Try this fun and festive treat: Christmas tree brownies. They’re simple to make and perfect for holiday gatherings, school parties, or cookie swaps.
These Brownie Christmas Trees are an easy holiday dessert that starts with a boxed brownie mix, though you can use a homemade brownie recipe if you prefer. Once baked, the brownies are cut into triangles, decorated with green frosting, sprinkles and a pretzel stick trunk to create adorable edible trees.
They pair well with other holiday treats and are great for parties at home, work, or school. Kids enjoy helping decorate, and these brownies are also a fun option for cookie exchanges.
What’s in this post: Christmas Tree Brownies
- Why this recipe is perfect for the holidays:
- Ingredients
- Variations
- How to make Christmas tree brownies:
- Pro Tips
- Try these other easy Christmas desserts
- Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe
Why this recipe is perfect for the holidays:
- Quick and cute — impressive without a lot of effort.
- Festive presentation that’s ideal for Christmas gatherings.
- Rich chocolate flavor that most people love.
Ingredients
- 1 box fudge brownie mix (and the ingredients listed on the box) or your favorite homemade brownie recipe
- Green frosting in a decorating bag (or make homemade buttercream and tint it green)
- Multicolor sprinkles
- Star sprinkles (or yellow M&M’s as the star)
- Pretzel sticks for the trunk
Variations
- Brownies: Use homemade brownies if you prefer.
- Frosting: Make buttercream at home and tint it green for a fresher flavor.
- Star topper: Substitute a yellow M&M if you can’t find star sprinkles.
- Trunk options: Pretzel sticks are classic, but peppermint sticks or mini candy canes also work.
- Peppermint twist: Sprinkle crushed peppermint on top for a minty touch.
How to make Christmas tree brownies:
Step 1. Prepare and bake the brownies following the box instructions (or your recipe) in an 8×8 pan. Lining the pan with foil or parchment and spraying it with cooking spray makes removing the brownies easier.
Step 2. Let the brownies cool completely, then cut them into triangles by making diagonal cuts. Insert a pretzel stick into the base of each triangle to serve as the tree trunk.
Step 3. Outline the triangle with green frosting first to create a clean edge, then fill in the center to cover the brownie evenly.
Step 4. Decorate each tree with sprinkles and add a star at the top. Let the frosting set for at least 10 minutes so the decorations stay in place.
Step 5. Serve and enjoy these festive, chocolatey treats.
Pro Tips
- Use a plastic disposable knife for cleaner cuts; wipe the blade between cuts to keep edges neat.
- Insert the pretzel trunk before frosting so you don’t disturb the icing when pushing it in later.
- If triangles aren’t perfect, trim them with a sharp knife for a neater look.
- If making homemade frosting, place it in a small plastic bag and snip the corner to pipe an outline, or use a piping bag for more control.
- Pretzels are traditional for the trunk, but peppermint sticks or mini candy canes make a fun variation.
Try these other easy Christmas desserts
- Easy Christmas Tree Rice Krispie Treats
- Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
- Christmas Sprinkle Cookies
- Reindeer Cookies
- Christmas Ice Cream Cake
- Easy Grinch Cookies
These Christmas tree brownies are a cheerful, easy dessert that will bring smiles at any holiday event. Try them this season and enjoy the compliments!
Christmas Tree Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 box fudge brownie mix + ingredients listed on the box (or use a homemade brownie recipe)
- 1 bag green frosting for decorating (or homemade buttercream tinted green)
- 1 container multicolor sprinkles
- 1 container star sprinkles (or yellow M&M’s)
- Pretzel sticks
Instructions
- Spray an 8×8 pan and lightly flour it so the brownies come out clean.
- Bake the brownies as directed on the box.
- Cool slightly, run a knife around the edge, then flip the pan onto parchment paper to remove the brownies.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting tree shapes.
- Cut the cooled brownies into triangles.
- Insert a pretzel stick into the bottom of each triangle to form the tree trunk.
- Pipe an outline of the tree with green frosting, then fill in to cover the brownie.
- Decorate with sprinkles and a star at the top; let sit about 10 minutes to set.
- If you can’t find star sprinkles, use a yellow M&M for the top.
- Enjoy!