Christmas Tree Brownies

These Christmas tree brownies prove that holiday treats don’t need to be complicated. With a box of brownie mix and a can of frosting, you can turn out a tray of fudgy, chocolaty trees that look as if they took hours to make. The brownies bake up sturdy enough to cut cleanly, and once they’ve cooled, all that’s left is tinting the frosting a festive shade of green and piling on the Christmas sprinkles.

The fun comes in the finishing touches: sprinkles that glitter like ornaments and mini candy canes or pretzel sticks pressed into the bases to form trunks. Because the recipe relies on smart shortcuts, you can spend less time measuring and mixing and more time decorating—and enjoying.

Ingredients for Christmas Tree Brownies

• Brownie mix: This shortcut base bakes into a fudgy chocolate slab that holds clean edges for cutting into triangles. Our choice for the best brownie mix provides the structure and moisture so the trees stay tender yet sturdy under the frosting.
• Vanilla frosting: Creamy vanilla store-bought frosting brings sweet flavor and a smooth surface for piping the “branches.” It doubles as edible glue, helping sprinkles and the candy cane or pretzel trunks adhere.
• Green food coloring: A few drops of food coloring in the frosting add a festive green hue without changing the taste.
• Red, white and green sprinkles: Sprinkles add sparkle, crunch and holiday color that read as tiny ornaments.
• Mini candy canes and/or stick pretzels: Mini candy canes supply a minty snap and act as the tree trunk when pressed into each base. Stick pretzels offer a salty contrast to the brownies and give little hands a convenient handle.

Directions

Step 1: Bake and cut the brownies

Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions.

Once baked, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut the brownies into 16 triangles.

Step 2: Frost and decorate the trees

Transfer the frosting to a large bowl; tint with green food coloring.

Pipe or spread the frosting on cooled brownie triangles.

Top with sprinkles. Press a piece of mini candy cane or stick a pretzel into each bottom to create a tree trunk.

Christmas Tree Brownie Variations

• Add sparkle: Sprinkle edible glitter or gold sanding sugar on top of the brownie Christmas trees for a twinkling holiday effect.
• Try it peppermint-bark style: Melt white chocolate, tint it green and drizzle it over the brownies before topping with crushed candy canes.
• Go nutty: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the brownie batter for crunch and a toasty flavor.
• Use fruit “ornaments”: Decorate the frosted trees with dried cranberries, raisins or small fruit-flavored candies in place of the sprinkles.

How to Store Christmas Tree Brownies

Store the decorated brownies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and moist. Arrange the brownies in a single layer or separate layers with parchment so the frosting and decorations don’t smudge. Keep the container in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight or heat.

How long do Christmas tree brownies last?

Brownie Christmas trees last several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping them covered helps the brownies stay moist and the frosting decorations stay fresh.

Can you freeze Christmas tree brownies?

Yes, you can freeze brownies. To do so, place the brownies in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. The brownies will last up to three months in the freezer.

Christmas Tree Brownie Tips

Can you make homemade brownies for Christmas tree brownies?

Yes, you can absolutely make homemade brownies for Christmas tree brownies. A fudgy, dense brownie recipe works best since it holds its shape when cut into triangles and supports the frosting without crumbling. Just be sure to let the brownies cool completely before cutting and decorating so the tree shapes stay neat.

Can you use homemade frosting for Christmas tree brownies?

Yes, homemade frosting works beautifully for Christmas tree brownies. A simple buttercream gives you the same spreadable texture as canned frosting, and you can tint it with food coloring just as easily. Using homemade frosting also lets you adjust the sweetness and flavor to your taste.

How do I prevent the frosting from smudging when storing Christmas tree brownies?

To prevent the frosting from smudging, layer the frosted brownies in a container with sheets of parchment or waxed paper between each layer. A single layer is best if you want the decorations to stay extra sharp.

What can I serve with Christmas tree brownies at a holiday party?

You can serve Christmas tree brownies with mugs of hot cocoa and peppermint-flavored coffee or scoops of vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert spread. Pairing the brownie Christmas trees with warm drinks makes the presentation feel extra-celebratory.