Christmas Tree Brownies

Christmas Tree Brownies are the most fun you can have with a pan of brownies. Fudgy chocolate brownies are cut into triangles, piped with swirly green frosting, decorated with sprinkle "ornaments," and finished with a pretzel-stick trunk. They're adorable on a dessert table, kids love decorating them, and they're one of the most-shared holiday treats on social media every December.

Why you'll love Christmas Tree Brownies

• Fudgy, chewy, chocolatey brownies, made from scratch in one bowl.
• Super easy decorating. No special skills needed.
• Perfect activity for kids and family baking days.
• Great for parties, school events and cookie swaps.

Ingredients (makes 16–20 trees)

For the brownies

• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup (65 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (85 g) chocolate chips (optional)

For the green frosting

• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Green gel food colouring

To decorate

• Mini pretzel sticks (the "trunks")
• Rainbow sprinkles or mini M&Ms (the "ornaments")
• Small star sprinkles or yellow candies (the "star" on top)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) pan with baking paper, leaving an overhang.
2. Make the batter. Whisk the melted butter and sugar, then whisk in the eggs and vanilla until glossy. Fold in the cocoa, flour and salt until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
3. Bake for 22–26 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
4. Cool completely, then chill for 30 minutes for neater cutting.
5. Cut. Lift the brownies out and cut them into long strips, then cut each strip into triangles.
6. Make the frosting. Beat the butter until creamy, then beat in the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and green colouring until fluffy.
7. Decorate. Pipe zig-zags of green frosting from top to bottom with a small round or star tip. Add sprinkles for ornaments and a star on top. Push a pretzel stick into the bottom of each tree for the trunk.

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Alla's tips

• Chill before cutting. Cold brownies cut into clean, sharp triangles.
• Use gel colouring. Liquid colouring thins the frosting and gives a paler green.
• Cut long strips first, then alternate the knife angle to get triangles with very little waste.
• Eat the scraps! The offcuts are the baker's reward (or crumble them over ice cream).
• Insert the pretzels gently, after frosting, so the brownies don't crack.
• Set up a decorating station for kids, with bowls of sprinkles and pre-filled piping bags.

Variations

• Box mix shortcut: use a 9x13-inch brownie mix to save time.
• White chocolate snow: drizzle with melted white chocolate instead of green frosting.
• Mint chocolate: add 1/2 tsp peppermint extract to the frosting.

Storage

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze undecorated brownies for up to 3 months.

FAQ

Can I use a brownie mix? Yes! Bake it in a 9x13-inch pan, cool, then cut and decorate the same way.

How do I cut neat triangles? Chill the brownies, cut long strips, then cut triangles from each strip, alternating the knife direction.

What can I use instead of pretzel sticks? Mini candy canes, chocolate sticks, or a small square of brownie as the trunk.

Can I make them ahead? Yes. Bake the brownies up to 2 days ahead, then decorate on the day for the freshest look.

Can I make the frosting without butter? You can use a simple thick icing (powdered sugar and a little milk), but buttercream pipes best.

How do I make them gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free pretzels.

More brownie and Christmas treats

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownies
• S'mores Brookies
• How to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Hugs, Alla xox

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