These Christmas Tree Brownies are festive, fudgy, and perfect for the holiday season. Rich chocolate brownies are cut into tree shapes and decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles, making them a fun dessert for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy baking day at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These brownies are easy to make, visually impressive, and incredibly delicious. You can prepare them ahead of time, customize the decorations, and even involve kids in the decorating process. The result is a soft, chocolatey brownie with a cheerful holiday look that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the brownies
unsalted butter – 170 g (3/4 cup)
granulated sugar – 300 g (1 1/2 cups)
large eggs – 3
vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
all-purpose flour – 125 g (1 cup)
unsweetened cocoa powder – 65 g (3/4 cup)
salt – 1/2 teaspoon
baking powder – 1/2 teaspoon
For the decoration
powdered sugar – 240 g (2 cups)
milk – 2 to 3 tablespoons
green food coloring – as needed
assorted halal sprinkles – about 1/3 cup
small candy decorations – optional
Directions
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking pan with parchment paper.
Melt the butter gently and let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, lift the brownies out and cut them into triangles to resemble Christmas trees. Mix the powdered sugar with milk until a thick but spreadable icing forms, then tint it green. Spread or pipe the icing onto each brownie tree and decorate with sprinkles and candy. Allow the icing to set before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 to 15 brownies
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 to 30 minutes
Decorating time: 15 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
You can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture. For a different flavor, use peppermint extract instead of vanilla. If you prefer a simpler look, dust the brownies with powdered sugar instead of icing.
Storage/Reheating
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. These brownies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so let refrigerated brownies sit out for about 20 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the brownies a day in advance and decorate them on the day you plan to serve.
What if I don’t have a tree-shaped cutter?
You can simply cut the brownies into triangles using a knife.
Can I freeze Christmas Tree Brownies?
Yes, freeze the undecorated brownies for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before decorating.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Yes, you can use a boxed mix and follow the same cutting and decorating steps.
Are these brownies very sweet?
They are rich but balanced. You can reduce the icing amount if you prefer less sweetness.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
What kind of cocoa powder works best?
Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the best chocolate flavor.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Absolutely, especially with decorating the brownies.
How long does the icing take to set?
The icing usually sets within 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature.
Conclusion
Christmas Tree Brownies are a festive and delicious way to celebrate the holidays. With their rich chocolate flavor and cheerful decorations, they are sure to become a seasonal favorite that brings smiles to every table.
These festive Christmas Tree Brownies are rich, fudgy, and fun to decorate, making them the perfect treat for holiday parties or cozy family baking sessions.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 5 minutes
Yield:12 to 15 brownies
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
170 g (3/4 cup) unsalted butter
300 g (1 1/2 cups) granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
125 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
65 g (3/4 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
240 g (2 cups) powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
Green food coloring (as needed)
1/3 cup assorted halal sprinkles
Small candy decorations (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking pan with parchment paper.
Melt the butter and let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, lift the brownies out and cut them into triangle shapes resembling Christmas trees.
In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk to create a thick but spreadable icing. Add green food coloring and stir until fully tinted.
Spread or pipe the green icing onto each brownie tree, then decorate with sprinkles and candy decorations as desired.
Allow the icing to set at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make sure brownies are completely cool before cutting and decorating.
Use a serrated knife to cut cleaner tree shapes.
You can prepare the brownies a day ahead and decorate them later.
Reduce the amount of icing for a less sweet option or dust with powdered sugar instead.
