Brownie Christmas Trees are a delightful holiday treat that will brighten up any festive gathering! This charming dessert combines the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with a fun, whimsical twist that captures the holiday spirit. With layers of sweet green frosting and topped with festive stars and sprinkles, these brownies not only taste amazing but also offer a visual feast that delights both children and adults alike.
This step-by-step recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for those who want to bake with loved ones during the holidays.
The best part about making Brownie Christmas Trees is the joy they bring. Each bite is full of rich chocolate flavor, while the vibrant green frosting adds a pop of color that screams holiday cheer. Whether you’re looking to impress at a holiday party or simply seeking a fun baking activity with your family, this recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Brownie Christmas Trees recipe is treasured for its simplicity and appeal. It requires minimal ingredients and can be made relatively quickly, which is perfect for busy holiday schedules. The brownie mix, combined with just a few fresh additions, ensures that it doesn’t take much effort to create this delectable dessert. Plus, the family-friendly nature of these treats makes it a wonderful opportunity to involve kids in the kitchen.
Another reason to love this recipe is that it’s highly customizable. You can create a range of tree sizes and decorate them however you choose, allowing for creativity and personal expression. Not to mention, these brownies make for an eye-catching centerpiece on any dessert table!
Ingredients for Brownie Christmas Trees
To make these festive brownies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 box of brownie mix (any brand, BAKED and cooled)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons water
- Green frosting (recipe provided below)
- Holiday sprinkles
- Yellow star decorations
- Disposable piping bag
- Wilton star tip (1M)
- 3 round cookie/biscuit cutters in varying sizes
For the green frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- Green food coloring
Step-by-Step Directions for Brownie Christmas Trees
Creating Brownie Christmas Trees is a breeze! Let’s break this down into simple steps:
- In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well blended.
- Gradually add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time, stirring until the frosting reaches your desired creamy consistency.
- Attach the star tip to the piping bag, then fill the bag with the green frosting.
- Take your baked and cooled brownies and use the three varying cookie cutters to gently cut out brownie circles in different sizes.
- Begin layering by gently squeezing the frosting from the piping bag on top of the largest brownie round, then stack the next size down, continuing until all layers are assembled.
- Create a peak with the last brownie, topping it with frosting to mimic the upper part of a Christmas tree.
- Finish off your creation by adding a star on top and generously scattering holiday sprinkles over the frosting.
- Repeat the process for the remaining brownies, and voila! You have a delightful collection of festive Brownie Christmas Trees.
Tips & Tricks
To make your Brownie Christmas Trees even more special, consider these chef’s secrets and optional extras:
- For an enhanced flavor, add a pinch of salt to your frosting mix; this can help balance the sweetness.
- If you enjoy texture, consider incorporating crushed nuts or chocolate chips into the brownie mix before baking.
- To create a snowy effect, use white frosting mixed with powdered sugar for a dusting on the branches.
- You might also opt for different colors of frosting or edible glitter for an even more festive vibe.
- Keep your piping bag at room temperature to ensure that the frosting flows smoothly.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Brownie Christmas Trees can be served as the centerpiece during festive gatherings. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of hot chocolate for that cozy winter vibe. For an extra treat, consider serving them alongside gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark to create a delightful dessert spread.
Another fun idea is to present them as gifts in a decorative box tied with a festive ribbon, making them a memorable holiday treat for friends and neighbors.
Nutritional Information
Each Brownie Christmas Tree is a delightful indulgence, offering a combination of sweet chocolate base and creamy frosting. While exact nutritional values can vary based on specific brands used, each tree roughly contains:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 2g
These brownies are meant to be an indulgent treat, so enjoy them in moderation during the festive season!
Storing Tips & Variations for Brownie Christmas Trees
Proper storage of your Brownie Christmas Trees is essential for keeping them fresh. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week if you want to prolong their freshness.
If you wish to make a healthier version, consider using a lower-fat brownie mix or substituting half of the oil with applesauce. You could also explore gluten-free brownie mixes for an alternative that allows everyone to enjoy these festive treats.
Conclusion for Brownie Christmas Trees
Brownie Christmas Trees are not just a dessert; they’re a wonderful experience filled with the spirit of the holiday season. The combination of rich brownies, colorful frosting, and festive decorations makes them a must-try for anyone looking to spread joy and sweetness. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get started on your own batch of delightful Brownie Christmas Trees today!
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Making your brownies from scratch can add a personal touch and allow you to tailor the flavors to your liking.
2. How do I prevent my frosting from being too runny?
Be sure to add milk gradually until you achieve the desired consistency. You can also refrigerate the frosting for about 15 minutes to help it thicken.
3. Can I freeze the brownies?
Yes! Brownies can be frozen in an airtight container. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4. What can I use if I don’t have piping bags?
A simple plastic sandwich bag with a corner snipped off can work just as well for squeezing out frosting.
5. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the brownies a day or two before frosting them. Just make sure to store them properly to maintain freshness before decorating.
Brownie Christmas Trees
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful holiday brownies shaped like Christmas trees, topped with vibrant green frosting, festive stars, and sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 1 box of brownie mix (BAKED and cooled)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons water
- Green frosting
- Holiday sprinkles
- Yellow star decorations
- Disposable piping bag
- Wilton star tip (1M)
- 3 round cookie/biscuit cutters in varying sizes
- For the green frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Green food coloring
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.
- Gradually add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time, stirring until the frosting reaches your desired creamy consistency.
- Attach the star tip to the piping bag, then fill the bag with the green frosting.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out brownie circles in different sizes.
- Layer the brownies by squeezing frosting on top of the largest round and stacking the sizes down.
- Create a peak with the last brownie and add frosting to mimic the upper part of a Christmas tree.
- Finish with a star decoration and sprinkle with holiday sprinkles.
Notes
Optional: Add a pinch of salt for flavor balance, or crushed nuts for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tree
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
