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Festive Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe

These Christmas Tree Brownies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining rich, fudgy brownies with festive decorations that make them look just like mini Christmas trees! The decadent brownie base is topped with vibrant green buttercream frosting and adorned with colorful candy decorations, transforming each square into a fun and edible Christmas tree. Perfect for holiday parties, school events, or simply a cozy family treat, these brownies are sure to be a hit. Easy to make, visually stunning, and incredibly delicious, these Christmas Tree Brownies will bring joy to any Christmas celebration!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Brownies:

  • 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 23 tbsp milk or heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Green food coloring
  • Red and gold candy decorations (for ornaments)
  • Mini star-shaped candies (for tree top)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Make the brownie batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter.
  • Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  • Prepare the frosting: While the brownies are cooling, make the buttercream frosting by beating the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the frosting reaches a creamy consistency. Add milk or cream as needed to reach your desired texture, then stir in the vanilla extract and green food coloring.
  • Cut the brownies: Once the brownies are cool, cut them into squares or rectangles.
  • Frost the brownies: Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip or an offset spatula to pipe or spread a swirl of green buttercream frosting on top of each brownie, creating the shape of a Christmas tree.
  • Decorate the trees: Top each tree with candy decorations like red and gold sprinkles or mini M&Ms, and add a mini star-shaped candy to the top to complete the look.
  • Serve and enjoy: Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your festive Christmas Tree Brownies!

Notes

  • For a richer brownie flavor, you can add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the brownie batter.
  • If you want to save time, you can use store-bought brownies or brownie mix and just focus on decorating them with the frosting and toppings.
  • These brownies are best served within 1-2 days, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.