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These Christmas Tree Brownie Bites bring festive cheer with every bite and are surprisingly easy to make. Rich chocolatey brownie triangles get transformed into merry little trees with the help of bright green frosting and colorful holiday sprinkles. They are perfect for holiday parties, cookie platters, or a fun decorating activity with kids that turns baking into a celebration.
I remember making these with my nieces one snowy Christmas afternoon and watching their faces light up as they decorated their own trees. They now ask for them every year as part of our holiday tradition.
Ingredients
- Brownie mix with ingredients called for on the box: brownies are the rich, fudgy base of this treat, choose your favorite brand and make sure to measure ingredients carefully for the best texture
- Green frosting: either storebought or homemade works well a thick frosting is ideal so it holds its shape when piped
- Holiday sprinkles: these add festive flair and a bit of crunch, pick a mix with various colors and shapes to really make the trees pop
- Mini candy stars or small M&Ms: to use as tree toppers these little details complete the look and add extra sweetness
- Mini candy canes: optional for the “tree trunks” they add a whimsical touch and a hint of peppermint that pairs beautifully with chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownies:
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions in a 9 by 13 inch pan. Be sure to spread the batter evenly so they bake uniformly. When baking, follow the time range but start checking around the 25 minute mark. Let the brownies cool completely to make clean cuts easier.
- Cut into Triangles:
- Once the brownies are cool, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut them into triangular shapes. Clean the knife between cuts to maintain clean edges. Aim to get approximately 18 equal triangles for consistent serving sizes. This step shapes your festive base.
- Pipe the Frosting:
- Fill a piping bag or ziptop bag with green frosting. Pipe a zigzag or swirl pattern onto each brownie triangle to create the look of pine tree branches. Make sure the frosting is thick enough to hold its shape for that real tree feel. Patience here pays off so take your time with each tree.
- Decorate the Trees:
- Sprinkle the frosting trees with holiday sprinkles for “ornaments.” Place a mini candy star or a small M&M at the top of each triangle to serve as a tree topper. These little accents bring the festive theme alive and add visual delight.
- Add Candy Cane Trunks if Desired:
- Break mini candy canes into small pieces to insert at the base of the brownies as trunks for your trees. This step is optional but adds a charming holiday detail and a peppermint twist.
My favorite part of these brownie bites is the frosting swirl which instantly transforms simple brownies into festive treasures. Decorating with family around the kitchen table while Christmas music plays in the background makes this recipe truly special every year.
Storage tips
Store any leftover brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for two to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week but bring to room temperature before serving to restore softness. Frosting holds up well in refrigeration but may firm slightly. Avoid stacking the brownies directly to keep the frosting intact.
Ingredient substitutions
For a homemade touch, swap the boxed brownie mix with your favorite fromscratch recipe using quality cocoa powder and butter. You can use any green coloring for the frosting but natural options like spinach powder or matcha will add unique color and mild flavors. Instead of candy stars, small chocolate chips or chopped nuts offer different textures and tastes.
Serving suggestions
Serve these Christmas tree brownies alongside warm cocoa or mulled cider for cozy festive gatherings. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance their richness. Displaying them on a festive platter with holiday napkins elevates the presentation instantly.
Finish with a star or small M&M on each tree and enjoy sharing these festive treats with loved ones. Happy baking and happy holidays.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → How do I shape the brownies into triangles?
After baking and cooling the brownies, use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut them into triangle shapes. Cleaning the cutter between cuts helps keep edges clean.
- → What type of frosting works best?
Green frosting, either store-bought or homemade buttercream, works well to create the tree effect and holds decorative sprinkles nicely.
- → Can I add candy decorations?
Yes, mini candy stars or M&Ms make great tree toppers, and mini candy canes can be used as optional trunks for added festive detail.
- → How to prevent frosting from melting?
Ensure the brownies are completely cooled before applying frosting to prevent melting and maintain vibrant decoration.
- → What occasions are these treats suitable for?
These brownie bites are perfect for holiday parties, cookie platters, or festive gatherings with family and friends.