Christmas Tree Brownies

Introduction

The holiday season is always filled with warmth, joy, and of course, delicious treats. One of my family’s favorite holiday traditions is baking together, and this year we decided to take it up a notch with these delightful Christmas Tree Brownies. These festive treats are not only easy to make but also visually stunning, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. As we frosted and decorated these brownies, the excitement in the kitchen was palpable. My kids loved helping out, especially when it came to adding the colorful sprinkles. The end result? A batch of brownies that not only tasted divine but also brought a big smile to everyone’s face. These Christmas Tree Brownies are sure to become a new holiday tradition in our home!

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup chocolate chips

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
• 6-12 drops green food coloring

Decorations:

• 1 cup pretzel sticks (for tree trunks)
• 1/4 cup rainbow confetti sprinkles
• 2 tablespoons yellow star sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Make Brownie Batter

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until combined.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips to add extra richness to your brownies.

Bake Brownies

5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan to make cutting easier.

Cut into Triangles

7. Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into 3 long rectangles and then cut each rectangle into triangular shapes to resemble Christmas trees.

Make the Frosting

8. In a stand mixer, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy.
9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Mix until smooth.
10. Add the green food coloring a few drops at a time until you reach your desired shade of green.

Frost and Decorate

11. Using a piping bag, frost the brownies in a zig-zag pattern to create the appearance of garland on the Christmas trees.
12. Top each brownie with pretzel sticks for trunks and sprinkle rainbow confetti for ornaments. Finally, add yellow star sprinkles to the top of each tree.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 16
• Calories per serving: Approximately 290 kcal
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 26 g
• Protein: 3 g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve

• Plate them individually or arrange them on a festive platter.
• Pair with a warm beverage like hot chocolate or eggnog.
• Serve at holiday parties or as a delightful dessert for family gatherings.
• Garnish with additional sprinkles for extra color and festivity.

Additional Tips

1. Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality chocolate chips and cocoa powder can enhance the flavor of your brownies.
2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the brownie batter can lead to dense brownies; mix until just combined.
3. Chill the Frosting: If your frosting is too soft to pipe, chill it in the fridge for a few minutes before decorating.
4. Experiment with Flavors: Add peppermint extract to the frosting for a refreshing holiday twist.
5. Make Ahead: Brownies can be made a day in advance; just frost them before serving for the best presentation.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Different Frosting Colors: Use red food coloring to create candy cane-themed brownies or white frosting for a snow effect.
• Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts into the brownie batter for added texture.
• Chocolate Ganache: Top the brownies with chocolate ganache instead of frosting for a richer flavor.
• Mini Trees: Use a mini brownie pan to create smaller tree brownies for bite-sized treats.

Serving Suggestions

• Gift them: Package the brownies in a festive box to share with neighbors or friends.
• Include in a dessert table: Perfect addition to any holiday dessert table alongside cookies and cakes.
• Pair with ice cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Holiday Movie Night: Make them a part of your holiday movie night spread for a cozy evening.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

• Yes, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

1. Can I make these brownies dairy-free?

• Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

1. What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

• Milk or a dairy-free alternative can be used, but the frosting may be less rich.

1. Can I bake these brownies in a different pan size?

• Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller pan will require a shorter bake time.

1. How can I tell when the brownies are done?

• Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

1. What if my brownies are too dry?

• Ensure you’re measuring ingredients accurately and not overbaking.

1. Can I add flavorings to the brownies?

• Absolutely! Add mint, orange zest, or espresso powder for different flavors.

1. Is it necessary to chill the brownies before cutting?

• Chilling them makes them easier to cut but isn’t required.

1. How should I store leftovers?

• Keep in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate if preferred.

1. Can I use other toppings?

• Yes! Use crushed candies, nuts, or different sprinkles to customize your brownies.

Conclusion

These Christmas Tree Brownies are a delightful treat that brings holiday cheer to any gathering. They are not only delicious but also a fun project to do with family and friends. The combination of rich brownies, fluffy green frosting, and festive decorations creates a visual feast that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking for a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these brownies are sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, get the family involved, and spread some holiday joy with these festive brownies!

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