As I stood in my cozy kitchen, the aroma of rich chocolate filled the air, instantly whisking me into a festive spirit. These Delicious Christmas Tree Brownies are not just any holiday treat—they transform ordinary brownie mix into whimsical, tree-shaped confections that ignite joy in every bite. With a quick 10-minute prep time, you can create a delightful baking activity that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just looking for a fun project, these brownies promise to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the adaptable toppings let your creativity shine! Ready to spread some cheer this season with your own festive batch?
Why Are These Brownies So Fun?
Whimsical Shapes: The unique tree shapes make these brownies a festive centerpiece at any holiday gathering.
Quick Prep: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can dive right into the fun of holiday baking without a lengthy process.
Kid-Friendly: These are perfect for getting little hands involved, making it a delightful family activity.
Customizable Toppings: From candy canes to colorful sprinkles, let your creativity run wild in decorating!
Deliciously Rich: Experience the rich, fudgy texture paired with creamy frosting—a true holiday indulgence.
Pair these festive treats with a hot chocolate station or check out our delicious Korean Beef Kimbap for a savory contrast to your sweet delights!
Delicious Christmas Tree Brownies Ingredients
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For the Brownies
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Brownie Mix – The foundation of the dessert; choose a favorite brand for the best flavor. Note: Can substitute with a gluten-free brownie mix for everyone to enjoy.
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Butter (3/4 cup) – Adds richness and moisture; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
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For the Frosting
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Powdered Sugar (4 cups) – Creates a smooth frosting texture; essential for that classic sweetness.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the flavor profile; a key ingredient for delightful sweetness.
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Heavy Cream (2 Tbsp) – Provides a creamy consistency; can adjust amount for desired thickness.
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Kosher Salt (pinch) – Balances sweetness and enhances all the delicious flavors.
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Green Food Coloring – Gives frosting a festive color; can substitute with natural alternatives like matcha or spinach powder for a healthier option.
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For Decoration
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Candy Canes (6) – Crushed for decoration; adds holiday flair and a delightful crunch.
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Sprinkles – Optional for added color and festive decoration to light up the brownies.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Delicious Christmas Tree Brownies
Step 1: Prepare Brownies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, follow the directions on your chosen brownie mix, adding in the softened butter until smooth. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling deliciously fudgy brownies are ready.
Step 2: Cool Brownies
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure that the frosting does not melt when spread, preserving the delightful visual appeal of your Delicious Christmas Tree Brownies.
Step 3: Make Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of kosher salt. Use a hand mixer to blend the mixture on low speed until it becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually add green food coloring, mixing until you’ve acheived your desired festive shade that will make these brownies stand out during the holiday season.
Step 4: Decorate
Using an offset spatula or a butter knife, spread a generous layer of the green frosting over the cooled brownies. Once the brownies are frosted, use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to cut them into tree shapes or simply squares. For a fun presentation, sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes and colorful sprinkles to give your Delicious Christmas Tree Brownies an extra festive flair.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
After decorating, carefully slice the brownies into tree shapes or preferred squares, arranging them on a festive plate for serving. These charming treats are ready to be enjoyed at holiday gatherings or as a sweet family activity. For added indulgence, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top before serving, elevating the festive vibes of your Delicious Christmas Tree Brownies.
Storage Tips for Delicious Christmas Tree Brownies
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Room Temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and fudgy.
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Fridge: If you want them to last longer, refrigerate the Delicious Christmas Tree Brownies in an airtight container for up to a week.
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Freezer: For extended storage, freeze undecorated brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw before frosting.
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Reheating: If desired, gently reheat the brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm, relishing their fudgy texture!
What to Serve with Delicious Christmas Tree Brownies
Nestled in the festive spirit, these vibrant brownies are the perfect sweet treat for holiday gatherings, inviting joy and cheer.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: A rich, warm beverage filled with chocolatey goodness complements the sweetness of the brownies, turning dessert time into a cozy celebration.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool texture of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the fudgy richness, creating a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist.
- Fresh Fruit Platter: Bright, tart fruits like strawberries and oranges provide a refreshing balance to the sweet brownies, adding a zing to your dessert spread.
- Peppermint Bark: Enhance the minty flavors of the candy canes with homemade peppermint bark, creating a festive duo that everyone will love.
- Spiced Apple Cider: For a warm, aromatic drink, serve spiced apple cider alongside the brownies; the spices will enhance the holiday spirit and elevate the flavors.
- Gingerbread Cookies: Add some classic holiday flair with gingerbread cookies. Their spiced flavor and comforting sweetness harmonize beautifully with chocolate.
- Christmas Fruitcake: This traditional treat offers an interesting textural contrast, with its rich fruitiness complementing the brownies’ fudgy indulgence.
- Milk or Dairy Alternatives: A simple glass of milk, whether whole or a creamy almond milk, is a classic pairing that never fails to satisfy when enjoying these decadent confections.
Delicious Christmas Tree Brownies Variations
Get creative with these fun variations to elevate your holiday baking experience!
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Colorful Frosting: Swap green food coloring for red or blue to make a festive rainbow of holiday trees—perfect for Christmas, Hanukkah, or even birthdays!
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Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the frosting for a refreshing minty twist. This adds a delightful surprise and takes these brownies to the next level!
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Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the brownie batter before baking. This adds a satisfying crunch and delicious flavor contrast with the creamy frosting.
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Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut oil in place of butter and a nut milk for cream to make these brownies dairy-free. They still taste divine and are perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
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Freezing for Later: Consider freezing undecorated brownies for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, just thaw and frost—this makes holiday prep a breeze while ensuring fresh treats!
Experiment with toppings like crushed candy canes or explore alternatives by adding fun sprinkles, making your decorations as vibrant and varied as your family traditions. For more festive food ideas, don’t miss our delicious Sesame Chicken which pairs perfectly with sweet treats like this.
Make Ahead Options
These Delicious Christmas Tree Brownies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the brownies up to 3 days in advance; simply bake and let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. The green frosting can also be made up to 24 hours ahead—just refrigerate it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to serve, spread the frosting over the brownies, cut them into festive tree shapes, and add your crushed candy cane decorations for a delightful touch. This way, you’ll enjoy rich, chocolatey treats without the last-minute stress!
Expert Tips for Delicious Christmas Tree Brownies
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Cool Completely: Allow your brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting, ensuring a neat and beautiful presentation for your Delicious Christmas Tree Brownies.
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Quality Matters: Use a high-quality brownie mix to enhance the flavor. Stick to your favorite brand, and don’t hesitate to try gluten-free options if needed.
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Frosting Thickness: Adjust the heavy cream in the frosting to achieve your desired thickness. Thicker frosting is easier to spread and mold into tree shapes.
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Embrace Creativity: Get creative with toppings! Use different colors of sprinkles or swap candy canes for crushed nuts to customize your holiday treats.
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Make-ahead Tip: Consider preparing the brownies ahead of time and freezing them without frosting. Thaw before decorating for a stress-free holiday baking day.
Delicious Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right brownie mix for these brownies?
Absolutely! Choose a brownie mix that you love, as the flavor really shines through. Look for mixes that are rich and fudgy, as this will give you a decadent base. If you need a gluten-free option, many brands offer gluten-free brownie mixes now—just check the packaging for labels.
What’s the best way to store leftover brownies?
To keep your Delicious Christmas Tree Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week. Just remember, they might lose a bit of their fudgy texture in the fridge!
Can I freeze undecorated brownies?
Definitely! Freezing is a great way to prolong the life of your brownies. Wrap the cooled, undecorated brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature before frosting.
What should I do if my frosting is too thin?
Very! If you find your frosting is too runny, don’t worry. You can add more powdered sugar—about a quarter cup at a time—mixing until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to loosen it up. Remember, thicker frosting is often easier to work with when decorating those Christmas tree shapes!
Are there any dietary considerations for these brownies?
For sure! If you’re accommodating allergies or dietary needs, consider substituting ingredients: opt for a gluten-free brownie mix for those with gluten sensitivities and use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. Also, ensure that any decorative toppings are free from allergens, especially if you’re serving kids or guests with specific dietary restrictions.
Delicious Christmas Tree Brownies for a Festive Family Fun
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, follow the directions on your chosen brownie mix, adding in the softened butter until smooth. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, ensuring it's evenly distributed. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of kosher salt. Use a hand mixer to blend the mixture on low speed until it becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually add green food coloring, mixing until you've achieved your desired shade.
- Using an offset spatula or a butter knife, spread a generous layer of the green frosting over the cooled brownies. Cut them into tree shapes or squares. Sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes and colorful sprinkles.
- Carefully slice the brownies into tree shapes or squares, arranging them on a festive plate for serving. Consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top before serving.