Highlight
These Christmas Tree Brownie Bites offer a festive twist on a classic treat perfect for holiday gatherings or simply brightening up any winter day. Rich, fudgy brownie triangles transformed with green frosting and colorful sprinkles bring a playful, joyful vibe to your dessert table. They are easy enough for kids and adults alike to decorate, making the whole experience part of the fun.
I first made these during a hectic holiday party and was thrilled by how much everyone loved them. Now they have become a staple for our Christmas celebrations, especially because decorating them is such a hit with my kids and friends.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Brownie mix plus required ingredients listed on the box: this forms the fudgy base. I recommend choosing a brand known for rich flavor and moist texture
- Green frosting: which visually turns the brownies into trees and adds a sweet creamy layer. You can use store-bought for speed or homemade if you want to personalize the taste
- Holiday sprinkles: to mimic ornaments for that seasonal spark and color
- Mini candy stars or M&Ms: to top each tree lending a festive final touch
- Mini candy canes optional: these act as charming "tree trunks" and add a subtle peppermint note
How to Make It
- Prepare brownies in a 9 by 13-inch pan:
- according to package instructions. Make sure to follow baking times carefully and test with a toothpick near the end to avoid overbaking, which would dry the brownies out. Let cool completely as warm brownies will cause frosting to melt and lose shape.
- Cut the Brownie Trees:
- Cut the cooled brownies into triangles using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife. Clean the cutter between cuts for cleaner edges. Aim for uniform triangle sizes to give the tree bites a neat and professional look.
- Pipe the Green Frosting:
- Pipe green frosting over each brownie triangle. A zigzag or swirling motion best mimics pine tree branches. Use a piping bag fitted with a medium round or star tip for even application. This step creates the iconic tree shape and adds moisture balance to the brownie.
- Decorate Festively:
- Add the holiday sprinkles over the frosting to resemble ornaments on the trees. Then place a mini candy star or an M&M on top to serve as the tree topper. For extra whimsy, break mini candy canes and insert them carefully into the base of each brownie triangle to look like tree trunks. This optional touch introduces a slight peppermint flavor contrast.
My favorite ingredient here is definitely the green frosting because it visually transforms simple brownie bites into whimsical holiday trees. I remember the first time I made these with my nieces and nephews who proudly decorated their own trees. Their creativity and excitement turned a regular dessert into a cherished family memory.
Flavor Boosters
Adding a touch of vanilla or almond extract to homemade frosting adds an extra layer of holiday magic. Swap the green frosting for any color or flavored icing to match other holiday themes or use chopped nuts or dried fruit in the brownie batter for extra texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Present these Christmas tree brownie bites on a festive platter surrounded by fresh cranberries or holly leaves for extra holiday flair. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, coffee, or even eggnog.
Creative Twists
For a winter party outside the Christmas season try decorating the brownie triangles in colors like silver, blue, and white for a snowy effect. Or use red and green frosting for Valentine’s Day as mini holiday hearts instead of trees.
These festive brownie bites are a delightful treat that bring joy with every bite and decoration. Enjoy the process as much as the delicious result!
Common Questions About the Recipe
- → How do I cut the brownies to resemble trees?
Once the brownies have fully cooled, cut them into triangles using a pizza cutter or sharp knife for clean, tree-like shapes.
- → What kind of frosting works best for the green swirl?
Store-bought or homemade green frosting with a smooth but firm consistency is ideal for piping decorative swirls that hold shape.
- → Can I add toppings other than sprinkles?
Mini candy stars, M&Ms, and small candy canes are great for adding details like ornaments and tree trunks, enhancing the festive look.
- → Is it necessary to use brownie mix, or can I bake from scratch?
You can bake brownies from scratch or use a mix; just be sure they are dense enough to hold their shape when cut.
- → What is the best way to store these decorated brownie bites?
Store the decorated brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the frosting fresh.