Brownie Christmas Tree: 7 Magical Tips for Holiday Fun

Name: Brownie Christmas Tree: 7 Magical Tips for Holiday Fun
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup chocolate chips; Green frosting; Sprinkles

November 19, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my favorite holiday treat—the *brownie Christmas tree*! There’s something so magical about transforming rich, fudgy brownies into festive little trees that just scream holiday cheer. Every year, my family gathers around the kitchen, and we dive into this fun tradition of baking these adorable brownies together. It’s not just about the deliciousness; it’s the laughter, the mess, and the sprinkles flying everywhere! Trust me, when you see those beautifully frosted brownie trees lined up on your table, you can’t help but feel the holiday spirit. Plus, they’re super easy to make and always a hit at any gathering. Let’s dive into how to whip up your own batch of these delightful brownie Christmas trees!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create your festive brownie Christmas trees. I promise, these ingredients aren’t just for show—they’re what make these brownies rich, fudgy, and absolutely irresistible!

1 cup unsalted butter: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy melting!
2 cups granulated sugar: This will give your brownies that perfect sweetness.
4 large eggs: These provide the structure and moisture; let them sit out for a bit to warm up.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla makes everything taste better—trust me on this!
1 cup all-purpose flour: This is your base; sift it if you want an extra light texture.
1 cup cocoa powder: Go for unsweetened to balance the sweetness from the sugar.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those rich flavors.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the brownies rise just a bit.
1 cup chocolate chips: Because you can never have too much chocolate, right?
Green frosting: You’ll use this for decorating your Christmas tree—get creative!
Sprinkles: The more, the merrier! These add that festive touch.

Gather these goodies, and you’ll be on your way to making a batch of brownie Christmas trees that will wow your friends and family!

How to Prepare the Brownie Christmas Tree

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s get down to the exciting part—making your brownie Christmas trees! I promise this step-by-step process is as fun as it is simple. Let’s jump right in!

Prepping Your Baking Pan

First things first, we need to prepare the baking pan. I usually go for a 9×13-inch pan for these brownies. Start by greasing the bottom and sides with a little butter or cooking spray—this helps the brownies slide out easily once they’re baked. If you want to be extra safe, you can also line the bottom with parchment paper. Just cut it to size and place it in before greasing. This way, you won’t have any brownie casualties!

Mixing the Ingredients

Now, let’s melt that butter! I like to do this in the microwave—just pop it in for about 30 seconds at a time until it’s fully melted. Then, in a large mixing bowl, pour in the melted butter and add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. You want that sugar to dissolve nicely, so don’t rush this part!

Next, in a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Sifting helps to break up any clumps and ensures a silky batter. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Be gentle here! You want to combine them without overmixing—just until you see no dry flour. Finally, fold in those chocolate chips for that delightful melty goodness!

Baking the Brownies

Once your batter is ready, pour it into your greased pan and spread it out evenly. Now, it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop the pan in for about 25-30 minutes. The smell is going to be heavenly, I promise! To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter), you’re good to go! Remember, overbaking can dry them out, so keep an eye on them!

Shaping and Decorating

After the brownies are baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re cool, it’s time for the fun part—cutting them into tree shapes! I usually use a cookie cutter for this, but you can also cut them into triangles with a knife if you prefer. Get creative!

Now, for the decorating—grab your green frosting and pipe it onto each brownie tree. Don’t be shy! Swirl it around to give it that tree-like texture. Finally, sprinkle on those festive sprinkles for that extra holiday cheer. Wow, just thinking about it makes me excited! Your brownie Christmas trees are now ready to dazzle everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Presentation: These brownie Christmas trees are not just delicious; they’re a showstopper on any holiday table!
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll whip these up in no time, even with little ones helping!
Great for Gatherings: They’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy night in with family.
Customizable Decorations: Get creative with different colors of frosting and sprinkles—each tree can be uniquely yours!
Fudgy Deliciousness: Rich and chocolatey, these brownies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Fun Activity: Decorating these trees is a blast, making it a wonderful way to create memories with loved ones.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your brownie Christmas trees turn out absolutely perfect! I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that will help you nail this festive treat every time.

Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and nobody wants that! You want them fudgy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add in nuts, or even some peppermint pieces for a holiday twist! Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch that complements the fudginess.
Baking Variations: If you want to switch things up, try using flavored extracts like almond or peppermint instead of vanilla for a unique taste. You’ll be amazed at how a little change can elevate your brownie game!
Perfecting the Decor: For a fun decorating twist, try using different colors of frosting to create a rainbow of trees. It’s a great way to make your holiday dessert table extra festive and vibrant!
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them to keep them fresh longer, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing for Later: You can freeze the un-frosted brownie shapes for up to a month. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and when you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw before decorating. It’s a great way to have a festive treat ready for surprise guests!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating brownie Christmas trees that will not only look stunning but will taste incredible too. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutrition of these delightful brownie Christmas trees! Keep in mind that the nutrition information can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you choose, so this is just a rough estimate:

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Enjoy these treats as part of a balanced diet, and remember, it’s all about moderation—especially during the festive season!

FAQ Section

Got questions about your brownie Christmas trees? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I hear, along with my best answers to help you bake with confidence.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the brownies a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just wait to decorate them until you’re ready to serve for that fresh look!

What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
No problem! If you’re out of chocolate chips, you can chop up your favorite chocolate bar and use that instead. Or, mix in some nuts or dried fruit for a different twist!

Can I use a different frosting color?
Definitely! While green frosting is super festive, you can use any color you like. Think red, blue, or even a rainbow! It’s all about making it fun and personal.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover brownie Christmas trees in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them or freeze the unfrosted brownies.

Can I substitute butter for oil?
You can! If you want to use oil instead of butter, just use about ¾ cup of oil for each cup of butter. Keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!

How do I get perfect tree shapes?
Using a cookie cutter is the easiest way to get nice, uniform tree shapes. Just make sure the brownies are completely cool before cutting to avoid crumbling. Alternatively, you can cut them into triangles with a knife for a more rustic look.

What if I want to make these brownies gluten-free?
You can easily make these brownies gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free!

Can I freeze the brownie Christmas trees?
Yes! You can freeze the un-frosted brownie shapes for up to a month. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and when you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw and then decorate.

I hope these FAQs help you feel ready to tackle your brownie Christmas trees! If you have any more questions or need tips, don’t hesitate to ask. Happy baking!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.