Why Make This Recipe
Brownie Christmas Trees are a delicious and festive treat perfect for the holiday season. These chocolatey delights not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also add a cheerful touch to any festive gathering. Their fun shape and colorful decorations make them a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Imagine serving these delightful brownie trees at your holiday party, spreading joy and sweetness with every bite. They are easy to make and fun to decorate, giving you a chance to unleash your creativity in the kitchen while creating a memorable holiday treat.
Equipment Needed for Brownie Christmas Trees
Preparing Brownie Christmas Trees requires simple kitchen equipment you likely already have at home.
You will need a 13×9 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, a whisk, a wooden spoon, and a small saucepan. Additionally, having piping bags or a plastic bag with a corner cut off will help you decorate the brownies with frosting.
What You Need to Make Brownie Christmas Trees
- 2 2/3 cups dark chocolate morsels, divided
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup salted butter, cut into pieces
- 4 tablespoons water
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup butter, slightly soft
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- M&M’s candies
- Nonpareils, optional
- Small candy canes
How to Cook Brownie Christmas Trees Step by Step
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F and prepare a 13×9 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. Make sure to hold back 2/3 of a cup of chocolate morsels for later decoration.
In a small saucepan, add the remaining 2 2/3 cups of chocolate morsels, granulated sugar, cut-up salted butter, and water. Heat this mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until everything melts together and forms a smooth blend.
Once melted, pour this mixture into a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool slightly. After it has cooled, use a whisk to stir in the eggs one at a time until everything is blended nicely. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Now it is time to add the dry ingredients. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt with a wooden spoon, ensuring there are no lumps. Once incorporated, fold in the reserved chocolate morsels and optional nuts if you choose.
Pour the brownie batter into the lined baking pan and spread it evenly. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out slightly sticky.
While the brownies are baking, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and slightly soft butter. Stir these together before adding in the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk. Gradually add more milk until the frosting becomes smooth and spreadable.
Once the brownies have cooled in the pan on a wire rack, take a sharp knife and cut them into triangle shapes. To assemble your Christmas trees, insert the curved end of a small candy cane into the bottom of each triangular brownie piece. Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off to pipe frosting onto each brownie tree.
Decorate your brownie trees as you like with colorful M&M’s and optional nonpareils. Enjoy the festive decorations and the cheerful feeling they bring as you serve them!
How to Serve Brownie Christmas Trees
Brownie Christmas Trees can be served in various delightful ways. Place them on a festive platter or plate, showcasing their fun and colorful decorations. Guests will appreciate the visual appeal, especially the candy canes that serve as tree trunks.
For a more interactive experience, you could even set up a decorating station. Let friends or family add additional frosting, candies, or toppings to their brownie trees. This makes for a fun and engaging activity at holiday gatherings.
Ensure your Brownie Christmas Trees are cut into appropriate sizes for easy serving. A triangle shape allows for individuality, and guests can choose how many they want. Don’t forget to have napkins on hand, as these brownies can be quite indulgent!
What to Serve with Brownie Christmas Trees
Brownie Christmas Trees are delightful on their own, but they can also be served with other festive treats for a complete dessert table. Consider pairing them with peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, or sugar cookies decorated with royal icing.
Serving a hot beverage alongside, such as hot cocoa or spiced apple cider, pairs wonderfully with the brownie sweetness. You might also want to offer coffee or tea, providing a balanced option for guests who may prefer something less sweet.
If you wish to add a festive flair to your dessert table, consider arranging some whipped cream or ice cream in a bowl nearby. Guests can add these delicious toppings to their brownie trees, enhancing the flavor and experience of indulging in this delicious treat.
How to Store Brownie Christmas Trees
To keep your Brownie Christmas Trees fresh, store them properly. Place the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them in a few days. Ensure they are completely cool before sealing the container to prevent condensation.
If you need to store them for a longer period, you can refrigerate them. They will stay fresh for a week when stored in the fridge. Before serving, take them out to return to room temperature for the best taste and texture.
For longer storage, brownies can also be frozen. Cut them into triangle shapes and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing. Once solid, transfer them into a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Tips to Make Brownie Christmas Trees
A few tips can help you achieve the best Brownie Christmas Trees. First, ensure your chocolate morsels are of good quality for a rich flavor in your brownies. Always measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
Be mindful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour, as this can lead to dense brownies. The goal is a fudgy, soft texture that holds the tree shape.
For decorating, use different colored M&M’s and sprinkles to create a variety of colorful trees. This not only adds fun to the presentation but also appeals to a broader range of taste preferences.
Before cutting the brownies, let them cool completely. This ensures clean cuts and allows them to retain their desired shape without crumbling. Use a sharp knife for neat edges, enhancing the overall presentation.
Variation
Feel free to get creative with your Brownie Christmas Trees! You can add peppermint extract to the brownie batter for a minty twist that’s perfect for the holidays.
Or opt for festive flavors by incorporating crushed peppermint candies in the brownie or on top of the frosting. For a more decadent dessert, try adding a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the brownies before frosting them.
If you prefer a nut-free version, simply leave out the walnuts or pecans. You can also try adding other types of candies for decoration to change the theme or flavor according to your preferences.
Best Time to Make Brownie Christmas Trees
Brownie Christmas Trees are best enjoyed during the holiday season when baking is in full swing. The festive spirit makes them a perfect addition to any Christmas celebration. They can be made in advance and stored, enabling you to enjoy your time with family and friends.
Consider making them a few days before any gatherings to manage your time effectively. These treats also make great gifts or treats to share with coworkers, friends, or neighbors around the holidays.
You can even plan a fun baking day with family or friends and make a batch together. The process of making these festive brownies can be a great addition to holiday traditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To achieve the best Brownie Christmas Trees, avoid common baking errors. One frequent mistake is not allowing the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This can lead to a mess and uneven shapes.
Another mistake is overbaking the brownies. They should come out slightly sticky for that gooey texture we all love. Always perform the toothpick test halfway through the suggested baking time and keep an eye on them.
Also, be cautious about adding too much frosting or candy toppings. While it can be tempting to pile them high, too many toppings can overpower the rich brownie flavor. Find a balance that enhances the treat without overwhelming it.
Nutritional Notes
While Brownie Christmas Trees are a delightful sugary treat, it’s good to remember moderation. Brownies tend to be calorie-dense due to the chocolate and sugar, so serving them in smaller pieces is wise.
You can also explore alternatives like using less sugar or substituting butter with a healthier fat choice. These tweaks can lighten the recipe while maintaining its festive spirit.
FAQs
Can I make Brownie Christmas Trees in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container, and they will stay fresh for several days.
Are there nut-free options for this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply omit the walnuts or pecans if you’d like a nut-free treat.
What if I don’t have dark chocolate morsels?
You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate morsels as an alternative, depending on your flavor preferences.
Can I use a different frosting?
Yes! You can experiment with cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or even whipped cream for a different taste.
Conclusion
Brownie Christmas Trees are a delightful holiday treat that brings joy to any celebration. Their rich chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with festive decorations, making them a favorite for kids and adults alike. The recipe is straightforward, allowing anyone to create these charming brownies at home.
Embrace the holiday spirit in your kitchen by preparing these fun desserts. Sharing your delicious creations with family and friends will surely make your holiday gatherings even more special. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, have fun celebrating with your beautiful Brownie Christmas Trees!
