Impress guests with these festive, homemade Christmas Tree Brownies!
These Christmas Tree Brownies are the ultimate holiday dessert - shockingly easy to make but look like you hired a pastry chef! Stack brownies, frost with green buttercream, add candy ornaments, and top with a star for a festive masterpiece.
Perfect for Christmas parties, potlucks, or last-minute desserts, these brownies are kid-friendly and require minimal effort. The stacked layers create a classic Christmas tree shape that looks incredible on your holiday table.
With fudgy brownie layers, vibrant green frosting, and festive decorations, these brownies are the easiest showstopper you'll ever make. The best part? They're completely customizable and perfect for adding holiday cheer to any gathering.
Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned chef, these Christmas Tree Brownies will become your go-to holiday dessert. The simple process and impressive results make them perfect for any festive occasion.
Get ready to create a magical holiday treat that everyone will love!
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Time-Saving
This recipe takes just 30 minutes to assemble, making it perfect for last-minute holiday baking. The stacking and decorating process is simple and quick.
💰 Budget-Friendly
Made with basic baking ingredients, these brownies are affordable yet impressive. You'll spend less than $5 per serving.
👥 Kid-Friendly
Perfect for involving children in the holiday baking process. The decorating step is simple and fun for all ages.
🌟 Showstopping
The stacked, decorated brownies look professionally made, making them perfect for holiday gatherings and photo opportunities.
Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
Stack, frost, and decorate these festive brownies in 30 minutes!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- - 1 cup granulated sugar
- - 2 large eggs
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - 1 cup all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- - 1/4 teaspoon salt
- - 1/2 cup chocolate chips
👨🍳 Frosting & Decorations
- - 2 cups powdered sugar
- - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- - 1 teaspoon green food coloring
- - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - Candy ornaments (assorted colors)
- - White pearl sprinkles
- - Gold-colored fondant stars
👨🍳 Instructions
Bake Brownies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a bowl. Add flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Stir until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour into greased 8x8-inch pan. Bake 25-30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
💡 Tip: Use a wire cooling rack to prevent soggy bottom.
Cut Brownie Squares: Cut cooled brownie into 12 equal squares. Create 3 sizes: 4 large (bottom), 4 medium (middle), 4 small (top) for 4 trees.
💡 Tip: Use a ruler for precise, even cuts.
Make Frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, green food coloring, and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy.
💡 Tip: Add 1-2 teaspoons milk for desired consistency.
Stack & Frost Trees: Frost each brownie square with green frosting. Stack large, medium, and small squares to form tree shapes. Pipe rosette patterns between layers.
💡 Tip: Use a toothpick to adjust layers for stability.
Decorate Trees: Press candy ornaments into frosting. Add white pearl sprinkles as garland. Top each tree with a gold fondant star.
💡 Tip: Add edible glitter for extra sparkle.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter
Provides rich flavor and helps create the fudgy texture. Use salted butter if needed, but reduce added salt.
Substitutions: Margarine (use non-hydrogenated), coconut oil (adds tropical flavor)
Cocoa Powder
Adds deep chocolate flavor. Use natural cocoa powder for best results.
Substitutions: Dutch-process cocoa for richer flavor, melted chocolate (adjust flour amount)
Frosting
The green buttercream provides vibrant color and holds decorations well. You can use store-bought frosting if time is limited.
Substitutions: Chocolate frosting with green food coloring, vegan frosting
Candy Ornaments
Add festive flair while making the trees look professionally decorated. Use edible glitter for extra shine.
Substitutions: Mini chocolate candies, sprinkles, edible pearls
Pro Tips for Perfect Christmas Tree Brownies
🎄 Frosting Consistency
For best results, make the frosting when the brownies are still slightly warm. The residual heat helps the frosting spread more easily.
🎨 Color Customization
Experiment with different frosting colors for holiday themes. Red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, etc.
👶 Kid-Friendly Decorating
Let children add decorations using cookie cutters or small cookie press. Use non-toxic food decorations.
📸 Presentation Ideas
Serve on a festive platter with pine branches, red berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Variations & Customizations
White Chocolate Trees
Replace 1/2 cup cocoa powder with white chocolate chips. Use white chocolate frosting and add gold decorations.
Mini Trees
Cut brownies into smaller squares and stack in 2 layers for bite-sized versions. Perfect for party favors.
No-Bake Version
Use refrigerated cookie dough and cream cheese frosting for a no-bake alternative. Decorate with candy melts.
Diet-Friendly Option
Use almond flour, sugar-free chocolate, and light cream cheese frosting. Add sugar-free decorations.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Hot cocoa with marshmallows for a classic holiday pairing
- Spiced apple cider for a warm beverage option
- Mini sugar cookies decorated with festive icing
- Cranberry-orange salad with pecans and orange segments
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with mulled wine for an adult holiday twist or hot chocolate for a family-friendly option.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Bake and frost brownies up to 2 days ahead. Decorate just before serving to prevent candy from melting.
Refrigerator Storage
Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days. Frostinging may firm slightly but will soften at room temperature.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unfrosted brownies for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting and decorating.
Reheating Instructions
No reheating needed. Let brownies come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Frosting is too runny
A: Chill frosting in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up before using.
Q: Brownies are too dry
A: Check oven temperature with a thermometer. Ovens can run hot, causing overbaking.
Q: How to make trees ahead?
A: Bake and frost up to 2 days ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature until ready to decorate.
Q: Can I use a different shape?
A: Absolutely! Try hearts for Valentine's Day or pumpkins for Halloween by adjusting the stacking pattern.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Tree Brownies are the perfect combination of simplicity and elegance. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you'll create a dessert that looks professionally made. The stacked layers and festive decorations make them a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering.
Whether you're hosting a Christmas party or just want to add some holiday cheer to your family's dessert table, these brownies are sure to impress. The process is fun and engaging, making them a great activity for children to participate in. Don't forget to share the recipe with friends and family who love easy, showstopping desserts!
