Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday treat: the *brownie Christmas tree*! Every year, my family and I gather in the kitchen, and it’s become our little tradition to whip these festive delights up together. The smell of chocolate wafting through the house is simply irresistible! Shaped like Christmas trees and decorated with vibrant green icing and colorful sprinkles, they not only taste incredible but also look adorable on any dessert table. Trust me, whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want to spread some cheer, these brownie Christmas trees are sure to bring smiles and joy to everyone!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Green icing for decoration
- Sprinkles for decoration
How to Prepare the Brownie Christmas Tree
Making your very own brownie Christmas tree is a delightful experience! Follow these simple steps to create a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important to ensure your brownies bake evenly!
- Next, grab a baking pan (I usually use a 9×13 inch one) and grease it lightly with some butter or cooking spray. This will help your brownies come out easily.
- In a medium saucepan, melt your unsalted butter over low heat. Keep an eye on it! You don’t want it to brown.
- Once melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and it looks glossy.
- Now, in another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix; you want those brownies to be fudgy!
- Spread the brownie batter evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- After baking, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time is crucial for cutting them into perfect tree shapes!
- Once cooled, use a cookie cutter to cut out your Christmas tree shapes. Decorate with green icing and sprinkles to make them festive!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a fun and festive treat that brings holiday cheer to any gathering.
- The brownie Christmas tree is incredibly easy to make, perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Rich, fudgy brownies topped with colorful icing and sprinkles create a delightful visual feast.
- They’re customizable! You can add your favorite toppings or even mix in nuts for extra texture.
- These brownies are sure to impress family and friends, making them a hit at any holiday party!
Tips for Success
To make your brownie Christmas tree absolutely perfect, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, if you’re feeling adventurous, try using half brown sugar and half granulated sugar for a deeper flavor. Don’t forget to check your brownies a minute or two early; ovens can vary, and you want them just set, not overbaked. Also, if you love a little crunch, toss in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter! And for an extra festive touch, consider using flavored icing like peppermint or adding edible glitter to your decorations. Trust me, your holiday guests will be raving about these!
Variations
If you’re like me and love to get creative in the kitchen, there are so many fun ways to mix up your brownie Christmas tree! For a different flavor twist, try adding some peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing holiday taste. You can also switch up the decorations—how about using white chocolate drizzle instead of green icing for a snowy effect? Or, go wild with colorful candy canes, M&Ms, or even mini marshmallows on top! Want a richer bite? Fold in some chocolate chips or nuts into the batter. The possibilities are endless, and your brownie Christmas trees will be unique every time!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your brownie Christmas tree fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, but I recommend letting them come to room temperature before serving for that perfect fudgy texture. If you prefer to reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to warm them without drying them out. Trust me, a warm brownie with a bit of melty icing is pure bliss, especially during the holidays!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information for the brownie Christmas tree can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. As such, precise nutritional values are not provided. It’s always a good idea to check labels and adjust according to your preferences and dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of icing?
Absolutely! While green icing is festive, you can use any color you like. White chocolate or even a simple powdered sugar glaze can add a lovely touch.
How do I cut the brownies into tree shapes?
I recommend using a cookie cutter for precise shapes. If you don’t have one, just cut the brownies into triangles with a sharp knife. They’ll still look great!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the brownies a day in advance and decorate them just before serving. This makes them perfect for holiday parties!
What if my brownies are too fudgy?
If your brownies come out too fudgy, they may need a couple more minutes in the oven next time. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
Can I add other toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with toppings like crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, or even coconut flakes for a snowy effect. Enjoy customizing your brownie Christmas tree!
Brownie Christmas Tree: 7 Festive Tips for Joyful Baking
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive brownie shaped like a Christmas tree.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Green icing for decoration
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder.
- Spread the batter in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into tree shapes.
- Decorate with green icing and sprinkles.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Use a cookie cutter for precise tree shapes.
- Feel free to add nuts for texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: brownie christmas tree
