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Christmas Tree Brownies

Christmas tree brownies are chewy one-bowl brownies that are decorated to look like Christmas trees. These easy treats are sure to please kids and adults alike!

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Additional Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 50 mins
Servings: 12 Christmas trees
Calories: 320 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Brownies
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 ⅓ cups bittersweet chocolate chips divided
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour please see notes below
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Trees
  • 5 candy canes optional
Frosting
  • 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 1/4 cup butter softened
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream
  • green food coloring
  • Christmas sprinkles

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 325F. Grease or parchment-line an 8x8-inch metal pan. Set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, combine butter, sugars, and water.
  3. Bring to a boil, stirring regularly.
  4. Remove pan from heat.
  5. Whisk in 1 cup chocolate chips until melted and well-combined.
  6. Add eggs and vanilla.
  7. Whisk until well-combined.
  8. Add flour, salt, and baking soda.
  9. Whisk in just until combined. Don't overmix.
  10. Stir in the remaining 1/3 cup chocolate chips
  11. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing as needed.
  12. Bake for about 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few fudgy crumbs.
  13. Let the brownies cool to room temperature.
  14. Chill for 1 hour before cutting and decorating.
  15. Remove the brownies from the pan and cut into triangles. You should get three rows with 4 large triangles per row. You will also have some edges that make smaller trees. This will give you 12 large brownie trees.
  16. If you are using candy canes, unwrap each one and, with a knife, carefully cut 1.5 inch long pieces. Press the sharper ends of the candy cane into the bottom of the tree.
  17. Meanwhile, make the buttercream frosting.
  18. To make the frosting, beat the butter in a large bowl on low for about 30 seconds.
  19. Add the powdered sugar and heavy cream. Beat on low for about 1-2 minutes, or until incorporated.
  20. Mix in green food coloring to get your desired color.
  21. Add the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
  22. Starting at the top of the tree, make a zigzag to the bottom of the tree.
  23. Sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles.

Notes

  • Butter: I use salted butter in this recipe. If using unsalted butter, increase the salt to 1/2 teaspoon.
  • Brown sugar: I use light brown sugar in this recipe.
  • Chocolate chips: Bittersweet chocolate chips are 60% cacao. A good substitute would be dark chocolate chips. If you prefer, you can use semisweet chocolate chips. However, the brownies will be sweeter.
  • All-purpose flour: It's important to use a light hand when measuring flour for brownies. To get the proper amount of flour, weigh the flour or sift the flour. Lightly spoon into the measuring cup and level.
  • Nutrition values are estimates. 

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 320kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 40g (13%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 12g (60%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 3g Trans Fat 0.4g Cholesterol 53mg (18%) Sodium 176mg (7%) Potassium 156mg (4%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 29g (58%) Vitamin A 336IU (7%) Vitamin C 0.1mg (0%) Calcium 73mg (7%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12Christmas trees

Amount Per Serving

Calories 320

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 320kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 40g 13%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 12g 60%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Trans Fat 0.4g 20%
Cholesterol 53mg 18%
Sodium 176mg 7%
Potassium 156mg 3%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 29g 58%
Vitamin A 336IU 7%
Vitamin C 0.1mg 0%
Calcium 73mg 7%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.