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Nothing says holiday magic quite like a cozy kitchen, the scent of fresh-baked brownies, and the joy of turning simple ingredients into festive fun. For me, CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES aren’t just desserts—they’re a walk down memory lane, decorated with sweet nostalgia and peppermint sprinkles. Growing up in Georgia, holiday baking meant gathering around the counter with family, sneaking tastes of batter, and transforming dessert into an experience.
I started making Christmas tree brownies when my grandkids requested something “Pinterest-y but better.” Brownies were always familiar to me. But shaping them into trees? Suddenly, I had a treat that was just as fun to make as it was to eat. With one base recipe, a few decorative tweaks, and an imagination that doesn’t rest, these brownies now signal the official kickoff to Christmas in my home.
In this post, we’ll unwrap the joy of CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES from recipe to decoration. We’ll dive into my personal tips, the best tools, timing breakdowns, smart substitutions, and essential FAQs to make your holiday baking merry and easy.
Making Christmas Tree Brownies You’ll Want in Every Holiday Spread
Brownies with Tradition—and a Twist
The classic brownie doesn’t get much more delightful than when it’s shaped like a tiny Christmas tree. While traditional chocolate brownies are always a hit, giving them this festive edge sparks joy before that first bite. CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES not only serve as dessert—they’re centerpiece-worthy snacks and DIY edible crafts that bring people together.
My go-to base is a rich fudge brownie recipe with a smooth, crackly top and dense, chocolatey center. From there, I like to slice the cooled slab into triangles—your trees—and decorate them with green buttercream “branches,” sprinkle ornaments (hello, mini M&M’s), and a piped trail of white chocolate “garland.” Fancy? Maybe a little. But intimidating? Never.
And while these brownies start with holiday cheer, they’re also your canvas for creativity. Want to switch it up? Add peppermint bean, swirl in raspberry jam, or toss in white chocolate chips for contrast. I even tried a version inspired by my cheesecake brownies—talk about a holiday mashup!
Why They’re Perfect for Holiday Gatherings
Let’s be honest. December gets chaotic. That’s why CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES are ideal. They’re doable, crowd-pleasing, and can double as a fun kid’s activity or a standout gift. You bake one pan and turn it into a dozen merry masterpieces. Best part? These brownies can be made a day or two in advance and still taste freshly baked.
Whether you’re hosting a cookie exchange, bringing dessert to a school party, or just looking for something whimsical on the buffet table, these brownies fit right in. I even include them in our family’s baking night, when everyone brings a tray of treats. These are always the first to go.
For inspiration and variations, swing by brownie bites or browse all kinds of gooey goodness like fudge brownies that make perfect bases for tree decorations.
Ingredients, Time, and Step-by-Step Joy
Ingredients That Make the Magic
To create CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES at home, you’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For decoration:
- Green buttercream or colored icing
- M&M’s, star sprinkles, crushed peppermint for ornaments
- White chocolate chips (melted) for garland
- Mini candy canes (for trunks or hooks)
Substitution Ideas:
- Swap regular flour for almond flour to riff on gluten-free brownies.
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a subtle caramel twist.
- Add crushed walnuts or festive flavor drops.
These ingredients, paired with simple baking tools (a cooling rack, offset spatula, and multipack of holiday sprinkles), turn your kitchen into Santa’s test kitchen fast.
Timing Breakdown: Prep, Bake, Decorate
Let’s talk timing. For CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES that look great and taste better, I recommend giving yourself at least 90 minutes—from start to decorate.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Ingredients | 15 minutes |
| Mix & Bake | 35 minutes |
| Cool Completely | 30 minutes |
| Decorate | 30 minutes |
Tip: Want to skip the cooling delay? Use a cooling rack with stainless steel legs to chill brownies evenly and quickly.
How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies Step-by-Step
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Remove from heat, and stir in both sugars until glossy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla.
Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
Pour batter into pan and smooth with an offset spatula. Bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out slightly fudgy.
Cool completely before slicing into triangles. Start by cutting the brownies into even squares, then divide each square diagonally.
Decorate with green frosting piped into branches. Add sprinkle “ornaments,” melted white chocolate garlands, and candy cane stems to mimic the trunk.
Let set, then serve or store in airtight containers. These beauties can hold for up to 5 days—if they last that long.
Need inspiration for other fun dessert spins? You’ll love these homemade brownies for more ideas.
Pro Tips, Decorating Hacks, and Dietary Options
Smart Decorating for Maximum Holiday Cheer
Ready to take those CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES to Instagram-worthy heights? Use disposable piping bags or easy-squeeze bottles to control the frosting. Outline the tree shape before filling in—it keeps things tidy. Add mini gold stars on the top and metallic sprinkles for upscale sparkle. Kids love it, and let’s be real—so do the adults.
Working with time constraints? Let pre-made royal icing do the job. You can even outsource decorating to your party guests; set up a DIY bar stacked with toppings and tools.
Try using crushed peppermint or colorful cereal for whimsical ornaments. I’ve even drizzled peanut butter brownie mix into the top before baking for a peanut-chocolate swirl tree—trust me, it works.
Bonus: These brownies freeze well before decorating. Just wrap with heavy-duty foil and thaw overnight before adding icing.
Adjusting for Kids, Gluten-Free, or Light Versions
Not all parties are the same. Some hosts might need gluten-free options or lighter bites. Switch out all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour and check out these gluten-free brownie ideas for inspiration.
You can also play with toppings that reduce sugar—think dried cranberries, shaved coconut, or freeze-dried raspberries. Want protein-packed versions? Add a scoop of flavored protein to the batter or icing to transform them into snack bars with holiday flair.
Curious about nutritional customization? Visit ChooseMyPlate.gov’s holiday snack guides for smart dessert swaps that still impress guests.
FAQs About Christmas Tree Brownies
Are Christmas tree brownies the same as cosmic brownies?
Not exactly! Cosmic brownies are dense, fudge-like snacks made famous by Little Debbie, typically topped with rainbow chips. While you can use a similar base for CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES, decorating them with tree-themed toppings shifts the focus to festive visuals and interactive fun.
Should you cover brownies with foil or saran wrap?
For short-term storage (up to two days), using saran wrap helps retain moisture. For longer storage or freezing, wrap tightly in foil and seal in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
What are the three types of brownies?
Brownies typically fall into three categories: fudgy, cakey, and chewy. CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES usually lean fudgy, as they hold shape better when cut and decorated.
What are the ingredients in Little Debbie Christmas tree brownies?
Little Debbie’s version includes sugar, corn syrup, enriched flour, cocoa, and hydrogenated oils—plus artificial colors. Our homemade CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES offer a fresher, customizable, and ingredient-conscious alternative.
Conclusion
In my kitchen, CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES kick off the season. They blend fun, flavor, and festivity like nothing else—especially when made by hand and shared with loved ones. Whether you’re starting a new tradition or just adding a sweet touch to your party platter, these treats check every box: easy, impressive, and irresistibly delicious.
If you’re ready to dive in, grab a sturdy baking pan, flex your creative muscles, and let your brownies deck the halls. For even more easy desserts, don’t miss our viral mug brownie or over-the-top Sams Club cookie dough brownies—perfect for cozy nights or cookie swaps.
Make them once, and CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES might just become your new December tradition.
Print
CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies 1x
Description
Festive, fudgy Christmas Tree Brownies with green buttercream, candy ornaments, and sweet holiday flair. Perfect for parties, gifts, or DIY dessert fun.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup packed brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla bean
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Green buttercream or colored icing
M&M’s, star sprinkles, crushed peppermint
White chocolate chips (melted)
Mini candy canes
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×13 pan.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in sugars until glossy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
4. Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Mix until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Pour into pan, smooth top, and bake for 35 minutes.
6. Cool completely. Cut into squares, then into triangles.
7. Decorate with green frosting, candy ornaments, white chocolate, and candy canes.
8. Let set before serving or storing in airtight containers.
Notes
For gluten-free, use almond or oat flour.
Add peppermint bean for festive flavor.
Decorate with stars, sprinkles, or crushed cereal for fun.
Freeze undecorated brownies for later use.
Use piping bags or squeeze bottles for detailed icing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Christmas, brownies, holiday treats, kids activity, edible gifts