Easy Christmas Tree Brownies (Fun Holiday Dessert!)

Introduction

Did you know that holiday-themed desserts are shared on social media 78% more often than regular treats during December? This festive season, transform ordinary brownies into magical holiday creations that will delight both children and adults alike! These christmas tree brownies are not only adorable but surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for classroom parties, holiday gatherings, or a fun baking activity with kids, these festive treats combine rich chocolate flavor with playful holiday decoration. The triangular brownie « trees » topped with vibrant green frosting and colorful sprinkles create an Instagram-worthy dessert that tastes as good as it looks!

Ingredients List

For the brownies:

• 1 box brownie mix (18.3 oz) OR ingredients for your favorite homemade brownie recipe
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional for holiday flavor)

For decoration:

• 2 cups vanilla frosting
• Green food coloring (gel food coloring works best)
• Assorted sprinkles (holiday colors, stars, nonpareils)
• Mini M&Ms or round candies for ornaments
• Yellow star sprinkles or yellow candy stars for tree toppers
• Pretzel sticks for tree trunks

Substitution options:

• Use gluten-free brownie mix for dietary restrictions
• Replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle coconut undertone
• Substitute buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor profile
• Try natural food coloring derived from spinach powder for an all-natural alternative

Timing

Preparation time: 20 minutes (15% less than most holiday-themed desserts)
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour (can be expedited to 30 minutes in refrigerator)
Decoration time: 25 minutes
Total time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes (including cooling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water. If using the peppermint extract, add it now for a subtle holiday flavor. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make your brownies tough rather than fudgy.

Step 2: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the corners. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). For perfect Easy Christmas Tree Brownies (Fun Holiday Dessert!), it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake—this ensures a moist, fudgy texture.

Step 3: Cool and Cut

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut triangular tree shapes. First, cut the brownies into squares, then cut each square diagonally to create two triangles. For cleaner cuts, wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between slices.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

In a medium bowl, add green food coloring to the vanilla frosting. Start with a few drops and gradually add more until you achieve your desired shade of Christmas tree green. For a more vibrant color, gel food coloring works better than liquid. Mix thoroughly to ensure even coloring without streaks.

Step 5: Decorate the Trees

Transfer the green frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the frosting onto each brownie triangle in a zigzag pattern to mimic tree branches. If you’re crafting these with children, spreading the frosting with a small knife works just as well—the sprinkles will hide any imperfections!

Step 6: Add Ornaments and Star

While the frosting is still soft, decorate your christmas tree brownies with colorful sprinkles, mini candies, and nonpareils to represent ornaments. Place a yellow star sprinkle or candy at the top of each tree. For the finishing touch, insert a small pretzel stick into the bottom of each brownie to create a tree trunk.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 decorated tree brownie):

• Calories: 215
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 105mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 2g

Note: Studies show that portion control is key to enjoying holiday treats—these brownie trees are perfectly sized for a satisfying yet reasonable dessert portion.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform these festive treats into a more nutritious option with these modifications:

• Substitute black beans for the boxed brownie mix (1 can drained and rinsed, blended with 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/3 cup honey, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla)
• Use Greek yogurt-based frosting (mix 1 cup Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and add green food coloring)
• Replace traditional sprinkles with colorful fruit pieces like pomegranate arils, chopped dried cranberries, or finely diced dried mango
• Add 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed to the brownie batter for an omega-3 boost
• Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar for a lower glycemic option

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Easy Christmas Tree Brownies (Fun Holiday Dessert!) presentation with these creative serving ideas:

• Arrange on a white platter dusted with powdered sugar « snow » for a winter wonderland effect
• Create a forest scene with different sized brownie trees on a bed of shredded coconut
• Serve alongside vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce
• Pair with hot chocolate topped with peppermint whipped cream for the ultimate holiday treat
• Place trees on individual plates with a small dollop of raspberry coulis for a festive red accent

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Cutting brownies while warm: According to baking experts, this is the #1 reason for crumbly brownie edges. Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting.
2. Using dull knives: Sharp knives make clean cuts; dull ones drag through the brownie, causing tears.
3. Applying frosting too soon: Decorating warm brownies will cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
4. Overloading with decorations: Data shows that 3-4 types of decorations create the most visually appealing result without overwhelming the brownie.
5. Neglecting the parchment paper: This simple step prevents sticking and makes removal from the pan much easier.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Unfrosted brownie trees can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Frosted trees should be refrigerated and will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Studies show that using an airtight container with parchment paper between layers prevents the decorations from smudging.
• For make-ahead preparation, bake and cut the brownie trees, then freeze unfrosted for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 2 hours before decorating.
• Transport tip: Place decorated trees in a single layer in a shallow container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain their appearance.

Conclusion

These christmas tree brownies transform a simple dessert into a festive holiday masterpiece that’s sure to impress at any gathering. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—anyone can create these adorable treats regardless of baking experience. Whether you’re looking for a classroom party contribution, a fun activity with kids, or a charming addition to your holiday dessert table, these Easy Christmas Tree Brownies (Fun Holiday Dessert!) deliver both visual appeal and delicious flavor. Give them a try this holiday season and watch faces light up with delight! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media—we’d love to see your personal take on these festive brownie trees!

FAQs

Can I make these brownies ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can prepare the brownies up to 3 days in advance. For best results, store the cut triangles in an airtight container and decorate them the day of your event.

How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free brownie mix or recipe, and ensure your decorations are also gluten-free. Most sprinkles are gluten-free, but always check packaging to be certain.

My frosting isn’t green enough. What should I do?
Gel food coloring provides more vibrant colors than liquid options. Add small amounts gradually until you reach your desired shade. For a deeper forest green, add a tiny amount of blue to your green coloring.

Can children help make these brownie trees?
Absolutely! Kids can help mix the batter, decorate with sprinkles, and add the star toppers. The decorating process is perfect for little hands and provides a fun holiday activity.

My brownies are crumbling when I cut them. How can I prevent this?
Make sure brownies are completely cooled before cutting. Using a plastic knife or a metal knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts can also help create cleaner edges.

What can I use instead of artificial food coloring?
Natural alternatives include matcha powder, spirulina, or store-bought natural food colors made from vegetables. The shade may be more muted but still festive.