As the holiday season approaches, nothing says “festive cheer” like the delightful aroma of baked goods wafting through your kitchen. One treat that perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas is the whimsical Christmas Tree Brownies. These deliciously fudgy brownies are not only a visual treat but also a mouthwatering indulgence that everyone will love. If you’re looking to impress your family and friends with a festive dessert that’s easy to make, this recipe is a must-try!
Why We Love This Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
Christmas Tree Brownies are not just desserts; they are a celebration on a plate. These delightful treats combine the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies with the festive flair of holiday decorations. Whether you are hosting a holiday party, attending a potluck, or simply looking to spread some cheer, these brownies are the perfect sweet addition. They are fun to make with family, especially with little ones eager to help out in the kitchen.
What truly sets these brownies apart is their eye-catching presentation. Each piece resembles a cheerful little Christmas tree, complete with sprinkles and a shiny star atop. As you gather around the table with loved ones, a plate of these brownies adds a touch of whimsy and joy, igniting the holiday spirit in everyone.
Ingredients for Christmas Tree Brownies
To create these delightful Christmas Tree Brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 box (18.4 ounces) of brownie mix
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 12 ounces of white almond bark (divided)
- Green food coloring
- Holiday sprinkles
- Star sprinkles
Gathering these ingredients will not only set you up for success in the kitchen but will also ignite your creativity as you envision the festive treats that await!
How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies Directions
Crafting your own batch of Christmas Tree Brownies is an adventure filled with festive joy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to whip up these charming treats with ease.
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly and come out with that rich, fudgy texture we all adore.
- Prepare Your Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, and lightly spray it with cooking spray. This will prevent your brownies from sticking and make for easy removal later.
- Mix the Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix with the vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Stir until the batter is smooth and combined. The aroma of chocolate is already starting to fill your kitchen, setting the mood for the holidays!
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The waiting is the hardest part, but the smell of baking brownies will make it worthwhile!
- Cool the Brownies: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool on a wire rack. For an extra chilly treat, place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes after cooling to make cutting easier.
- Cut Out the Christmas Trees: Using a 2-3 inch round cookie cutter, cut the brownies into tree shapes. Place them on a lined baking sheet, creating a delightful and festive display.
- Melt the Almond Bark: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 6 ounces of almond bark in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Carefully drizzle this over the lower half of each brownie to create a snow-like effect.
- Add the Green Color: Next, melt another 6 ounces of almond bark, and mix in green food coloring until you achieve your desired shade of festive green. Drizzle this over the brownies to create the tree shape, covering the majority of the brownie’s top surface.
- Decorate to Your Heart’s Content: Let your creativity shine! Decorate with colorful holiday sprinkles and finish with a star sprinkle on top. This is where you can have fun and add your personality to each creation.
- Let Them Set: Allow the decorated brownies to sit until the chocolate hardens, typically about 30-60 minutes. This is the moment when all your hard work pays off, and you’re left with beautiful, festive brownies.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Brownies
When it comes to serving your Christmas Tree Brownies, presentation is key. You want them to catch the eye and spark excitement among your guests.
Consider placing the brownies on a decorative holiday platter or a traditional Christmas-themed cake stand. You might even arrange them in a way that resembles a mini Christmas tree display, which would surely impress your guests.
These brownies can be served at room temperature, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for parties. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or hot chocolate for a delightful dessert or afternoon snack. Additionally, consider packaging some brownies in festive cellophane bags tied with ribbon as sweet gifts for friends and neighbors.
Expert Tips: Christmas Tree Brownies
To ensure your Christmas Tree Brownies are perfect every time, here are some expert tips:
- Check Your Oven: Every oven bakes a little differently. Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake, checking for doneness around the 24-minute mark.
- Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality chocolate and almond bark enhance the flavor of your brownies significantly, resulting in a richer treat.
- Customize the Decorations: Don’t be shy about customizing your sprinkles! You can use colors that match your holiday theme or even edible glitter for a touch of sparkle.
- Cutting Technique: If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can cut the brownies into rectangles or squares and still decorate them to resemble trees.
- Practice Patience: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them. This make them easier to handle and prevents them from crumbling.
How to Store Christmas Tree Brownies
To keep your Christmas Tree Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and chewy for several days. If you plan on making them ahead of time or want to save some for later, consider refrigerating them.
For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies. Just be sure to wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-lock bag. They should maintain their delicious flavors for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Variation of Christmas Tree Brownies
While the traditional recipe is sure to delight, don’t hesitate to try out variations for added excitement! Here are some ideas:
- Minty Chocolate Brownies: Add a few drops of mint extract to the brownie batter for a refreshing flavor that complements the chocolate.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl in some peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking for an added nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
- Candy Cane Crush: For a delightful festive crunch, crush some candy canes and sprinkle them over the chocolate drizzle before it hardens.
- Nutty Brownies: Add chopped nuts to the brownie mix for added texture and flavor. Walnuts or almonds can give your brownies an extra delightful crunch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular brownie mix with a gluten-free version, allowing more people to enjoy these baked treats during the holidays.
FAQs about Christmas Tree Brownies
What type of brownie mix works best for Christmas Tree Brownies?
You can use any chocolate brownie mix, but opting for a quality brand can enhance the texture and flavor. Look for mixes that produce fudgy brownies for the best results.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and decorate your brownies a day or two before serving. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
What can I use instead of almond bark?
If almond bark isn’t available, you can use white chocolate chips or a chocolate candy coating. Just be sure to melt them carefully to avoid overheating.
How can I make my brownies less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet brownie, consider using unsweetened cocoa powder in place of part of the brownie mix. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the mix, as many brands allow for flexibility in measurements.
Can I customize the toppings on my Christmas Tree Brownies?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with toppings. You can use shredded coconut for a snowy effect, or different colored chocolate candies and nuts for added flair.
Christmas Tree Brownies
Equipment
- 9×13 Inch Baking Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Mixer
- Cookie Cutter
Ingredients
- 1 box Brownie Mix 18.4 ounces.
- ⅔ cup Vegetable Oil
- ¼ cup Water
- 2 large Eggs
- 12 oz White Almond Bark Divided.
- Green Food Coloring Optional
- Assorted Holiday Sprinkles For decoration
- Star Sprinkles For decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine brownie mix, vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for about 26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, cool the brownies in the pan on a wire rack.
- After cooling, cut the brownies into tree shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Melt 6 oz of white almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl and dip the brownie trees, letting excess chocolate drip off.
- Add green food coloring to the remaining melted almond bark and drizzle over the brownie trees.
- Decorate with holiday sprinkles and star sprinkles on top while the chocolate is still warm.
- Let the decorated brownies set until the chocolate hardens.
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