As the holiday season envelops us in a warm embrace, the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked brownies is the perfect companion. Imagine biting into a rich, chocolatey square adorned with festive green frosting, twinkling with colorful sprinkles and topped with adorable chocolate stars. These Christmas Tree Brownies are not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to celebrate the spirit of the holidays.
I stumbled upon this idea while trying to add a playful twist to my usual brownie recipe for a family gathering. The end result was a fun and festive dessert that turned heads and delighted taste buds, proving that sometimes the simplest concepts are the most enchanting. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking for a cozy afternoon bake, these easy-to-make brownies will be the highlight of any dessert table. Let’s bring a little joy and creativity to your holiday season with this cheerful treat!
Why are Christmas Tree Brownies a must-try?
Festive Fun: These Christmas Tree Brownies bring a joyful twist to your holiday gatherings, making dessert both delicious and visually stunning.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, even beginner bakers can impress their guests.
Versatile Options: Tailor your brownies with gluten-free or vegan adaptations, ensuring everyone can partake in the festive treat.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: The delightful combination of rich chocolate and vibrant toppings means these brownies are sure to be a hit at any event.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare them a day ahead to enjoy a stress-free holiday, ready for immediate enjoyment or gifting at your next celebration!
Christmas Tree Brownie Ingredients
For the Brownie Base
- Brownie Mix – Perfect for a quick preparation; you can opt for a homemade brownie batter for a personal touch.
- Vegetable Oil – Keeps the brownies moist; feel free to swap with melted butter for extra flavor.
- Eggs – Essential for binding the mix together; substitute with flaxseed meal or applesauce to make them vegan-friendly.
- Water – Use as directed in the brownie mix; replacing it with milk can yield a richer texture.
For the Festive Decoration
- Green Frosting – Adds that festive flair; you can make your own or purchase store-bought to save time.
- Chocolate Stars/Candies – Use these fun toppings to mimic ornaments; any small candies will work beautifully as substitutes.
- Sprinkles – A burst of color and fun; if you prefer a simpler look, you can skip these or use edible glitter.
With these delicious ingredients in hand, you’ll be ready to whip up your delightful Christmas Tree Brownies that are sure to capture hearts during the holiday season!
How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies bake evenly and get that perfect rich, chocolatey flavor.
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Combine brownie mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and water in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently until just blended to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough brownies.
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Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring that every edge gets that delightful fudgy goodness.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
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Cool the brownies in the pan for about 10 minutes. After this, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for clean cuts.
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Cut cooled brownies into triangle shapes, aiming for 2-3 inches tall to resemble Christmas trees. This playful shape will make your dessert festive and fun!
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Spread green frosting generously over each triangle. Get creative! Make sure each tree is coated for that perfect holiday presentation.
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Top your trees with chocolate stars or candies. These delightful decorations will make your brownies look like they belong on Santa’s dessert platter.
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Sprinkle colorful sprinkles over the frosting to add some holiday cheer. It’s the joyful finishing touch that really enhances your festive creation!
Optional: Consider adding edible glitter for extra sparkle!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Tree Brownies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the bustling holiday season! You can bake the brownies up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully. Once cooled, simply cut them into triangle shapes and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For the best quality, avoid frosting until you’re ready to serve—this keeps the treat fresh and ensures the frosting remains vibrant. When it’s time to delight your guests, just spread the green frosting and sprinkle the festive toppings on each brownie. This way, you’ll have a stunning dessert that’s just as delightful as if it were freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Tree Brownies
Room Temperature: Store your brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature to keep them fresh and tasty.
Fridge: For longer storage, refrigerate the brownies for up to a week. This helps maintain their moisture while keeping them deliciously soft.
Freezer: Freeze your cut brownies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Layer parchment paper between brownies to prevent sticking.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature, and gently warm in the microwave for a few seconds to revive that delightful fudgy texture.
Expert Tips for Christmas Tree Brownies
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Cool Completely: Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting to achieve clean, precise edges that resemble Christmas trees.
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Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife for cutting. This prevents the brownies from crumbling and ensures the triangles hold their shape beautifully.
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Make-Ahead Magic: Bake your Christmas Tree Brownies a day in advance. This enhances the flavors and saves time on the day of your event.
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Decorate Freshly: For the best results, decorate your brownies just before serving. This keeps the frosting vibrant and the toppings fresh.
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Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your brownies toward the end of the baking time. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, while underbaking keeps them deliciously moist.
What to Serve with Christmas Tree Brownies?
As you prepare to celebrate the holidays, think about delightful accompaniments that will elevate your festive dessert experience.
- Velvety Hot Chocolate: This indulgent drink, rich in chocolatey goodness, perfectly complements the flavors of your brownies and warms the soul.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luscious, creamy contrast against the rich brownies.
- Peppermint Bark: The crisp, minty taste and beautiful presentation will enhance the holiday spirit while contrasting nicely with the chocolate flavor.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance, cutting through the sweetness and adding a burst of color to your dessert table.
- Christmas Sugar Cookies: A nostalgic treat that brings together the best of both worlds—chocolate and sugar—while delighting your guests with festive shapes.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Serving warm spiced cider brings in the cozy holiday vibes, making it a staple drink that pairs wonderfully with any chocolate treat.
- Coffee or Espresso: For the adults, a cup of rich coffee or espresso can perfectly contrast the sweetness of the brownies, enhancing every chocolatey bite.
Consider your guests’ preferences and mix and match these suggestions to create a festive and memorable dessert spread that captures the joy of the season!
Christmas Tree Brownies Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your Christmas Tree Brownies to suit your taste and dietary preferences!
- Gluten-Free: Use a certified gluten-free brownie mix to make these treats accessible for everyone at your gathering.
- Vegan Delight: Swap in a vegan brownie mix and replace eggs with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for a delicious plant-based version.
- Nutty Flavor: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for a delightful crunch and nutty richness in every bite.
- Minty Twist: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract into the frosting for a refreshing holiday flavor that will surprise your taste buds.
- Darker Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate stars for a more intense chocolate flavor that deepens the holiday spirit.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the brownie batter for a warm spice that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the frosted brownies for extra sweetness and a gorgeous presentation that makes heads turn.
- Fruit Topping: Top with festive dried cranberries or cherries for a pop of color and a tangy contrast to the sweet chocolate.
Each variation adds a unique twist to the classic brownie, ensuring your festive treats stand out in the best way possible!
Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best brownie mix?
Absolutely! When selecting a brownie mix, look for ones with high cocoa content for richer flavor and fewer chemical additives. Check the expiration date and opt for a mix that has a simple ingredient list for the best taste and texture.
How should I store my Christmas Tree Brownies?
I recommend storing your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their moist texture. If you’re planning to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week to ensure they stay fresh.
Can I freeze Christmas Tree Brownies, and how?
Yes, definitely! To freeze your brownies, cut them into triangle shapes and place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Be sure to layer parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature, then warm them slightly in the microwave for that gooey texture.
What should I do if my brownies are too dry?
If your brownies turn out dry, there are a couple of fixes! Next time, be cautious not to overbake them; a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. Also, consider adding a tablespoon of water to the batter before baking. You can also serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream to balance the dryness.
Are there any dietary substitutions I should know for Christmas Tree Brownies?
Very! For a vegan option, substitute eggs with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg, allowing it to sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. As for gluten-free diets, use a gluten-free brownie mix available at many grocery stores, ensuring everyone can enjoy these festive treats!
Delicious Christmas Tree Brownies for a Festive Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine brownie mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and water in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently until just blended.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool the brownies in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cut cooled brownies into triangle shapes, 2-3 inches tall.
- Spread green frosting generously over each triangle.
- Top your trees with chocolate stars or candies.
- Sprinkle colorful sprinkles over the frosting.