Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Tree Brownies
Get ready to bake a batch of holiday magic with these festive Christmas Tree Brownies! This recipe transforms a simple box of brownie mix into a delightful and creative dessert that’s perfect for any Christmas party or family gathering. It’s an incredibly easy and fun activity, especially for kids, and requires no special baking skills. The rich, fudgy brownie base is topped with a vibrant green frosting, and then decorated with sprinkles and a pretzel trunk to look just like a little Christmas tree. They are a festive, delicious, and cheerful way to celebrate the season.
Quick Info
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Cool Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty |
| 15 mins | 25-30 mins | 30 mins | 1 hour, 5 mins | 16 trees | Easy |
What You’ll Need
This recipe uses a simple boxed brownie mix to save time, allowing you to focus on the fun part—the decorating!
For the Brownies
- 1 box (18-ounce) brownie mix
- Ingredients required on the box (oil, water, eggs, etc.)
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring
For the Decorations
- 16 small pretzel sticks
- Holiday sprinkles (red and green, stars, nonpareils, etc.)
- Optional: Edible glitter or a small amount of powdered sugar for a “snowy” effect
Step-by-Step Directions
You’ve got this! Just follow these steps to turn a simple pan of brownies into a festive forest of treats.
- Prepare the Brownies. Preheat your oven and prepare your brownie mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is a crucial step! If you try to cut them while they are warm, they will crumble.
- Cut into Triangles. Once the brownies are fully cooled, cut them into 16 triangles. The easiest way to do this is to first cut the pan of brownies into four long strips. Then, cut each strip into four triangles.
- Make the Frosting. While the brownies are cooling, beat the softened butter in a large bowl with a hand mixer until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a few drops of green food coloring until you reach your desired color.
- Frost the Trees. Spread a generous amount of green frosting onto each brownie triangle, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Decorate. Add your decorations! Press a small pretzel stick into the bottom of each brownie triangle to create the “tree trunk.” Sprinkle with festive sprinkles to look like ornaments and tinsel. You can also place a star sprinkle on top of each tree.
Pro Tip: For a clean cut, use a plastic knife to cut the cooled brownies. The plastic won’t stick to the brownies, giving you perfectly shaped triangles.
How to Serve
These brownies are perfect for a holiday party dessert table.
- Serve at Room Temperature: They are best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing the frosting to be soft and creamy.
- Display: Arrange them on a platter to look like a little forest of Christmas trees.
- Pairings: Serve with a glass of milk or a mug of hot cocoa for a truly festive treat.
Expert Tips for Success
- Ingredient Swap: For a simple frosting, you can use a store-bought can of vanilla frosting and simply mix in some green food coloring.
- Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Make-Ahead: The brownies can be baked a day ahead of time and stored. Make the frosting and decorate them on the day of your event for the freshest result.
Common Questions
Why did my brownies crumble when I cut them?
You likely cut them before they were fully cooled. It’s essential to let them cool completely in the pan to ensure they hold their shape.
Can I use homemade brownies?
Yes, absolutely! Use your favorite brownie recipe and follow the rest of the steps for a completely homemade treat.
Can I make a different flavor frosting?
Yes, you can. A simple cream cheese frosting would be delicious with the brownies. Just be sure to tint it green!
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Tree Brownies are the perfect combination of festive spirit and delicious dessert. They’re a simple, creative, and fun way to bring a little extra cheer to your holiday season. Happy baking!
