Christmas Brownie Trees

Name: Christmas Brownie Trees
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 130 g brown sugar (about ⅔ cup); 90 g salted butter (or unsalted with a pinch more salt); 160 g bittersweet chocolate (semi-sweet also works); 5 g cocoa powder (about 1 tablespoon; Dutch-processed preferred); 65 g all-purpose flour (about ½ cup); Optional mix-ins: chopped nuts, extra chocolate chunks, or cookie pieces; White chocolate (melted, for decorating; candy melts also work); Green food coloring (to tint white chocolate for garlands); Christmas sprinkles (for decoration); Popsicle sticks (optional, for serving)

by Vincent

Published on: December 18, 2025

Christmas brownie trees decorated with icing and sprinkles for festive treats

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Christmas Brownie Trees are a fudgy, chocolatey delight that fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of rich cocoa and sweet magic. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a simple weekday treat, these brownie trees combine a crispy outer layer with a moist, gooey center that melts in your mouth. They’re not just delicious; they’re also easy to make with simple pantry staples, making them a sustainable choice for festive baking. Whether decorating the tree or indulging in sweet comfort, these treats add joy to the season!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Christmas Brownie Trees are ideal for the festive season, bringing a touch of whimsy to your holiday gatherings and cozy evenings at home. Their delicious flavor and unique presentation make them a crowd-pleaser, while the simplicity of the recipe allows for convenience amidst the holiday hustle. Perfect for family celebrations, workplace parties, or just as a delightful comfort food, these brownies can be personalized with your favorite mix-ins. Easy to whip up, this recipe guarantees a fun and flavorful treat that embodies the spirit of the season.

Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight

This recipe features approachable, seasonal ingredients, making it both accessible and sustainable. The rich brown sugar adds a depth of flavor and beautiful caramel notes, while the bittersweet chocolate creates that luxurious chocolate experience everyone craves during the holidays. As you mix the ingredients, the coupling of chocolate and buttery aromas fills your home. The vibrant green tint in the melted white chocolate adds a festive touch, reminiscent of holiday greenery, and enhances the visual appeal of your brownie trees. Paired with colorful Christmas sprinkles, these treats celebrate the essence of the season.

What You’ll Need

2 large eggs
130 g brown sugar (about ⅔ cup; granulated sugar can be substituted)
90 g salted butter (if using unsalted, add a pinch more salt)
160 g bittersweet chocolate (semi-sweet also works)
5 g cocoa powder (about 1 tablespoon; Dutch-processed preferred)
65 g all-purpose flour (about ½ cup)
Optional mix-ins: chopped nuts, extra chocolate chunks, or cookie pieces
White chocolate (melted, for decorating; candy melts also work)
Green food coloring (to tint white chocolate for garlands)
Christmas sprinkles (for decoration)
Popsicle sticks (optional, for serving)

These ingredients ensure a rich, fudgy texture with the blend of chocolate and sugar providing an irresistible sweet treat. You can customize the brownies by adding mix-ins based on your preferences or dietary needs.

How to Make This Recipe

1. Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 20cm square baking pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper, ensuring easy removal later.

2. Melt the chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt the bittersweet chocolate and butter together until smooth. Stir well to combine, filling the air with a rich chocolate aroma.

3. Mix in the sugar and eggs
Whisk in the brown sugar thoroughly, then add the eggs one at a time. Aside from creating a glossy texture, this step enhances the undertones of sweetness—keep mixing until the batter appears thick and shining.

4. Add dry ingredients
Sift in the flour and cocoa powder, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to retain a tender texture. If using any optional mix-ins, gently stir them in at this point.

5. Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for about 40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

6. Cool and cut
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into triangle shapes resembling Christmas trees.

7. Decorate
Tint the melted white chocolate with green food coloring. Drizzle in zigzag patterns over each brownie tree, mimicking garlands on a festive tree. While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle Christmas decorations to resemble ornaments.

8. Serve
Insert popsicle sticks into the base of each triangle for a fun handheld treat, or serve directly on a festive platter. Enjoy the symphony of textures as you take your first bite!

Essential Tools

Mixing bowls
Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
Whisk
Spatula
Baking pan (20cm square)
Parchment paper
Sharp knife for cutting
Popsicle sticks (optional)

Having the right tools on hand will make your baking experience seamless and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on creating these delicious brownie trees!

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

To keep your Christmas Brownie Trees fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for about a week, or freeze individual pieces for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Perfect Pairings

Pair your Christmas Brownie Trees with a warm mug of hot cocoa, topped with whipped cream for extra indulgence. Alternatively, serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the warm brownie to melt into the creamy goodness. The visual contrast and delightful textures elevate your dessert experience, charming everyone at your holiday gatherings.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: ~180 kcal
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 14 g

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

Dough Too Dry — If your dough appears crumbly, add a splash of milk to bring it back to a pliable consistency.

Chocolate Coating Breaks — Ensure your melted chocolate is smooth and warm. If it cools too much, it may seize up.

Unevenly Shaped Trees — Use a cookie scoop to achieve consistent triangles. This will make decorating easier and more uniform.

Pro Tips for Best Results

For a richer flavor, consider using high-quality chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage. Ensure your butter is melted but not too hot before mixing in with the chocolate to keep the batter silky. For a fun twist, experiment with flavored extracts like peppermint or almond for a seasonal touch.

Recipe Variations to Explore

Explore flavor twists by adding peppermint extract to the brownie batter or integrating orange zest for a citrus twist. Swap out the bittersweet chocolate for white chocolate for a sweeter variation, or make them gluten-free using a gluten-free flour blend. The options are endless and can be tailored to any taste preference!

Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info

These Christmas Brownie Trees can be made gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free chocolate and vegan butter substitutions. Always check for any allergies to ensure a safe and enjoyable treat for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make the brownies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These brownie trees can be baked a day or two in advance, decorated before serving for freshest visual appeal.

Q: Can I use other types of chocolate?
A: Yes, semi-sweet or milk chocolate can be used instead of bittersweet depending on your preference for sweetness.

Q: How can I make them more festive?
A: Use various colored sprinkles and edible glitter to enhance the holiday theme!

Q: Can I freeze the brownies?
A: Yes, these brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap them well and they’ll last for up to two months in the freezer.

Q: What if I don’t have white chocolate for decorating?
A: You can use candy melts or simply dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish!

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

These Christmas Brownie Trees are a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations, sure to impress everyone with their charm and taste. We’d love to see your creations — share your photos and thoughts in the comments below! For more sweet inspirations, check out our dessert categories here. Happy baking!