Magically Festive Christmas Tree Brownies : A Fun and Easy Holiday Treat

There’s something undeniably magical about holiday baking — the aroma of chocolate, the sparkle of sprinkles, and the joy of creating something festive with your family. These Christmas Tree Brownies are the ultimate holiday dessert: fudgy, chocolatey, and decorated to look just like tiny Christmas trees.

Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing treats for a party, or looking for an adorable addition to your dessert table, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. With simple ingredients and creative decorating options, you’ll have a batch of brownies that look as good as they taste.

For another festive idea, try our spooky-yet-sweet Halloween Brownies or whimsical Mini Halloween Pizzas.

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What Are Christmas Tree Brownies?

Christmas Tree Brownies are a creative twist on classic brownies — cut into triangles, decorated with frosting, sprinkles, and candy to resemble holiday trees. They’re the perfect mix of fudgy indulgence and playful presentation, making them a must-have for your Christmas dessert lineup.

They’re also incredibly versatile. You can make them from scratch or start with a boxed mix, then add your personal touch with colored icing, edible glitter, or even peppermint flavor.

If you love whimsical holiday desserts, you’ll also enjoy our Rice Krispie Treat Ghosts or Cockroach Cupcakes — both proof that dessert can be both fun and delicious!

Why This Recipe Works

These brownies are a hit for several reasons:

• Easy to make: No advanced decorating skills required.
• Kid-friendly: A fun, hands-on activity for little bakers.
• Beautiful presentation: Perfect for holiday parties and cookie exchanges.
• Rich, chocolatey flavor: Fudgy texture that stays moist even after decorating.

If you’re in the mood for more Christmas treats, try our Pumpkin Truffles or Cauldron Cookies for a creative dessert table.

Ingredients for Christmas Tree Brownies

You only need a few simple ingredients to create these festive brownies.

For the Brownies

• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

For the Decoration

• 1 ½ cups green frosting (store-bought or homemade buttercream)
• Assorted sprinkles, edible pearls, or mini candies
• Candy stars or yellow chocolate melts (for tree toppers)
• Mini pretzel sticks (for trunks)
• Optional: powdered sugar for snow effect

If you prefer a shortcut, feel free to use your favorite boxed brownie mix — just bake according to package directions.

Love easy baking sweets? You’ll adore our Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pancakes or Apple Fritter Donuts.

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Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before you start, make sure you have:

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Cooling rack
• Sharp knife or triangle cookie cutter
• Piping bag or plastic zip bag for frosting

If you enjoy creative baking projects, try making our Pumpkin Brownies — they use similar tools and techniques.

How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies

These brownies are as fun to make as they are to eat!

Step 1: Make the Brownie Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until glossy.
Stir in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until just combined — don’t overmix.

Step 2: Bake

Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let brownies cool completely before cutting.

Step 3: Cut into Christmas Trees

Once cooled, remove the brownies from the pan. Cut into large triangles to create tree shapes — start by cutting the brownies into long strips, then slice diagonally.

Tip: Wipe your knife clean between cuts for sharp edges.

If you’re looking for another fun shape-based recipe, check out our Puff Pastry Bats — perfect for any holiday party!

Step 4: Decorate

Pipe green frosting onto each brownie triangle in a zig-zag pattern to mimic Christmas tree branches.
Add sprinkles as ornaments and press a small candy star on top. Insert a pretzel stick at the base for the trunk.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy finish, and you’ve got an adorable, crowd-pleasing dessert!

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How to Cut Brownies into Perfect Tree Shapes

Here’s a pro trick to keep your Christmas Tree Brownies neat and uniform:

• Use a chilled pan of brownies (it firms up the texture).
• Measure evenly before cutting.
• Use a sharp chef’s knife or metal spatula for clean edges.
• Save the brownie scraps — crumble them into ice cream sundaes or parfaits!

For another presentation-friendly dessert, try our Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies.

Decorating Ideas for Christmas Tree Brownies

There’s no wrong way to decorate these brownies — get creative!

Classic Christmas Trees

Green frosting, rainbow sprinkles, and a candy star topper.

Winter Wonderland

White icing, coconut flakes, and edible silver pearls.

Peppermint Trees

Add crushed candy canes or drizzle with white chocolate and peppermint extract.

Golden Trees

Use gold sugar crystals and a caramel drizzle for a luxurious look.

If you love festive, sparkly desserts, don’t miss our Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies.

Recipe Tips for Success

• Don’t overbake the brownies — slightly underdone ensures that fudgy texture.
• Let brownies cool completely before decorating.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant green frosting.
• For easy piping, snip a small corner off a zip-top bag instead of using a piping bag.
• Want extra shine? Add a tiny drizzle of melted chocolate over the frosting before adding sprinkles.

For another baking tip-packed recipe, check out our Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cutting too soon: Warm brownies crumble easily.
• Overfilling frosting bags: Makes decorating messy.
• Skipping parchment paper: Removal becomes tricky.
• Forgetting to chill: Cooled brownies cut more evenly and hold shape.

Variations You Can Try

Want to personalize your Christmas Tree Brownies? Try these creative twists:

• Mint Chocolate Trees: Add mint extract and top with crushed peppermint.
• Caramel Swirl Trees: Swirl in caramel sauce before baking.
• White Chocolate Trees: Use blondie batter and decorate with white frosting.
• Brownie Pops: Add sticks for fun, handheld treats for kids.

If you’re in the mood for festive variety, our Pumpkin Twists are another seasonal hit!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make-Ahead: Bake brownies a day before decorating; store tightly covered at room temperature.
• Refrigerator: Decorated brownies last 3–4 days when chilled.
• Freezer: Freeze undecorated brownies for up to 2 months; thaw before frosting.

For make-ahead breakfasts, don’t miss our Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

These brownies are perfect for every holiday occasion:

• Arrange on a white platter with faux snow and fairy lights.
• Wrap individually in cellophane for party favors.
• Add to dessert buffets with cookies, fudge, and truffles.
• Serve with hot cocoa or peppermint mocha for cozy vibes.

For a crowd-pleasing side to your sweets table, try our Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin.

Fun Ways to Get Kids Involved

Holiday baking is all about family fun! Here’s how to make it even more special:

• Let kids choose sprinkles and candy decorations.
• Use mini piping bags for little hands.
• Play holiday music while decorating.
• Set up a “decorate your own tree” brownie station at your next party!

If your kids enjoy creative snacks, they’ll love our Mini Pancake Cereal or Snake Charmer’s Pretzels.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a boxed brownie mix?
Yes! Just follow the package directions and allow them to cool fully before cutting.

How can I make them gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free brownie mix or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I make them vegan?
Yes, use a vegan brownie recipe and plant-based frosting.

How do I keep brownies moist?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread — it keeps them soft!

Can I use white chocolate instead of dark?
Absolutely — they’ll be extra sweet and look stunning with green frosting.

Bake These Magical Christmas Tree Brownies and Share the Joy!

These Christmas Tree Brownies are everything the holidays should be — fun, festive, and full of sweet joy. From their fudgy centers to their cheerful decorations, they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and subscribe for more holiday desserts and baking sweets like our Apple Fritter Donuts or Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies.

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