Christmas Tree Brownies

Christmas tree brownies are chewy one-bowl brownies that are decorated to look like Christmas trees. These easy treats are sure to please kids and adults alike!

Christmas tree brownies are a fun alternative to sugar cookies. They’re made from an easy one-bowl brownie recipe, and they’re so easy to make!

The brownies are as tasty as they are easy to make. They’re rich and chocolaty with the perfect mix of fudginess and chewiness.

They’re also quick to decorate, and they make a fun Christmas treat for adults and kids alike.

Ingredient tips and substitutions

• Butter: I use salted butter in this recipe. If using unsalted butter, increase the salt to 1/2 teaspoon.
• Brown sugar: I use light brown sugar in this recipe.
• Chocolate chips: Bittersweet chocolate chips are 60% cacao. A good substitute would be dark chocolate chips. If you prefer, you can use semisweet chocolate chips. However, the brownies will be sweeter.
• All-purpose flour: It’s important to use a light hand when measuring flour for brownies. To get the proper amount of flour, weigh the flour or sift or stir the flour. Lightly spoon into the measuring cup and level.
• Candy canes: If you want to use pretzel sticks instead of candy canes, that will also work.

How to make Christmas tree brownies

Step 1: Preheat oven to 325F. Parchment-line an 8×8-inch metal pan. Set aside.

Step 2: In a large saucepan, combine butter, sugars, and water. Bring to a boil, stirring regularly.

Step 3: Remove pan from heat.

Step 4: Whisk in 1 cup chocolate chips until melted and well-combined.

Step 5: Add eggs and vanilla. Whisk until well-combined.

Step 6: Add flour, salt, and baking soda. Whisk in just until combined. Don’t overmix.

Step 7: Stir in the remaining 1/3 cup chocolate chips.

Step 8: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing as needed.

Step 9: Bake for about 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few fudgy crumbs.

Step 10: Let the brownies cool to room temperature.

Step 11: Chill for 1 hour before cutting and decorating.

Step 12: Remove the brownies from the pan and cut into triangles. You should get three rows with 4 large triangles per row. You will also have some edges that make smaller trees. This will give you 12 large brownie trees.

Step 13: If you are using candy canes, unwrap each one and, with a knife, carefully cut 1.5 inch long pieces. Press the sharper ends of the candy cane into the bottom of the tree.

Step 14: Meanwhile, make the buttercream frosting. To make the frosting, beat the butter in a large bowl on low for about 30 seconds.

Step 15: Add the powdered sugar and heavy cream. Beat on low for about 1-2 minutes, or until incorporated.

Step 16: Mix in green food coloring to get your desired color.

Step 17: Add the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.

Step 18: Starting at the top of the tree, make a zigzag to the bottom of the tree.

Step 19: Sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles.

Tips

• If you like more chocolate chips in your brownies, feel free to increase the stirred in chocolate chips to 1/2 cup.  
• If you omit the stirred in portion of the chocolate chips, the brownies won’t have as much of a shiny exterior. 
• It’s important to bake the brownies until the toothpick comes out with a few fudgy crumbs. If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownies will be overcooked.

Recipe FAQs

Storage

Store any leftover Christmas tree brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The brownies will keep for up to 5 day when properly stored in the fridge.

More Christmas treat recipes!

If you’ve tried this Christmas tree brownie recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who’ve made my recipes!

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