday party or family dinner because they stand out without being complicated. This recipe’s charm comes from simple ingredients and a creative touch that anyone can master. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to create your own Christmas Tree Brownies with confidence and ease.
Ingredients for Christmas Tree Brownies
Having clear, specific amounts and forms for your ingredients makes baking these Christmas Tree Brownies straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Green food coloring (optional, if you want tinted batter)
- 3 cups powdered sugar, for decorating
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for frosting consistency)
- Red and silver edible beads or mini candies for ornaments
Make sure your butter is fully melted but cooled to room temperature so it doesn’t scramble the eggs when you mix. Use fresh eggs for the best texture. When chopping nuts, aim for uneven pieces that add crunch without overpowering every bite. The powdered sugar and milk will be combined for a simple frosting to decorate the tree shape later.
Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe with 5 Irresistible Holiday Flavors
Enjoy festive Christmas Tree Brownies with 5 delicious holiday flavors that bring warmth and joy to your celebrations
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
These Christmas Tree Brownies are a festive treat combining rich, fudgy brownies shaped like Christmas trees. Easy to make and fun to decorate, they’re perfect for holiday parties and family dinners.
How to Prepare Christmas Tree Brownies
Step-by-step instructions with clear timing help you get perfect Christmas Tree Brownies every time. Follow along:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder; fold gently just until no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.
- If using, fold in the chopped nuts for texture.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. (Don’t overbake; fudginess is the goal.)
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting.
- Once cooled, cut brownies into triangles to resemble Christmas trees. Arrange them on a serving plate.
- Make a simple frosting by mixing powdered sugar with milk just until thick but spreadable.
- Spread or pipe frosting onto each brownie triangle. Decorate with edible beads or mini candies as ornaments.
Make sure you cool the brownies fully before frosting to avoid melting. When cutting, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges. I like placing a piece of parchment under the brownies to help transfer them easily if needed.
Tips for Success with Christmas Tree Brownies
- Don’t skip sifting dry ingredients to prevent lumps in your batter.
- Use room temperature eggs so they incorporate smoothly.
- If you prefer, tint your batter light green before baking to enhance the tree theme—just add a few drops of food coloring and mix gently.
- Chill the frosting briefly if it’s too runny before decorating.
- For extra holiday cheer, dust finished brownies with powdered sugar to simulate snow.
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Tree Brownies
Can I make Christmas Tree Brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the brownies a day in advance and store them tightly covered at room temperature. Decorate with frosting and toppings just before serving for the freshest look and taste.
What if I don’t have nuts or want a nut-free version?
You can easily skip nuts or replace them with mini chocolate chips for added texture. This keeps the brownies safe for those with allergies without losing richness.
How do I get the best shape for my Christmas Tree Brownies?
After baking, let the brownies cool fully. Use a sharp knife to cut equilateral triangles. Trim edges if you want perfect tree shapes, or leave them rustic. Place the triangles in a tree formation for display.
Can I use boxed brownie mix for this recipe?
Boxed mix works if you’re short on time. Bake brownies as the package directs, cool completely, then cut and decorate like the recipe says. The decorating step is what truly makes them festive.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Christmas Tree Brownies
To keep your Christmas Tree Brownies fresh:
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration helps maintain the frosting and shape, but bring brownies to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- When reheating, avoid the microwave if possible as it can dry them out. Instead, warm in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes.
- If frosted, skip reheating to prevent frosting melting.
Leftovers (if any!) make great snacks the day after baking when flavors meld further. I once stored these overnight wrapped well, and they tasted even better the next day.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Christmas Tree Brownies
Nutritional values vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. Here is an approximate estimate per brownie (assuming 24 servings):
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 2g
These numbers serve as a rough guide only. Variations in nuts, frosting, or specific brands will affect these values.
Why You’ll Love Christmas Tree Brownies
- Simple ingredients, easy to find in every kitchen
- Fun, festive shape perfect for holiday gatherings
- Rich, fudgy texture that’s a crowd favorite
- Flexible decorating options to suit your style
- Great activity to make with kids or friends
This recipe has quickly become a holiday staple in my house. Baking these brownies feels like a little celebration in itself before the decorating even starts. You’ll have a smile on your face serving these bright, chocolatey trees to family and friends.
