There’s something so fun and festive about a dessert that doubles as holiday decor—enter the Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe. These chocolatey, fudgy brownies shaped and decorated like Christmas trees are an absolute showstopper at any festive gathering and a joy to make with friends or family.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe takes traditional brownies up a notch with festive shapes and fun decorations—plus, it’s easier than it looks! I love how you can make fudgy brownies that are just sweet enough, then turn them into edible Christmas trees with simple piping and sprinkles. It’s a recipe that’s as much about the joy of decorating as it is about eating.
- Festive fun: The shape and decorations make these brownies perfect for holiday parties or gifting.
- Decadent chocolate flavor: Dark and milk chocolate combine for rich, fudgy brownies you’ll crave year-round.
- Impressive but not fiddly: You don’t need fancy tools or a bakery degree to pull off these chocolate Christmas trees.
- Customizable decorations: From classic candy canes to colorful sprinkles, you can decorate each tree to match your style.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe plays a role in that luscious, fudgy texture and festive presentation. The mix of dark and milk chocolate provides depth, while the cocoa powder boosts richness. Don't skip the icing sugar and butter for the perfect green buttercream—not too sweet, just right for piping crisp decorations.
- Unsalted butter: Opt for unsalted to control saltiness; melting it gently with chocolate ensures smooth batter.
- Dark chocolate: Use good-quality chocolate for deep, intense flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Eggs: These provide structure and moisture—room temperature eggs whisk better for that airy mousse texture.
- Caster sugar: Dissolves quickly and creates a tender crumb when beaten with eggs.
- Plain flour: Provides body without making the brownies cakey when used in just the right amount.
- Cocoa powder: Adds an extra layer of chocolatey depth; sift it to avoid lumps.
- Milk chocolate chips: These pockets of melty sweetness contrast beautifully with the dark chocolate base.
- White chocolate chips: For a sweet surprise and visual contrast inside each bite.
- Candy canes: Serve as edible 'tree trunks' and add that peppermint pop if you like.
- Icing sugar: The key to smooth, pipeable buttercream.
- Green food colouring: Bring your Christmas trees to life with vibrant color—gel food coloring works best for intensity without watering down.
- Sprinkles and sweets: Make each tree unique and festive!
Make It Your Way
This recipe is a canvas for your holiday creativity. I usually swap some of the white chocolate chips for chopped nuts to add crunch, but you could also make this dairy-free or gluten-free with a few smart swaps—it’ll still taste amazing!
- Nutty twist: Adding toasted walnuts or pecans gives a fantastic crunch and richer flavor—I tried this last Christmas, and it was a game-changer.
- Vegan adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter, a plant-based egg replacer, and dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly festive treat.
- Spiced variation: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter creates a warm spice note that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter and Dark Chocolate
Start by gently melting the unsalted butter and dark chocolate together, either over a pan of simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave. I usually go for the double boiler method—it gives more control and prevents burning. Once melted, set it aside to cool to room temperature; this step makes sure your eggs don’t scramble later on.
Step 2: Whisk Eggs and Sugar to Mousse-Like Perfection
Using an electric whisk, beat the eggs and caster sugar together until the mixture becomes pale, mousse-like, and roughly doubles in volume. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You'll know it’s ready when the batter leaves a slow trail on top—a sure sign that your brownies will be light despite their fudgy richness.
Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Mixture Carefully
Pour the cooled chocolate-butter mixture slowly into the egg and sugar mix, folding gently to combine. Patience matters here—you want to keep all that air you just whisked in. Folding, rather than mixing aggressively, keeps the batter light and gives your brownies that perfect texture.
Step 4: Add Cocoa, Flour, and Chocolate Chips
Sift in the cocoa powder and plain flour to avoid lumpy batter, then fold them through gently. Toss in milk and white chocolate chips last for delightful melty pockets of chocolate you’ll notice in every bite. Now pour this gorgeous batter into your prepared baking tray, ready for the oven.
Step 5: Bake and Cool Completely
Bake your brownies at 180°C (160°C fan) for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be set but the center will stay fudgy. Resist the urge to overbake! Leave them in the tin to cool completely; this makes cutting into neat tree shapes much easier.
Step 6: Cut, Insert Candy Cane 'Trunks' and Decorate
Once cooled, I cut the brownies in half lengthwise and then cut triangles from those halves to mimic Christmas trees. The offcuts? Perfect for you to nibble on while decorating! Break off the curved tops of candy canes and insert the stick part into the bottom of each tree to create an edible trunk.
Step 7: Pipe Green Buttercream and Add Festive Decorations
Whip together butter and icing sugar until creamy, then add green food coloring until you achieve your desired festive shade. Fill a piping bag with a star tip and zigzag the buttercream over each brownie. Finish by sprinkling colorful baubles, candies, and a little star on top—I love using an M&M for the star’s pop of color!
Top Tip
From my many holiday baking sessions, the most important step is getting that mousse-like egg & sugar mixture right—it really sets these brownies apart from typical fudgy brownies.
- Whisking patience: Don’t rush the eggs and sugar; the lightness in this step helps balance the rich chocolate.
- Folding technique: Use a large spatula and fold gently, scraping around the edges and lifting batter from the bottom to keep air in.
- Cool completely: Cutting brownies warm is a recipe for crumbly, messy edges—cooling fully means neat tree shapes and easier decorating.
- Decoration freedom: Choose your sprinkles and candy with care—a mix of textures makes your trees even more inviting.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these brownies with classic Christmas sprinkles—little red and silver balls, edible glitter, and even mini candy canes beside the trees. I always keep a few extra candy canes and colored sugars on hand so everyone can add their own final touch. It’s a festive way to get kids involved, too.
Side Dishes
These brownies pair beautifully with a simple cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine during holiday parties. I sometimes serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a tangy cranberry compote to balance the chocolate richness and add a splash of Christmas color on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a Christmas gathering, I like to arrange these brownies standing upright on a long platter with edible ‘snow’ made from sifted icing sugar and crushed candy canes scattered around. You can even set them on a cake stand decorated with holly sprigs or fairy lights to make your dessert table pop with festive cheer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These brownies keep really well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I once made a batch early for a party and found they actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store in a cool place to preserve the frosting’s texture.
Freezing
Frozen brownies can be a lifesaver! I freeze individual cut trees wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag. When you want to serve, just thaw overnight in the fridge—just watch out for any frosting decorations that might soften a bit.
Reheating
If you fancy your brownies warm, I gently heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid longer heating to keep the frosting intact. I often serve with room temperature brownies, letting that contrast with a cold scoop of ice cream—it’s divine.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! You can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Make sure it’s one that includes xanthan gum or add a small amount to help with texture. The taste and fudginess remain as delicious as with regular flour.
No candy canes? No problem! You can use pretzel sticks, sturdy lollipop sticks, or even small wooden skewers as the tree trunks. Just be sure to insert them gently so the brownie doesn’t crack.
You can bake and cool the brownies up to 2 days ahead and keep them wrapped tightly in an airtight container. I recommend decorating them the day you plan to serve for the freshest buttercream texture and vibrant colors.
Absolutely! If you want to mix it up, cut your brownies into stars, bells, or even simple squares and decorate accordingly. The chocolate flavor remains the star, and festive piping is just as fun with any shape!
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe has become one of my go-to festive treats because it combines indulgent chocolate with some crafty holiday spirit. Sharing it with friends never fails to bring a smile, and it turns ordinary brownies into something truly special. I hope you give it a try, and that it brings a bit of magic and joy to your Christmas celebrations, just like it does in my kitchen!
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Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delight in festive cheer with these Christmas Tree Brownies, rich and fudgy chocolate brownies decorated with vibrant green buttercream, sprinkles, and candy cane 'tree trunks'. Perfect for holiday celebrations and gifting, these brownies combine a luscious dark chocolate base with fun seasonal decorations.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 200 g unsalted butter
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 4 medium eggs
- 275 g caster sugar
- 100 g plain flour
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 100 g milk chocolate chips
- 100 g white chocolate chips
Decorations
- 10 candy canes
- 100 g unsalted butter
- 200 g icing sugar
- Green food colouring
- Sprinkles
- Sweets (e.g., M&M for star topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare tin: Preheat your oven to 180C (160C Fan) and line a 9-inch square baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Melt butter and chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt together the 200 g unsalted butter and 200 g dark chocolate over a pan of boiling water or in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Whisk eggs and sugar: Using an electric whisk or stand mixer, whisk 4 medium eggs and 275 g caster sugar together until pale, mousse-like, and doubled in volume. The mixture will trail off the whisk for a couple seconds to indicate readiness.
- Combine chocolate mixture: Fold the cooled melted butter and chocolate mixture gently into the egg and sugar mixture, being careful not to lose the airiness.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift 50 g cocoa powder and 100 g plain flour over the mixture, then carefully fold until fully combined without overmixing.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Incorporate 100 g milk chocolate chips and 100 g white chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray and bake in the oven for 30 minutes until just set. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the tin before handling.
- Cut into tree shapes: Once cool, cut the brownies in half, then cut each half into triangle tree shapes. Save and enjoy the offcuts immediately.
- Attach candy cane sticks: Carefully insert the straight parts of 10 candy canes into the base of each brownie tree to act as trunks.
- Prepare green buttercream: Cream together 100 g unsalted butter and 200 g icing sugar until smooth. Add green food colouring gradually until you achieve your desired festive shade.
- Decorate brownies: Transfer the green buttercream to a large piping bag fitted with a 2D closed star tip and pipe zigzag lines over the brownie trees.
- Add festive toppings: Decorate the piped buttercream with sprinkles and sweets, finishing with a yellow star candy such as an M&M on top of each tree. Serve and enjoy your festive brownies!
Notes
- Use regular candy canes; snap off the curved tops to keep only the straight parts for inserting as sticks, and use the leftover pieces for other holiday treats like Christmas bark.
- Store brownies in an airtight container to keep fresh for up to 1 week.
- This recipe is adapted from a BBC Good Food brownie recipe with personalized decorations.
- Choose vibrant green food colouring for a festive look.
- Use piping bags and a 2D closed star tip for optimal buttercream decoration.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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