Name: Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 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; 10 candy canes; 100 g unsalted butter; 200 g icing sugar; Green food colouring; Sprinkles; Sweets (e.g., M&M for star topping)

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.

The image shows several triangular chocolate cake slices arranged on a white marbled surface. Each cake slice has one layer of dark brown chocolate cake topped with a thick, wavy layer of bright green frosting that looks smooth and creamy, piped diagonally across the top. Small colorful candy balls in pink, purple, blue, red, yellow, orange, and green are scattered on the frosting, creating a fun, festive look. Each slice has a small striped candy stick placed at the wide end, extending outward. Around the cake slices, there are loose colorful candy balls scattered on the white marbled surface, adding to the playful arrangement. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe

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.

The image shows a triangle-shaped chocolate brownie designed like a Christmas tree. The bottom layer is dark brown brownie with a rough texture. On top, there is a thick layer of green frosting piped in swirled lines resembling tree branches. Small round candy balls in bright colors like blue, pink, orange, purple, and yellow are placed on the frosting like ornaments. A yellow candy ball is at the tip of the triangle. A striped candy stick is inserted horizontally at the bottom, looking like the tree trunk. A woman's hand holds one brownie in the foreground, with more brownies visible on a white plate and white marbled surface in the background. Gingerbread cookies and festive lights are faintly visible in the blurry background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

Flat lay of unsalted butter in a small white ceramic bowl, dark chocolate squares stacked neatly, four whole brown eggs with clean shells arranged side by side, a small white bowl filled with caster sugar, a small white bowl holding plain flour, a small white bowl containing cocoa powder, a small pile of milk chocolate chips, a small pile of white chocolate chips, straight candy cane sticks with red and white stripes, a small white bowl filled with icing sugar, a small white bowl of vibrant green food colouring liquid, colorful round bauble sprinkles scattered loosely — placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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!

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

Christmas Tree Brownies - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

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.

What if I don’t have candy canes for the sticks?

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.

How far in advance can I decorate the brownies?

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.

Can I use a different shape besides trees?

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!