Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and downright adorable dessert this holiday season, you’re going to love this Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe. It’s one of those treats that brings out the kid in all of us—brownies shaped like Christmas trees, decorated with green icing and twinkling sprinkles. Trust me, I’ve made these for family gatherings more times than I can count, and they never fail to bring smiles (and disappear fast!). So, stick around, because I’m sharing my personal tips to make these holiday brownies your go-to festive favorite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe is in its simplicity—classic brownie goodness paired with white icing turned green and topped with festive sprinkles. You’ll find everything easily at the grocery store, and the candy canes add that perfect holiday touch.

• Brownie Mix: The base of your brownies—choose your favorite brand for tried-and-true fudgy results.
• White Vanilla Icing: This creates the “branches” of your tree when colored green; simple and sweet.
• Green Food Colouring: Just a few drops will transform your white icing into a festive Christmas tree shade.
• Small Round Sprinkles: Ideal for adding colorful “ornaments” to your trees—pick fun holiday colors or mix and match.
• Small Star Sprinkles: Don’t skip these—they make perfect tree toppers!
• Candy Canes: The “tree trunks”—breaking them into small pieces gives a lovely final touch that’s both cute and crunchy.

Variations

While I love keeping this Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe classic, I also enjoy mixing things up depending on who I’m serving or what I have on hand. Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own—it’s all about spreading joy and having fun with your holiday baking!

• Gluten-Free Option: I once swapped the box mix for a gluten-free brownie mix and was thrilled how everyone couldn’t tell the difference—still rich and fudgy!
• Chocolate Icing: Instead of green, try tinting vanilla icing with cocoa powder for a chocolaty Christmas tree alternative.
• Alternative Tree Trunks: I’ve used pretzel sticks or even mini chocolate bars instead of candy canes for different textures and flavors.
• Extra Festive: Adding edible glitter or tiny candy pearls makes your brownie trees sparkle on holiday dessert tables.

How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Bake the Brownies

Start by lining an 8″x8″ baking pan with aluminum foil and spraying it with cooking spray—trust me, this foil lining makes removing the brownies super easy later on. Then, prepare your brownie mix exactly according to the package instructions, pour it into the pan, and bake as directed. When I first tried this, I learned not to overbake—the brownies should be just set so they’re fudgy but not dry. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely—this can take about 1.5 hours, but don’t rush this step unless you want messy, crumbly cuts.

Step 2: Cut the Brownies into Tree Shapes

Once cool, lift the brownies out using the foil edges and place on a cutting board. This is where the magic happens: cut the brownies into triangles to resemble Christmas trees. I like to slice the pan into three even rows, then cut alternating diagonal slices across those rows—it’s easier than it sounds and creates perfect little tree shapes. If your cuts seem crumbly, a sharp serrated knife usually helps get those clean edges.

Step 3: Make the Candy Cane Trunks

Carefully unwrap your candy canes and use a sharp knife to cut or break them into 1.5-inch pieces to serve as the “tree trunks.” Press the sharper end gently into the bottom of each brownie triangle. I discovered this trick when I wanted to add a bit of crunch and a whimsical touch—it instantly adds character to the brownies and makes them look extra festive.

Step 4: Color and Pipe the Icing

Spoon about half of your tub of white vanilla icing into a bowl and add green food coloring a drop at a time until you get the vibrant shade you love. This is one of my favorite parts—watching the pure white turn into a festive green gets me in the holiday spirit every time! Transfer the green icing into a zip-top bag, seal it, and snip off a tiny corner. Starting at the top of each brownie triangle, gently squeeze out the icing in a zigzag pattern, mimicking the look of pine branches.

Step 5: Decorate and Enjoy!

Finally, sprinkle your favorite small round sprinkles as ornaments all over the icing and place a small star sprinkle at the top of each brownie tree. These finishing touches make these Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe pop with charm and holiday cheer. Now step back, admire your work, and prepare for the compliments when these beauties hit the table!

How to Serve Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple—classic red, white, and green sprinkles really make the trees festive without being overwhelming. Sometimes, I throw in edible glitter or tiny silver balls for a sparkly effect that wows my guests. The small star sprinkle on top is a must; it’s the tiny detail that pulls everything together and makes these brownies so charming.

Side Dishes

These Christmas Tree Brownies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider. I also love serving them alongside peppermint bark or a simple bowl of candy canes for a coordinated holiday dessert spread that guests always rave about.

Creative Ways to Present

One holiday season, I arranged these brownies standing upright on a rectangular tray lined with “snow” made from shredded coconut. It looked like a miniature Christmas forest and was a total conversation starter. You can also tie a little festive ribbon around the candy cane trunks for edible “ornament tags” if you’re gifting these brownies. Presentation is half the fun, and I promise your friends will love the creativity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Christmas Tree Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them from drying out is key, so I place a piece of parchment paper between layers if I’m stacking. After a day, the candy cane trunks stay crunchy, and the icing remains soft but firm.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead even earlier, freezing is your friend! I wrap each brownie tree individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They freeze well for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to protect the icing decoration.

Reheating

Since these brownies shine best when cool and fresh, I recommend enjoying them straight from the fridge or at room temperature. However, if you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for just 5-7 seconds—any longer and you risk melting the decorations or making candy canes sticky.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe turns out every time—it’s festive, approachable, and full of sweet holiday spirit. When I first tried making them, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could be transformed into a centerpiece dessert that’s both fun to make and delicious to eat. Whether you’re baking with family, bringing a homemade treat to a party, or just want to spread some Christmas cheer, these brownies are a surefire crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—I promise you’ll be hooked as soon as you take that first bite!

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