Brownie trees are a festive twist on classic brownies, shaped like little Christmas trees and decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles. I love making them during the holidays because they’re fun, adorable, and a sweet treat that doubles as a decoration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it takes a simple brownie and turns it into something eye-catching with just a little creativity. I don’t need fancy tools—just a sharp knife and some holiday sprinkles. I enjoy making these with family since decorating each “tree” feels like a fun project, and I end up with a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Brownie mix (or homemade brownie batter)
- Eggs (if using a boxed mix)
- Oil (if using a boxed mix)
- Water (if using a boxed mix)
- Green icing or frosting
- Candy canes or pretzel sticks (for tree trunks)
- Holiday sprinkles or candy decorations
Directions
- I prepare the brownies according to the package instructions (or bake my favorite homemade brownie recipe) in a square or rectangular pan.
- After they’ve cooled completely, I cut the brownies into long triangles to create tree shapes.
- I carefully insert a small piece of candy cane or pretzel stick into the bottom of each triangle for the tree trunk.
- Using green icing, I pipe zigzags across the brownies to resemble tree branches.
- I finish by adding sprinkles, mini candies, or edible glitter as ornaments.
Servings and timing
From one 9×13-inch pan of brownies, I usually get about 12 to 14 trees, depending on how large I cut them. The whole process takes around 45 minutes, including baking, cooling, and decorating.
Variations
Sometimes I use red or white icing along with the green to make them more colorful. I also like swapping out sprinkles for mini M&M’s or silver sugar pearls to make the trees sparkle. When I want something extra decadent, I drizzle melted white chocolate over the decorated trees for a snowy effect.
storage/reheating
I keep the brownie trees in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want them to last longer, I refrigerate them for up to a week, though I let them come to room temperature before serving. I don’t usually reheat decorated brownies, but if I want the brownies warm, I set aside a few undecorated ones to warm gently in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I make brownie trees ahead of time?
Yes, I bake and cut the brownies in advance, then decorate them the day I plan to serve for the freshest look.
Do I need a piping bag for the icing?
No, I often use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off if I don’t have a piping bag handy.
Can I use store-bought brownies?
Yes, I can. I just cut and decorate them—it saves time and still looks festive.
How do I keep the brownies from crumbling when cutting?
I chill them in the fridge first, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. This makes neat triangles.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, I use a gluten-free brownie mix or a homemade gluten-free recipe and decorate them the same way.
Conclusion
These brownie trees are a holiday favorite for me because they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. I like how they bring a festive touch to dessert tables and make a great activity for both kids and adults. With just a little decoration, I can turn simple brownies into cheerful Christmas trees that always impress.
PrintBrownie Trees
These festive brownie trees are a fun and easy holiday dessert made by cutting brownies into tree shapes and decorating them with green icing and sprinkles. Perfect for Christmas parties or cookie exchanges, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 brownie trees
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (or homemade brownie batter)
- Eggs (as required by boxed mix)
- Oil (as required by boxed mix)
- Water (as required by boxed mix)
- Green icing or frosting
- Candy canes or pretzel sticks (for tree trunks)
- Holiday sprinkles or mini candies (for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare brownie batter according to package or homemade recipe instructions. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake according to the instructions and let brownies cool completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, cut brownies into long triangles to resemble Christmas trees.
- Insert a small candy cane or pretzel stick into the base of each triangle as the tree trunk.
- Use green icing to pipe zigzag lines across the trees to create branches.
- Decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or mini candies to resemble ornaments.
- Allow icing to set before serving or storing.
Notes
- No piping bag? Use a zip-top bag with the tip of the corner snipped off.
- Make-ahead: Bake and cut the brownies a day ahead; decorate before serving.
- Decoration: Try mini M&M’s, sugar pearls, or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a snowy effect.
- Cutting Tip: Chill brownies before slicing and use a sharp knife for clean edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie tree
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
