The holiday season brings a whirlwind of joy, traditions, and of course, delightful treats to share with friends and family. Among the many festive delights, Christmas Tree Brownies stand out as both a visual and tasty masterpiece. These brownies are not only simple to make but also perfect for sharing during holiday parties, family gatherings, or simply for a cozy evening at home. You might be amazed at how easy it is to create sweet tree-shaped brownies that look as fabulous as they taste!
Why We Love This Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
What makes Christmas Tree Brownies a favorite for many? First, their vibrant green color and playful tree shape instantly evoke the holiday spirit. They serve as a great centerpiece on dessert tables, fascinating both kids and adults alike. Secondly, the combination of rich chocolate brownie with sweet vanilla frosting creates a delightful flavor explosion in each bite. And let’s not forget the fun of decorating with sprinkles and red hots! Finally, this recipe is simple enough for young chefs to join in, making it a great family activity that captures the essence of the festive season.
Ingredients about Christmas Tree Brownies
To get started on your Christmas Tree Brownies, gather the following ingredients. Each item plays a pivotal role in bringing this festive treat to life.
- 1 (18.3-ounce) box brownie mix
- 1 (16-ounce) container vanilla frosting
- Green food coloring (about 20-25 drops)
- Sprinkles (as desired)
- Red hots candies (12 for decoration)
- 6 candy canes (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- Vegetable spray (for coating)
How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies Directions
Creating your beautiful Christmas Tree Brownies is an enjoyable and straightforward process! You will want to have all your ingredients ready to make the baking experience smooth. Here’s how to bring this festive dessert to life:
- Preparation of the Pan: Start by lining a 9×9-inch brownie pan with foil, making sure to leave some extra hanging over the edges for easy removal later. This step is crucial as it ensures that your brownies come out easily without sticking to the pan. After lining the pan, coat it lightly with vegetable spray to further prevent sticking.
- Mixing the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, open the box of brownie mix and prepare it according to the instructions found on the package. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients, ensuring no dry mix remains. Once the batter is ready, pour it evenly into the prepared brownie pan.
- Baking the Brownies: Preheat your oven as specified in the brownie mix instructions. Bake the brownies in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes. After baking, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Cutting the Brownies: Once cooled, use the foil to lift the brownies out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board. Carefully cut the brownies into three equal strips. Then, cut each strip into four triangles to resemble tree shapes.
- Preparing the Frosting: Take half of the vanilla frosting and add in green food coloring. Mix it until the frosting reaches a vibrant green hue. You might want to adjust the amount of food coloring based on your preference.
- Piping the Frosting: Place the green frosting into a small zip-top baggie. Snip a tiny corner off the bag to create a piping bag. Starting at the top of each brownie triangle, pipe the frosting in a garland-like design, working side to side as you move down. This will replicate the look of ornaments strung across a Christmas tree.
- Decorating: After piping, it’s time to get creative! Sprinkle the brownies with colorful sprinkles to add texture and festive flair. Finally, place one red hot candy at the top of each brownie tree for a whimsical finish.
- Finishing Touches with Candy Canes: Cut the candy canes into about 2-inch pieces. Insert a piece into the tip of each brownie triangle to resemble the trunk of your decorated Christmas tree.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Brownies
When it comes to serving your Christmas Tree Brownies, presentation is key. Arrange the brownie trees on a festive platter or cake stand for a stunning visual effect. Adding a few decorative elements, like a sprinkling of powdered sugar or a small display of ornaments around the base, can elevate your presentation.
Consider pairing these festive treats with a warm beverage like hot cocoa or spiced apple cider to enhance the holiday experience. These brownies are great for various occasions—family get-togethers, classroom parties, or cozy nights by the fireplace. You can also package them in decorative boxes or tins if you’re planning to give them as gifts.
Expert Tips: Christmas Tree Brownies
To ensure that your Christmas Tree Brownies turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Brownie Texture: For fudgier brownies, avoid overmixing the batter and refrain from overbaking. Remove the brownies while they’re still slightly underdone for a chewy, delicious texture.
- Frosting Application: For a flawless frosting application, practice piping on a paper towel before working on your brownies. The more you practice, the more refined your piping skills will become!
- Coloring the Frosting: If you want to achieve a different shade of green, try mixing yellow and blue food coloring to create a unique hue. Don’t be afraid to play with colors!
- Mix and Match: If green isn’t your color of choice, you can create holiday brownies in other colors too! For example, try red frosting with festive edible glitter for a different look.
- Quick Cleanup: When working with frosting and toppings, keep a damp cloth handy to wipe away any spills or splatters. This makes your cleanup quick and easy.
How to Store Christmas Tree Brownies
Proper storage will keep your Christmas Tree Brownies fresh and delicious for longer. To store them, place the cut brownies in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep the container in a cool, dry place. If you want to make them last even longer, consider refrigerating them; they will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge.
If you really want to prolong their life, you can freeze these brownies. Just make sure they are completely cool before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. Frozen brownies can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Variation of Christmas Tree Brownies
While the original Christmas Tree Brownies are delightful, there are many variations you can explore to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular variations:
- Nutty Brownies: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into your brownie mix for added texture and flavor. Simply add them to the batter before baking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free brownie mix and ensure that your frosting does not contain gluten to make a gluten-free version that everyone can enjoy.
- Different Flavors: Experiment with flavoring your vanilla frosting. Adding a hint of peppermint extract can evoke the aroma of candy canes for the holiday season.
- Creative Decorations: Instead of traditional sprinkles, use edible glitter, mini marshmallows, or chocolate chips to decorate your brownies.
- Additional Toppings: Top your Christmas trees with mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint candies, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra sweetness.
FAQ Section
What are Christmas Tree Brownies?
Christmas Tree Brownies are festive treats made from chocolate brownies cut into triangle shapes resembling Christmas trees, then decorated with green frosting and festive toppings.
How do I make Christmas Tree Brownies?
To make Christmas Tree Brownies, you simply prepare a brownie mix, bake it, cut it into triangle shapes, and decorate them with green frosting, sprinkles, and candy decorations.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake and decorate your Christmas Tree Brownies a few days ahead of any gathering. Just store them properly to maintain freshness.
What is the best way to decorate Christmas Tree Brownies?
Decorate them with green frosting, colorful sprinkles, and candy for a playful touch. You can get creative with your designs based on personal taste.
How should I store leftover Christmas Tree Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Christmas Tree Brownies
Equipment
- 9×9-inch Brownie Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Piping bag
- Foil
Ingredients
- 1 box (18.3 oz) Brownie Mix
- 1 container (16 oz) Vanilla Frosting
- 20-25 drops Green Food Coloring
- As desired Sprinkles
- 12 Red Hots Candies For decoration
- 6 Candy Canes Cut into 2-inch pieces
- As needed Vegetable Spray For coating the pan
Instructions
- Preheat your oven and line a 9×9-inch brownie pan with foil, leaving overhang for easy removal. Lightly coat with vegetable spray.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions and pour into the prepared pan.
- Bake according to package instructions until a toothpick comes out clean, about 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
- Once cooled, lift the brownies out using the foil and cut into three equal strips. Cut each strip into triangles to resemble trees.
- Mix green food coloring into half of the vanilla frosting until vibrant. Pipe the green frosting onto each brownie triangle in a garland pattern.
- Decorate with sprinkles and place a red hot candy at the top of each brownie tree.
- Insert a piece of candy cane into the bottom of each brownie triangle to represent the trunk of the tree.
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