There’s something truly magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? The smell of sweet chocolate wafting through the house, the laughter of family and friends gathered in the kitchen—it all feels like warmth wrapped in a cozy blanket. And let me tell you, my *brownie christmas tree* is the perfect way to spread that joy! These adorable little treats are not just delicious, but they also bring a fun, festive twist to your holiday gatherings. Imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they bite into these rich, chocolatey trees decorated with vibrant green frosting and sprinkles! It’s a delightful activity to make together, and trust me, you won’t be able to resist sneaking a piece yourself! So, let’s get baking and make this holiday season even sweeter!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the perfect *brownie christmas tree*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Green frosting for decoration
- Sprinkles, for that extra festive touch!
Make sure to have everything ready before you start baking—it’s all about that seamless flow! You’ll love how these ingredients come together to create a deliciously rich brownie that’s just begging to be decorated!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s get to the fun part—baking our *brownie christmas tree*! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a deliciously festive treat in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your brownies bake evenly. Trust me, you don’t want to throw your batter into a cold oven; it just won’t turn out right!
Prepare the Baking Tray
Next, grab your baking tray and grease it up! I like to use a bit of unsalted butter or non-stick cooking spray to make sure our brownies come out easily. Just a light coat will do—no need to drown it! This little step makes a huge difference when it comes to serving.
Mix the Ingredients
Now, melt that cup of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. Once it’s melted, add the granulated sugar and mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth. Next, crack in the four large eggs, one at a time, giving it a good stir after each addition. Don’t forget to add in the vanilla extract! This is where the magic begins, and your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, packed cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps to ensure that everything is evenly distributed, which is key for that perfect brownie texture!
Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Once your wet and dry ingredients are ready, it’s time to combine them. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Now, here’s a little trick: fold in those chocolate chips with a spatula instead of stirring vigorously. This keeps your batter nice and fluffy—nobody wants a dense brownie!
Bake the Brownies
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared tray and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remember, a little underbaking is okay—those brownies will continue to firm up as they cool!
Cool and Cut
Once baked, let the brownies cool in the tray for about 10-15 minutes. This makes it easier to cut them without falling apart! After that, use a cookie cutter to cut the brownies into fun tree shapes. I like to use a little powdered sugar dusting to make them even more festive before decorating!
Decorating the Brownies
Finally, it’s time for the best part—decorating! Grab your green frosting and go wild! Spread it generously over each brownie tree, and don’t be shy with the sprinkles. They add that holiday sparkle and make these treats truly shine. Get creative, and have fun with it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love about these *brownie christmas trees*? They’re not just a treat; they’re a festive sensation that adds joy to any gathering! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making (and eating) these delightful brownies:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip these up in no time. Perfect for when you need a last-minute dessert!
- Festive Fun: They’re a charming addition to your holiday table, and kids (and adults!) will love decorating their own tree!
- Rich and Delicious: These brownies are fudgy and chocolatey, making them an irresistible treat for any chocolate lover.
- Customizable: You can play around with decorations—use different colors of frosting, or even add edible glitter for extra sparkle!
- Great for Gatherings: Slice them up and watch them disappear! They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or family get-togethers.
- Make Ahead: You can bake them in advance and store them until you’re ready to decorate, making holiday prep a breeze!
Trust me, these *brownie christmas trees* will become a cherished tradition in your holiday baking lineup!
Tips for Success
Before you dive into making your *brownie christmas tree*, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure you get the best results. These little nuggets of wisdom will help you create the most delicious, festive brownies that everyone will rave about!
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: For that rich chocolate flavor, opt for good-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips. It really makes a difference!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them incorporate better into the batter, leading to a smoother consistency.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. You want them fudgy, not chewy!
- Try Different Frosting Colors: While green frosting is traditional, why not have fun with different colors? Red, blue, or even a rainbow theme could be a hit at your gathering!
- Make Them Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix. Just make sure it’s a one-to-one substitution!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to mix in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even peppermint pieces for a holiday twist. You can customize these brownies to your taste!
- Cut Before Fully Cool: For easier cutting, you can slice the brownies when they’re still slightly warm. Just be careful not to burn yourself!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delightful *brownie christmas trees*! Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve whipped up these delightful *brownie christmas trees*, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible! Here’s how to store them properly:
First, let the brownies cool completely in the baking tray. Once they’ve cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking—this little trick keeps them looking cute and intact! You can store them at room temperature for up to 3 days, but if you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week.
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt, because they’re so tasty!), you can also freeze them! Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Now, if you prefer your brownies warm (and honestly, who doesn’t?), you can reheat them in the microwave. Just pop a brownie on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for about 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on it—you don’t want it to get too hot! Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste! Enjoy your delicious treats as they warm up and fill your kitchen with that amazing chocolate aroma once again!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in these delightful *brownie christmas trees*, it’s good to know what you’re getting in each delicious bite! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per brownie, but keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
These brownies may be indulgent, but they’re also a fun treat to enjoy during the holiday season! Just remember, moderation is key when you’re indulging in such delectable sweets. Happy baking and even happier munching!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these adorable *brownie christmas trees*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I get, along with my answers to help you navigate your holiday baking adventure.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make your *brownie christmas tree* gluten-free, just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that’s a one-to-one substitute. This way, you can enjoy these festive treats without any gluten worries!
What are some variations I can try?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can add peppermint extract to the batter for a minty twist, or mix in chopped nuts for extra crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips! And don’t forget about different decorating options—think red and white frosting, or even edible glitter for that extra sparkle!
How can I store leftover brownies?
To keep your brownies fresh, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store them at room temperature for about 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and freeze them. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! These brownies are perfect for make-ahead baking. You can whip them up a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to decorate. This makes holiday prep so much easier!
How do I know when my brownies are done baking?
The best way to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready! Remember, you can always underbake them slightly since they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Can I use a different shape instead of a Christmas tree?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with your cookie cutters. You can make stars, snowflakes, or any festive shape that strikes your fancy. The decorating possibilities are just as fun no matter the shape!
I hope these FAQs help you tackle your *brownie christmas tree* with confidence! Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!
Imprimer
Brownie Christmas Tree: 7 Sweet Ways to Celebrate Joy
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious brownie shaped like a Christmas tree.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Green frosting
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking tray.
- Melt the butter and mix with sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter in the prepared tray.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool and cut into tree shapes.
- Decorate with green frosting and sprinkles.
Notes
- Use a cookie cutter for tree shapes.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be made ahead of time.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 100mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: brownie christmas tree











