When the first snowfall of the season dusted the ground, it ignited a spark of nostalgia and creativity in my kitchen. I wanted to create something that not only tasted divine but also brought a little holiday magic to our table. That's when my Fudgy Brownie Christmas Trees were born-easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they turned my vision of a winter wonderland into a sweet reality.

These brownies are delightfully chewy and fudgy, dressed up in a creamy green glaze and adorned with sprinkles that evoke joy and celebration. Perfect for parties or cozy family nights, this recipe is a fantastic way to get the kids involved in the festive spirit. So, whether you're looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a winter indulgence, whip up these Brownie Christmas Trees, and let the holiday festivities begin!

Why Love This Easy Brownie Christmas Trees Recipe?

Festive Fun: These delightful treats are not just brownies; they're edible Christmas trees that spark joy and creativity!

Quick and Easy: The recipe is incredibly simple, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.

Rich Chocolate Flavor: Each bite is packed with fudgy chocolate goodness, complemented by a sweet, creamy glaze.

Kid-Friendly Activity: Get the little ones involved! Decorating these trees with sprinkles makes for a fantastic family bonding experience.

Versatile Treat: Customize with your favorite toppings or sprinkles to fit your holiday theme wonderfully.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for holiday gatherings, these brownies will impress guests and create lasting memories!

Easy Brownie Christmas Trees Ingredients

For the Brownies
• Unsalted Butter - This rich ingredient brings moisture, ensuring a fudgy texture; opt for high-quality butter for the best flavor.
• Granulated Sugar - Adds sweetness and helps structure the brownies; feel free to adjust to your taste!
• Eggs - Essential for binding; use room temperature eggs for optimal mixing.
• Vanilla Extract - Intensifies the chocolate flavor; choose pure vanilla for a more authentic taste.
• All-Purpose Flour - Provides the necessary structure; there's no need for any fancy alternatives!
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder - The key to deep chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed cocoa is ideal for richness.
• Baking Powder - A hint of leavening for perfect texture, ensuring your brownies remain dense and fudgy.
• Salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall chocolate flavor.
• Chocolate Chips - Adds bursts of melted chocolate goodness; semi-sweet or dark works beautifully.

For the Green Glaze
• Powdered Sugar - Necessary for a smooth and sweet glaze; make sure to sift for the best consistency.
• Milk - Adjust the glaze's consistency; heavy cream can be used for added richness.
• Green Food Coloring - Essential for achieving that festive green hue for your decoration.

For Decorating
• Christmas Sprinkles - Bring joy and color to your trees; choose festive options to elevate your presentation!

Whip up these Easy Brownie Christmas Trees and spread holiday cheer that tastes as delightful as it looks!

How to Make Easy Brownie Christmas Trees

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined; this will create the perfect foundation for your brownies.
Mix the melted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until combined; then add the eggs one at a time and whisk in the vanilla until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in chocolate chips for extra melty goodness if desired.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, indicating fudgy perfection.
Cool the brownies completely in the pan before transferring to a cutting board; cut into rectangles first, then diagonally to create triangle "trees."
Prepare the glaze: whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and green food coloring in a bowl until smooth; adjust the consistency with more milk if necessary for easy drizzling.
Decorate your brownie trees by drizzling the green glaze on top and sprinkling with Christmas sprinkles for that festive flair!

Optional: Add a dusting of edible glitter for an extra touch of holiday magic!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Storage Tips for Easy Brownie Christmas Trees

Room Temperature: Store your brownie trees in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delicious fudginess.

Fridge: If you want to extend their freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to avoid drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the brownie trees before glazing. They can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.

Reheating: If you prefer a warm treat, heat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring they remain moist and delectable. Enjoy your Easy Brownie Christmas Trees anytime!

Easy Brownie Christmas Trees Variations & Substitutions

Get ready to unleash your creativity and find the perfect twist for your holiday treats!

Nutty Delight: Replace chocolate chips with chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the glaze for a refreshing twist; nothing says holiday like mint chocolate!
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to keep everyone included in the festivities.
Fruity Fun: Decorate with dried cranberries or sliced strawberries on top for a pop of color and added flavor.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or instant espresso powder into the batter for a warm flavor boost.
Chocolate Glaze: Trade the green glaze for a rich chocolate glaze by melting semi-sweet chocolate chips with a touch of cream.
Vegan Version: Use flax eggs, plant-based butter, and non-dairy milk to create a vegan-friendly alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Colorful Sprinkles: Instead of traditional Christmas sprinkles, opt for theme-based decorations like pastel colors for a unique twist on the classic look.

Tips for the Best Easy Brownie Christmas Trees

Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate and butter; the flavor of these Easy Brownie Christmas Trees greatly depends on the ingredients you choose.
Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and better incorporation into the brownies.
Cooling Time: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This guarantees clean edges and prevents the glaze from melting into the brownies.
Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix the ingredients until just combined; overmixing can lead to cakey brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture.
Customize Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your decorations. Different colored sprinkles or edible glitter can enhance the festive spirit of your Easy Brownie Christmas Trees!

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Brownie Christmas Trees are perfect for meal prep and can save you time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover and refrigerate it for optimal freshness. Bake them when you're ready, and once cooled, they can be cut and decorated up to 3 days in advance. Just store the brownie trees in an airtight container to keep them moist and fudgy. For the glaze, consider making it the day before and refrigerating it in a sealed container; just give it a quick stir before decorating. When it's time to enjoy these festive treats, simply drizzle the glaze over the brownies and add sprinkles before serving for that fresh, festive touch!

What to Serve with Easy Brownie Christmas Trees?

Indulging in these festive brownies is a joy on its own, but pairing them with delightful sides can create an unforgettable holiday feast!

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the rich fudge with a delightful temperature contrast.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, fluffy whipped cream adds a luscious touch, perfect for balancing the brownie's density.
Hot Chocolate: This warm, chocolaty drink provides extra comfort, making every bite feel like a cozy hug.
Peppermint Bark: The crunchy sweetness of peppermint bark offers a festive, refreshing twist, elevating your dessert platter beautifully.

Imagine serving these brownies at a festive gathering alongside a rich hot chocolate bar. Guests can top their treats with marshmallows, drizzles of caramel, or colorful sprinkles. It'll surely create sweet memories around the table!

Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries add a pop of color and tartness, cutting through the brownie's sweetness and enhancing each bite.
Christmas Sugar Cookies: These classic treats add variety to your dessert table and are a hit with kids and adults alike.
Gingerbread Milkshakes: For an adventurous drink option, blend up a holiday-inspired milkshake that captures the season's flavors, perfectly pairing with your brownies.

Celebrate the holiday season with these easy yet delightful pairing options that make your Easy Brownie Christmas Trees even more magical!

Easy Brownie Christmas Trees Recipe FAQs

What type of cocoa powder should I use for the brownies?
I recommend using Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a rich and deep chocolate flavor. It gives your brownies that luxurious taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy green glaze. If you don't have Dutch-processed cocoa, you can still use regular unsweetened cocoa powder-just know that it may be slightly less rich.

How long can I store my Brownie Christmas Trees?
Store your brownie trees in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week to keep them fresh. Just make sure they're well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.

Can I freeze the brownie trees? How do I do it?
Absolutely! To freeze your Brownie Christmas Trees, allow them to cool completely after baking. Cut into triangle shapes and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before glazing.

What should I do if my brownies turn out too cakey?
If your brownies come out too cakey, it's likely due to overmixing the batter or baking them for too long. Always mix just until combined and avoid beating the batter vigorously. For future batches, check them at the 30-minute mark to prevent overbaking; the toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not dry.

Are these brownies suitable for pets, specifically dogs?
No, these Brownie Christmas Trees contain ingredients like chocolate and sugar, which are not safe for dogs. Always keep these festive treats away from your pets. If you're looking for a pet-friendly treat, consider exploring recipes specifically designed for dogs that don't include harmful ingredients.

Can I customize the glaze or decorations on my brownie trees?
Absolutely! The more the merrier when it comes to creativity! You can swap the green glaze for a chocolate glaze by adding cocoa powder and adjusting the consistency with milk. Also, feel free to use different colored sprinkles or even edible glitter to suit your holiday theme. Let your imagination run wild!