Ah, Christmas time! It’s that magical season when the air is filled with the scent of pine, and every corner is aglow with twinkling lights. One of my absolute favorite traditions is whipping up a batch of *christmas tree brownies*. There’s something so joyful about transforming a simple brownie mix into festive little trees! I remember the first time I made these with my niece; we giggled as we decorated them with green frosting and colorful sprinkles, turning our kitchen into a winter wonderland. The best part? Watching everyone’s eyes light up when they see these adorable treats on the dessert table. Trust me, these brownies are not just delicious—they’re a delightful centerpiece that brings everyone together during the holiday season!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Green frosting for decorating
- Colorful sprinkles for that festive touch
How to Prepare *Christmas Tree Brownies*
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and toasty when we’re ready to bake. While that’s heating up, grab a baking pan (I usually use a 9×13 inch one) and give it a good greasing with butter or cooking spray. This little step helps our brownies slide right out later, and we don’t want any of that deliciousness stuck in the pan!
Mix the Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s melt that butter! I like to do this in a large microwave-safe bowl. Just pop it in the microwave for about 30-40 seconds until it’s all melted and gooey. Then, add in the granulated sugar and mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy—trust me, this is where the magic starts! Next, beat in those four large eggs, one at a time, and don’t forget the splash of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and you’ve got a lovely, glossy mixture.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, it’s time to mix our dry ingredients. Combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Make sure to sift the cocoa powder if it’s clumpy; we want everything to blend smoothly. Give it a good whisk to combine all those dry ingredients evenly before we bring them together with our wet mixture.
Combine and Bake
Now, we’re ready to unite our wet and dry mixtures! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet bowl and fold them together gently. You don’t want to overmix—just stir until you see no more dry flour. Once it’s all combined, pour the brownie batter into your greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, but keep an eye on it! You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Perfect brownies, here we come!
Cool and Decorate
Once the brownies are baked to perfection, let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, it’s time for some festive fun! Cut the brownies into tree shapes using a sharp knife (or a cookie cutter if you’ve got one). Finally, decorate them with green frosting and sprinkle on some colorful sprinkles to make them truly shine. Wow, they’re going to look adorable!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a fun and festive treat that brings holiday cheer to any gathering.
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Customizable decorations let your creativity shine—go wild with colors!
- These brownies are a delightful way to get the kids involved in holiday baking.
- They taste absolutely delicious—rich, chocolatey goodness in every bite!
Tips for Success
To make your *christmas tree brownies* truly amazing, here are a few handy tips! First, be sure not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay, and this keeps your brownies fudgy. Also, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer—ovens can be sneaky! If you want perfectly shaped trees, use a sharp knife or a cookie cutter for cutting. And don’t rush the cooling process; letting them cool completely ensures they hold their shape when you decorate. Oh, and feel free to experiment with different frosting colors for a festive flair!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious *christmas tree brownies* fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, pop them in the fridge, where they can stay good for about a week. If you prefer them warm, just microwave a brownie for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that gooey goodness. Enjoy every festive bite!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these figures are just estimates. For each *christmas tree brownie*, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
Enjoy knowing that every bite is not just delicious but also packed with festive cheer!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of frosting for my *christmas tree brownies*?
Absolutely! While green frosting is perfect for that festive look, you can use any color or flavor you love. Think about using white chocolate ganache or even a rich chocolate frosting for a twist!
How can I make my brownies more festive?
You can add edible glitter, mini marshmallows, or even candy canes on top for a holiday touch! The more colorful, the better—get creative!
What if I don’t have a tree-shaped cutter?
No problem! You can simply cut them into squares or rectangles and still decorate them like trees. Just let your imagination run wild!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Definitely! These *christmas tree brownies* can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them properly, and they’ll be ready to impress your guests!
What’s the best way to serve them?
Serving them on a festive platter with a little bit of holiday-themed decor makes for a gorgeous presentation. Everyone will love them!
Christmas Tree Brownies: 5 Tips for Festive Delight
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious brownies shaped like Christmas trees.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Green frosting
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a large bowl.
- Add sugar and mix until smooth.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in another bowl.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Pour batter into the baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into tree shapes.
- Decorate with green frosting and sprinkles.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- Use different colors of frosting for variety.
- Adjust baking time for different pan sizes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: christmas tree brownies, holiday desserts, festive treats