Easy Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe

Holiday baking feels busy for most families. Simple desserts help reduce stress, and these Christmas Tree Brownies are one of the easiest treats you can make. They look festive, they hold their shape well, and they take little time. You can bake them with kids, bring them to parties, or add them to a holiday dessert table. Many readers on homeandfiesta ask for recipes that are easy but still look special, and this one fits that need.

This recipe starts with a basic brownie base. You cut the brownies into triangles, add frosting, and decorate them like small Christmas trees. The steps stay simple, and the decorations don’t need to look perfect. The brownies stay soft for days, and you can make them ahead if you prefer.

Easy Christmas Tree Brownies

What Are Christmas Tree Brownies?

Christmas Tree Brownies are brownies shaped like small trees and decorated with frosting and sprinkles. You bake a batch of brownies in a square or rectangular pan, cut them into triangle shapes, and add green frosting to look like branches. You can top each piece with a small candy to act as a star. Some people add a small piece of candy cane at the bottom to act as a tree trunk.

They’re popular for parties, school events, and cookie tins because they travel well and stay firm. You don’t need special baking tools. A knife, frosting, and sprinkles are enough.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because every step stays simple and clear. You bake, cool, cut, and decorate. There’s no guesswork.

Here’s why the method gives reliable results:

1. Brownies stay moist. Baking them in a metal pan helps them cook evenly. Cooling them completely keeps them firm but soft.
2. Triangles cut cleanly. Straight edges make it easy to slice even shapes. If you cut cold brownies, you get even cleaner lines.
3. Thick frosting stays in place. It holds sprinkles without sliding or melting.
4. You control the decorations. You can keep them simple or add more details.
5. The recipe works with homemade or boxed mix. Both give good results as long as you avoid overbaking.

The recipe also scales well for large batches. If you have a big event, you can double the recipe and cut more triangles from each pan.

Ingredients for Easy Christmas Tree Brownies

You can use boxed brownie mix or homemade batter. Here’s a standard list if you want to make brownies from scratch.

For the brownies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

For decorating:

• Green frosting
• Holiday sprinkles
• Small candies for the top
• Candy canes, optional, for the base of each tree

How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies

The steps stay straightforward. Read through once before starting so you know the order.

1. Bake the brownies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a metal baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
3. Mix the batter. Combine the butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes. Check the center with a toothpick. A few moist crumbs are fine.
6. Let the brownies cool fully in the pan. This step matters. Warm brownies crumble when you cut them.

If you need very clean slices, put the cooled brownies in the fridge for 20 minutes.

2. Cut the brownies into trees

1. Lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper.
2. Trim off the edges if they’re very crisp.
3. Cut the brownies into long strips. Make the strips the same width.
4. Cut each strip into triangles. You can make them small or large depending on how many servings you want.

If the brownie sticks to the knife, wipe the blade between cuts.

3. Decorate the brownies

1. Fill a piping bag or a zip-top bag with green frosting.
2. Pipe zig-zag lines across each triangle. Start wide at the bottom and narrow at the top.
3. Press sprinkles into the frosting.
4. Add a small candy at the top to act as a star.
5. If you want a tree trunk, break small candy canes and stick one piece into the bottom of each triangle.

Let the frosting set before stacking or packing the brownies.

Tips for Best Results

You don’t need to be precise, but a few simple tips help improve the look and texture.

• Use a sharp knife for cleaner cuts.
• Don’t overbake. Brownies dry out fast.
• Cool the brownies fully before decorating.
• Use a thicker frosting so it holds shape.
• Add sprinkles while the frosting is still soft.
• If the frosting melts, the brownies were still warm. Wait longer.

You can also use white chocolate drizzle if you want a snow effect, but green frosting alone works well.

Storage Instructions

Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your room runs warm, keep them in the fridge so the frosting stays firm.

If you want to prepare ahead:

• Bake the brownies one day earlier.
• Keep them covered after cooling.
• Decorate the next day to keep the frosting fresh.

You can also freeze undecorated brownies for up to two months. Wrap them in plastic, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and thaw them before cutting and decorating. Decorated brownies can freeze, but the colors may bleed after thawing, so frost them after thawing if you plan to store them.

Recipe FAQ,s

1. How do I cut brownies without them falling apart?

Let them cool. Cold brownies slice far better. Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean after each cut. Don’t press too hard.

2. Can I use a boxed brownie mix?

Yes. Boxed mix works well. Choose a fudgy one if possible. Follow the package instructions, then cut and decorate the same way.

3. Why does my frosting slide off?

The brownies were warm. Wait until they’re cool to the touch. You can place the pan in the fridge before decorating.

4. How do I keep the brownies soft?

Don’t overbake. Remove the brownies when the center still has moist crumbs. Store them in an airtight container.

5. Can I make these for school events?

Yes. They travel well. Cut them a little smaller so kids can hold them easily.

6. Can I change the decorations?

Yes. You can use white frosting, red sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or chocolate drizzle. The shape is the main idea. The look can vary based on what you like.

7. Do I need to toast the candy cane trunks?

No. Just break them into small pieces and press them gently into the base of each triangle.

Conclusion

These Christmas Tree Brownies offer a simple and fun way to add holiday treats to your table. They start with a basic brownie base and turn into festive trees with a few quick steps. The recipe works for beginners, busy families, and anyone who wants a holiday dessert that doesn’t take much effort. You can decorate them alone or make it an activity with kids.

If you follow holiday ideas on homeandfiesta, this recipe fits the style of practical, clear, and reliable baking. Try it once, and it may become part of your yearly routine. Let it be a helpful option when you need something cheerful, simple, and easy to share.