Christmas Tree Brownies
These Christmas Tree Brownies are rich, fudgy, and festive treats perfect for holiday celebrations. Decorated with colorful sprinkles and a dusting of powdered sugar, they combine classic brownie flavor with a fun seasonal presentation.
Servings: 16 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup dairy-free margarine or vegetable-based shortening for frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar for frosting
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder for frosting
- 2–3 tablespoons water or plant-based milk for frosting
- Green food coloring optional, for frosting
- Assorted holiday sprinkles or edible decorations
- Powdered sugar for dusting snow effect
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment paper or pan to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
- In a medium bowl, beat the dairy-free margarine until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed. Add water or plant-based milk tablespoon by tablespoon until you reach a spreadable consistency. Add green food coloring if desired and mix until the color is uniform.
- Once the brownies are completely cool, lift them out using the parchment paper. Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many trees as possible.
- Spread a thin layer of the chocolate frosting over each brownie tree. Decorate with your favorite holiday sprinkles, edible pearls, or colored sugar. Dust lightly with powdered sugar to create a snowy effect.
- Arrange your Christmas Tree Brownies on a festive platter and watch them disappear quickly at your holiday gathering!
Equipment
- 8x8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment Paper
- Medium Bowl
- Large Bowl
- Whisk
- Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter
Notes
Make sure brownies are completely cool before cutting to avoid crumbling. If you don’t have a tree-shaped cutter, use a sharp knife to cut triangles and decorate them like trees. For extra fudginess, slightly underbake the brownies but ensure they are set. Use a piping bag for frosting to create detailed decorations like garlands or ornaments. To prevent the frosting from melting, store brownies at room temperature and add decorations just before serving. Line your baking pan with parchment paper, not foil, for easier removal and cleaner edges.
Variations include adding nuts to the batter, peppermint extract to the frosting, white chocolate drizzle, gluten-free flour substitutions, and vegan egg alternatives using flax eggs. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.