Name: Christmas Tree Brownies: 3 Horrible Mistakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box brownie mix; Eggs, oil, and water (as called for by brownie mix); Green frosting; Christmas sprinkles; Pretzel sticks

Jump to Recipe

Baking during the holidays? It’s practically a tradition, right? And let’s be honest, sometimes you just need something easy and FUN. That’s where these Christmas Tree Brownies come in! They’re seriously the perfect little project, especially if you’ve got little helpers running around. My kids and I make these every year – it’s a total blast. I remember one year my youngest put like, a *whole* handful of sprinkles on one brownie! Oops! But hey, that’s the fun of it. These festive Christmas Tree Brownies are super simple, and they always bring a smile to everyone’s face. Trust me, you’ll love them.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Tree Brownies

Simple and Fun to Make Christmas Tree Brownies

Seriously, these are SO easy. Even if you’re not a super baker (like me!), you can totally nail these. And the best part? The kids can jump right in! It’s way more about the decorating than the actual baking, which is perfect for little hands.

Christmas Tree Brownies are the Perfect Festive Treat

I mean, come on, they’re shaped like Christmas trees! How cute is that? They just scream “holiday cheer.” Plus, they’re way more exciting than just plain old brownies. They’re like a little edible Christmas decoration!

Delicious and Customizable Christmas Tree Brownies

Okay, brownies are already amazing, right? But then you add frosting and sprinkles? Forget about it! And the best part is you can totally make them your own. Use your favorite sprinkles, different colored frosting – go wild!

Ingredients for Your Christmas Tree Brownies

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need one box of brownie mix – the standard size, usually around 18-20 ounces. Whatever brand you dig is totally fine! Grab the eggs, oil, and water that the box calls for, too. Now, for the fun part: green frosting! I usually just grab a tub of store-bought frosting (cream cheese or vanilla tinted green works great!), but hey, if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade is awesome, too. Don’t forget the Christmas sprinkles! The more, the merrier, I say! Get a good mix of shapes and colors. And finally, pretzel sticks – the regular-sized ones work best for the “tree trunks.”

How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Christmas Tree Brownie Batter

Okay, first things first: the brownie batter! If you’re using a mix (like me, most of the time!), just follow the directions on the box. Super simple. If you’re going the homemade route – awesome! Just whip up your favorite brownie recipe. Either way, make sure you don’t overmix the batter. A few lumps are totally fine. Trust me, it’ll keep ’em fudgy!

Baking the Christmas Tree Brownies to Perfection

Pour that gorgeous batter into a greased baking pan. I usually use a 9×13 inch pan, but whatever you’ve got is probably fine, just adjust the baking time. Bake according to the directions – usually around 25-30 minutes. But keep an eye on them! You want a toothpick inserted near the center to come out with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake, or they’ll be dry! And this is important: let the brownies cool *completely*. Seriously, don’t even think about frosting them until they’re cool to the touch. Otherwise, melty frosting mess!

Christmas Tree Brownies - detail 1

Decorating Your Festive Christmas Tree Brownies

Now, for the fun part! Once your brownies are totally cool, carefully cut them into triangles. A big knife helps! Then, grab your green frosting and go to town! Frost each triangle generously. Don’t worry about being perfect – messy is part of the charm! Next, sprinkle on those Christmas sprinkles like there’s no tomorrow! And finally, gently push a pretzel stick into the bottom of each triangle to make the “tree trunk.” Ta-da! Christmas Tree Brownies!

Tips for the Best Christmas Tree Brownies

Ensuring Even Baking for Your Christmas Tree Brownies

Okay, so nobody wants burnt edges and a gooey center, right? To avoid that, make sure your oven is *actually* at the right temperature. Ovens lie, you know! And if you notice the edges are browning too fast, just tent the pan with foil. Problem solved! Also, don’t open the oven door a million times while they’re baking. That lets out all the heat!

Decorating Christmas Tree Brownies Like a Pro

Here’s a little secret: use a piping bag (or even just a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off!) for the frosting. It makes it SO much easier to get a nice, even layer. And for the sprinkles? Pour them into a shallow dish and gently press the frosted brownie into them. Way less messy than shaking them on! Trust me on this one!

Christmas Tree Brownies Variations

Explore Different Frosting Options for Your Christmas Tree Brownies

Who says Christmas trees have to be green? Go wild! Use red frosting for a poinsettia-themed tree, or even blue for a winter wonderland vibe. Chocolate frosting is always a winner too – maybe add some mint extract for a little extra zing!

Customize Your Christmas Tree Brownies with Unique Sprinkles

Okay, sprinkles are where you can *really* get creative! Skip the traditional round ones and go for stars, snowflakes, or even little edible glitter. How fancy! You could even add mini M&Ms or chopped nuts for a little extra crunch and flavor. Have fun with it!

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Tree Brownies

Okay, so these Christmas Tree Brownies are pretty awesome on their own, but you know what makes them even *better*? A cold glass of milk! Or, if you’re feeling extra festive, a mug of hot chocolate. Mmm! They’re also perfect for holiday parties or even as a cute little homemade gift!

Christmas Tree Brownies - detail 2

Storing Your Christmas Tree Brownies

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These Christmas Tree Brownies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days… if they last that long! Just try not to stack them too high, or you’ll mess up the frosting!

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Tree Brownies

Can I use a homemade brownie recipe for Christmas Tree Brownies?

Absolutely! While I often grab a box mix for convenience, a homemade brownie recipe works just as well, if not better! Just make sure it’s a fudgy brownie recipe, not a cakey one. Trust me, the fudgier, the better for these little Christmas trees!

How do I prevent the pretzel sticks from falling out of the Christmas Tree Brownies?

Ah, the age-old question! Okay, here’s the trick: insert the pretzel stick *immediately* after frosting. The frosting is still soft and acts like glue. Also, don’t push it in too deep, or it’ll break the brownie. A gentle push is all you need!

What is the best way to cut the Christmas Tree Brownies into triangles?

Okay, so this is key for cute Christmas Tree Brownies! Use a big, sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut. Seriously! It makes a HUGE difference. Also, cut the brownies while they’re still slightly cold – they’ll be less crumbly. And don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’re still gonna taste amazing!

Nutritional Information for Christmas Tree Brownies

Okay, so let’s talk nutrition… but with a HUGE disclaimer! The nutritional information below is just an estimate, okay? It’s gonna vary a lot depending on the brownie mix you use, the type of frosting, and how many sprinkles you pile on! So, take this with a grain of salt (or a sprinkle of sugar!). I’m not a nutritionist, just a home cook!

Enjoy Your Christmas Tree Brownies!

Okay, that’s it! Go make some Christmas Tree Brownies and spread some holiday cheer! And hey, if you loved this recipe, leave a comment and let me know! Happy baking!