These Christmas tree brownies turn a simple pan of fudgy brownies into a festive holiday dessert. Cut the brownies into triangles, pipe on green frosting, and finish with tiny sprinkles and a pretzel-stick trunk. They are fun for cookie exchanges, school celebrations, and Christmas dessert boards.
Ingredients
- 1 batch baked and cooled brownies, homemade or prepared from a 9-by-13-inch pan mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring, a few drops
- 24 small pretzel sticks
- Red, white, and gold holiday sprinkles
- Optional: small gold star sprinkles
How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies
- Bake and cool brownies. Prepare brownies in a lined 9-by-13-inch pan according to your recipe or package directions. Cool completely so the cuts stay neat.
- Make the frosting. Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and one tablespoon milk. Beat until fluffy, adding a little more milk if needed. Tint green with food coloring.
- Cut tree shapes. Lift the brownie slab from the pan using the parchment. Cut into three long strips, then cut triangles from each strip. Save scraps for snacking or crumble over ice cream.
- Add trunks. Insert a pretzel stick into the base of each triangle to create a tree trunk.
- Decorate. Pipe green frosting in a zigzag from the top to the bottom of each brownie. Add sprinkles and a star while the frosting is still soft.
- Set and serve. Let frosting firm for about 20 minutes before arranging on a platter.
Tips for Clean Cuts and Pretty Trees
- Chill brownies for 20–30 minutes before cutting if they are very fudgy.
- Use a long sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
- Pipe frosting in a loose zigzag so the brownie remains visible.
- Keep decorations small so they adhere to the frosting.
Variations
Use cream cheese frosting for a tangier finish, or drizzle melted white chocolate over the trees for a snowy look. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle finely chopped pistachios over the frosting. If you prefer a shortcut, use store-bought frosting tinted green.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Bake the brownies a day ahead and keep them covered at room temperature. Cut and decorate on the day you plan to serve them for the freshest frosting finish. Store decorated brownies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If your frosting recipe contains cream cheese or another perishable ingredient, refrigerate them.
Serving Ideas
Arrange the trees on a large white platter with peppermint candies and other small Christmas treats. Pair them with peppermint chocolate crinkle cookies or browse more Christmas recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop the brownies from crumbling?
Cool them completely and chill briefly before cutting. A sharp knife wiped between cuts also helps.
Can I make these without a piping bag?
Yes. Use a zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off, or spread frosting with a small spatula.
Can I freeze Christmas tree brownies?
Freeze undecorated brownie triangles in a sealed container. Thaw completely, then add frosting and decorations.
Save These Christmas Tree Brownies
These decorated brownie trees are an easy way to add a playful centerpiece to your Christmas cookie tray. Save the idea for a festive baking afternoon with family and friends.
