Oh, my dear friends! Gather ’round because today, I’m sharing a cherished recipe that has brought warmth and laughter to my home during the Christmas season: Christmas Tree Brownies. It all began during a snowy December afternoon, when I stumbled upon an old cookbook from my grandmother. The pages, worn and yellowed, were filled with beautiful recipes that felt like a warm hug in my kitchen. As I flipped through, the idea of transforming rich, fudgy brownies into delightful little Christmas trees danced in my mind. The first bite? Pure chocolatey bliss, with a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. The smell of baking brownies mingled with the scent of pine from our Christmas tree, wrapping our home in cozy cheer. This recipe isn’t just a treat—it’s a way to create sweet memories with your loved ones, and I know you’ll fall in love with it just as much as we have!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun and Festive: These tree-shaped brownies bring a whimsical touch to your dessert table.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and steps, you’ll find yourself whipping these up in no time!
- Chocolate Bliss: Rich, fudgy brownies that are pure chocolate heaven—every bite is indulgent!
- Customizable Toppings: Let your creativity shine! You can decorate them however your heart desires.
- Perfect for Sharing: These brownies are great for parties, gatherings, or just a cozy night in with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter: This is the foundation of your brownies, providing richness and moisture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy melting!
- 2 cups sugar: Sweetness is key! It balances the chocolate and gives that delightful texture. Feel free to use organic sugar if you prefer.
- 4 large eggs: These add structure and richness. Make sure they’re at room temperature for smoother mixing!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances all the flavors, bringing depth to your chocolate. Always use pure vanilla extract for the best taste!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is what gives your brownies stability. Be sure to measure it correctly—spoon it lightly into the cup and level it off!
- 1 cup cocoa powder: This is where the magic happens—a must for that deep, chocolate flavor. Use unsweetened cocoa for the right balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances sweetness and balances flavors. It’s a tiny ingredient with a big impact!
- Green icing: Bring out your inner artist! Use it to create that Christmas tree look. You can make your own or grab a tube from the store.
- Edible decorations (sprinkles, candy stars, etc.): Have fun with sprinkles or little candies to add festive flair. It’s all about bringing that holiday spirit to life!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan (a 9×13 inch should do!). The warmth from the oven will help your brownies rise beautifully.
2. Melt and Mix
In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix in the sugar until well combined, like a creamy cloud of sugary dreams. The delicious aroma of butter will start to fill your kitchen, and trust me, you’ll struggle to resist sneaking a taste!
3. Stir in Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition—this is what gives your brownies their delightful rise! Toss in the vanilla extract, and let that sweet scent mingle with your batter.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until blended. The rich scent of cocoa is going to make you forget your worries—just breathe it in!
5. Mix Wet and Dry
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want these brownies fudgy and rich, not cakey!
6. Pour Into Pan
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. You should feel that thick, luscious texture—oh, it’s like chocolate velvet!
7. Bake It
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end; your kitchen should smell divine by now!
8. Cut into Trees
Once cooled, cut the brownies into triangle shapes resembling Christmas trees. This part is so charming—each tree is unique, just like the ones we decorate!
9. Decorate
Now, it’s time to add some holiday cheer! Use the green icing to make branches, and sprinkle on your edible decorations. Let your creativity flow—this is the fun part!
Pro Tips for Success
- Do Not Overbake: Keeping the brownie soft and fudgy is crucial; check them a few minutes early.
- Mix Gently: When blending wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to dryness.
- Use Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer your brownies will be—opt for high-quality cocoa powder.
- Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting; this helps them set up nicely.
Flavor Variations
- Nutty Delight: Add a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist!
- Minty Fresh: Swap the vanilla for peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday flavor.
- Spicy Touch: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick of warmth.
- Chocolate Chips: Toss in some chocolate chips for even more chocolatey goodness!
Serving Suggestions
These delightful brownies are serve-it-up beautiful on a festive platter surrounded by holiday treats. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A lovely cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine goes hand in hand with these sweet treats!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare the batter a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it well with plastic wrap! After baking, store your brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature—if they last that long!
Leftovers
Oh, the glorious leftovers! Crumble brownies over your morning yogurt for a sweet breakfast or layer them in a trifle with whipped cream and berries for an indulgent dessert.
Freezing
Absolutely, you can freeze these brownies! Wrap them in plastic wrap and then seal them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight!
Reheating
For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoy that freshly baked aroma again!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of icing?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your icing—chocolate, royal icing, or even cream cheese icing can be delicious alternatives!
What can I use instead of eggs?
You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) if you’re looking for an egg-free version!
Can I add other flavors to the brownie mix?
Yes! Adding in your favorite extracts like almond or hazelnut can create unique flavors everyone will love.
What’s the best way to store these brownies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for best results; just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking!
Final Thoughts
As you gather around the table this holiday season, I hope these Christmas Tree Brownies bring as much joy to your home as they do to mine. Baking is not just about the food; it’s about the love, the laughter, and the memories we create with those we hold dear. So, roll up those sleeves, let the scent of chocolate fill your home, and enjoy this festive treat. Happy baking, dear friends! Love, Chef Emily 🍰❤️✨
Remember to check my full recipe card for easy printing!
Christmas Tree Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix in the sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Toss in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until blended.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Once cooled, cut the brownies into triangle shapes resembling Christmas trees.
- Use the green icing to make branches, and sprinkle on your edible decorations.