Description
Christmas Brownie Trees are a festive and fun holiday dessert combining rich, fudgy brownies shaped like Christmas trees, decorated with green frosting and colorful sprinkles. Easy to make and perfect for family gatherings, office parties, or gifting, these delightful treats bring festive cheer and deep chocolate satisfaction with customizable decoration options.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Decorations
- Green-tinted frosting or melted green candy melts
- Sprinkles, mini candies, edible stars, silver balls
Optional Variations
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (for nutty delight)
- Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger (for spiced holiday twist)
- White chocolate for drizzle
- Butter and eggs substitutes like coconut oil and flax eggs (for vegan option)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Brownie Batter: Melt the softened butter and stir in sugar until smooth. Add beaten eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract. Sift together cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender, fudgy texture.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting.
- Cut Into Tree Shapes: Using a sharp knife or Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut the cooled brownies into tree shapes. If no cutter is available, cut triangles and notch the sides slightly to mimic fir branches.
- Decorate Your Christmas Brownie Trees: Pipe green frosting or drizzle melted green candy melts onto each brownie tree. Add festive sprinkles, mini candies, edible stars, or silver balls as ornaments and garlands. Let the frosting set before serving or gifting.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smooth, even batter.
- Do not overbake to keep brownies fudgy and ideal for cutting.
- Let brownies cool completely before decorating to prevent frosting melting.
- Use a serrated knife for neat edges and less crumbling when cutting.
- Experiment with various decorations and icing tips for personalized designs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie tree (approx.)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Christmas Brownies, Holiday Dessert, Brownie Trees, Festive Treats, Gluten-Free Brownies, Holiday Baking