Let’s face it, Christmas cookies are delicious, but sometimes you crave something a bit richer and more decadent. Enter the Christmas tree brownie! Forget those boring squares, we’re talking about festive, green-frosted brownies shaped like everyone’s favorite holiday symbol. Ready to ditch the cookie cutters and make some seriously impressive brownies? Here’s how to make Christmas tree brownies that will be the star of your holiday dessert spread.
3 Easy Ways to Make Christmas Tree Brownies: A Festive Treat
The holidays are all about traditions, and baking delicious treats is definitely one of them. And what better way to celebrate than with Christmas tree brownies? They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and incredibly festive. So, ditch the store-bought cookies and grab your ingredients – we’re about to dive into some holiday baking fun!
Before You Begin: Gathering Your Supplies
Before you get your hands dirty, make sure you have all the necessary tools and ingredients for crafting the perfect Christmas tree brownie.
You’ll Need:
- A Brownie Recipe: Start with your favorite brownie recipe. You can use a box mix, a classic recipe, or even experiment with different flavors like peppermint or eggnog.
- Baking Pan: A 9×13 inch baking pan is a good size for making the brownies.
- Cookie Cutters: You’ll need a star-shaped cookie cutter to make the tree shapes. You can find a variety of sizes.
- Green Food Coloring: This is essential for giving your Christmas trees that festive color. Don’t worry, a little goes a long way!
- Frosting: Choose your favorite frosting. White frosting is classic, but you can also use green or red frosting to add a festive touch.
- Sprinkles: A variety of colorful sprinkles adds a burst of holiday cheer to your brownies.
- Candy Canes: These add a sweet touch and a sprinkle of festive cheer.
- Optional: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra flavor.
Getting Started: The Brownie Base
Now, let’s get started on those delicious brownies!
- Bake the Brownies: Preheat your oven according to your brownie recipe and bake the mixture in your 9×13 inch pan. Make sure the brownies are fully cooked and cool completely before moving onto the next step.
- Cutting the Trees: Use your star-shaped cookie cutter to carefully cut out the tree shapes from the cooled brownies. You can use different sizes to create a variety of tree shapes.
- Adding the Festive Touch: Now, this is where the fun begins! Dip the cut-out brownies into the green frosting to give them their festive hue. You can even use different shades for depth and variety.
Adding the Finishing Touches: Bringing Your Christmas Trees to Life
Now that you’ve got the foundation, it’s time to add the finishing touches.
- The Frosting: Use a piping bag or a spoon to drizzle white frosting onto the green-frosted brownies to create a snowy effect. For a more whimsical touch, you can use different colors of frosting.
- Sprinkles: Sprinkle colorful sprinkles all over the brownies, giving them a playful, shimmering look. Try different shapes and sizes for a more intricate design.
- Candy Canes: Break candy canes into pieces and attach them to the top of your brownies to simulate the festive toppers of a real Christmas tree.
- Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and decorations. You can use mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even edible glitter to create a truly unique look.
How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies: Different Variations
While the basic recipe is simple and delicious, you can adjust it to fit your preferences and create unique variations for your Christmas tree brownies.
Spice It Up:
- Peppermint: Add a dash of crushed peppermint candy or peppermint extract to your brownie batter for a refreshing holiday flavor.
- Eggnog: For a richer, more indulgent flavor, try using eggnog instead of milk in your brownie mix.
- Pumpkin Spice: Add a touch of pumpkin spice to the brownie mix for a warm and comforting flavor.
Chocolate Obsession:
- Double Chocolate: Use double chocolate brownie mix for an extra layer of rich chocolate flavor, or even add chocolate chips to the batter.
- White Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips or frosting for a different color palette and a sweeter flavor.
- Chocolate Ganache: Make a rich chocolate ganache and drizzle it over the frosted brownies for a decadent touch.
Creative Decorations:
- Gumdrops: Use red and green gumdrops to decorate the brownies, mimicking colorful Christmas ornaments.
- Pretzel Sticks: Break pretzel sticks into small pieces and arrange them around the brownies to create a snowy or rustic look.
- Edible Glitter: Add a touch of magic with edible glitter, sprinkling it over the frosting or the brownie itself.
How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies: Baking Tips and Tricks
While making these festive treats is simple, here are a few tips and tricks to ensure you get the perfect results:
- Cool Completely: Make sure your brownies are completely cooled before cutting out the trees. This prevents them from crumbling.
- Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for creating clean, precise cuts in your brownies.
- Don’t Over-Frost: A light layer of frosting is all you need for the perfect festive look. Too much frosting can make the brownies too sweet.
- Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors, flavors, and decorations to create your own unique Christmas tree brownies.
From Baking to Enjoying: Savor the Flavor
Finally, after all the preparation and creativity, it’s time to enjoy your delicious Christmas tree brownies. Serve them with a glass of milk, hot chocolate, or coffee, and savor the festive flavors and joy of the holiday season.
And remember, baking is all about sharing. Share your Christmas tree brownies with family and friends, spread the cheer, and make this holiday season even more sweeter. So, get baking and have fun!
