Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’re going to adore this Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe. It’s simple, playful, and lets you bring that joyful holiday spirit right into your kitchen with minimal fuss. I absolutely love how these brownies turn out — they’re rich, fudgy, and when you decorate them like cheerful little Christmas trees, they become a total crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering. Keep reading and I’ll walk you through everything, including a few tricks I’ve picked up to make your baking experience smooth and full of smiles!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here works together to create that classic brownie base, topped off with vibrant green icing and a little candy cane whimsy. Using a good quality brownie mix is key since it’s your foundation, and the vanilla icing is the perfect canvas for coloring and decorating.

• Brownie Mix: I always opt for a favorite brand you trust, as it sets the stage for moist, chocolatey brownies.
• White Vanilla Icing: Looks plain but mixes beautifully with food coloring, so don’t skip this sweet topping.
• Green Food Coloring: Go gradual with this to get the perfect Christmas-tree shade!
• Small Round Sprinkles: Adds colorful “ornaments” that bring your trees to life.
• Small Star Sprinkles: These are the crowning touch – a little star on top of each tree just makes them so festive.
• Candy Canes: Using mini candy canes or chopping regular ones works well for creating the “tree trunk.”

Variations

I love that this Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe is super customizable — it really invites you to get creative. Over the years, I’ve played around with different icing colors and toppings to suit my mood or party theme. You’ll find it’s easy to tweak to your taste or dietary needs without losing any of the fun.

• Nut-Free Version: Swap sprinkles for crushed peppermint candies for a crunchy twist that’s safe for everyone I know.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Variation: Add mini chocolate chips inside the batter or sprinkle them on top of the icing to make it extra indulgent — my kids go crazy for this.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free brownie mix — I’ve tested this plenty, and it works wonderfully with the same decorating steps.
• Colorful Icing: Instead of green, try red or even metallic gold food coloring to match your party decor or just shake things up a bit.

How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Bake the Brownies

Start by lining your 8″x8″ baking pan with aluminum foil and spraying it with cooking spray — this little trick helps your brownies come out cleanly and keeps the pan easy to clean. Then, prepare the brownie mix right according to the box instructions. Bake exactly as directed; don’t open the oven early because fudgy brownies do better with a steady bake. Once done, let them cool completely. I wait about 1.5 hours, which feels like forever but is totally worth it — cutting warm brownies leads to crumbly pieces!

Step 2: Cut Brownies Into Christmas Tree Triangles

Once cool, carefully lift the brownies out of the pan using the foil edges. Now here’s a simple trick I discovered: instead of just slicing squares, cut your brownies into triangles for that perfect Christmas tree shape. Cut the brownies into three horizontal rows first, then cut those into diagonal triangle shapes, alternating directions each row to create uniform trees. It’s way easier than trying to freestyle and looks so festive!

Step 3: Make the Candy Cane Trunks

Unwrap your candy canes and carefully cut or break them into 1.5-inch pieces. These act as the tree trunks — just push the sharper end gently into the bottom of each brownie triangle. I always warn my kids to be careful with this step, so maybe handle this one yourself or supervise them closely!

Step 4: Prepare and Pipe the Green Icing

Spoon about half of the vanilla icing into a separate bowl. Stir in green food coloring bit by bit until you get that deep, Christmas-tree green you want. Don’t rush it here — it’s easier to add more food coloring than fix icing that’s too dark. Transfer the green icing into a ziplock bag, seal it tightly, and snip off a tiny corner for piping. Starting at the top, gently squeeze out icing in a whimsical zigzag down to the bottom of each triangle, mimicking the look of tree branches.

Step 5: Decorate With Sprinkles and Stars

Finally, sprinkle your small round sprinkles all over the green icing — these act as adorable little ornaments — and top each tree with a star sprinkle to complete that festive vibe. This is where you can really let your personality shine, so have fun with it! My kids always pick their favorite sprinkle colors, making it a fun family tradition.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with the classic small round sprinkles and star toppers because they bring the perfect pop of color and that iconic Christmas look. Sometimes, I’ve added edible glitter or even tiny candy pearls for a little extra sparkle when hosting holiday parties — your guests will think you went all out!

Side Dishes

These brownies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or a cool glass of eggnog if you’re feeling traditional. At parties, I also like to place them alongside a simple cheese platter with some fresh fruit — the rich chocolate cuts well through the savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

When I made these last year for our family cookie exchange, I arranged the brownies in a circular wreath shape on a festive platter. A little dusting of powdered sugar on top looked like fresh snow. You might also try stacking a couple trees together to create mini edible Christmas tree “forests” for a centerpiece that’s both cute and delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover brownies tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container at room temperature — they stay fresh for up to 3 days, though honestly, these usually disappear much faster around my house!

Freezing

For longer storage, I freeze cut brownies individually wrapped in plastic, then placed in a freezer bag. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. The frosting stays surprisingly well, too, which I was happy to discover after my first batch.

Reheating

If you want to warm up a brownie, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave softens it just enough without melting the icing too much, which brings out that fudgy goodness. I always encourage you to test one first because microwaves vary!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly think this Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe is one of those joyful little traditions that makes holidays extra special. It’s easy enough to whip up after a busy day but still offers that creative spark that feels like festive magic. Whether you’re baking with kids or just want a simple, charming dessert for guests, this recipe delivers every time. So grab your brownie mix and candy canes, put on some holiday tunes, and enjoy making these edible Christmas trees that are almost too cute to eat (but trust me, you’ll want to!).

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