Holiday Memories with Easy Christmas Brownies
The First Time I Made Christmas Brownies
The first time I made Christmas Brownies, the smell of melting chocolate filled the kitchen and instantly wrapped our home in a cozy holiday warmth. It was one of those simple December afternoons when snowflakes danced outside the window, and the joy of the season seemed to sprinkle itself into everything we did. I wanted a dessert that was easy to bake but felt special enough for hosting Christmas Dinner, and brownies seemed like the perfect choice—rich, fudgy, and universally loved.
As the brownies baked, laughter from the living room mingled with the sweet aroma wafting from the oven. The kids peeked in every few minutes, waiting for the moment we could start decorating. Once cooled, we carefully cut the brownies into triangles, turning each piece into a tiny Christmas tree. A swirl of green icing, a dust of sparkly sugar, and a tiny candy star on top transformed ordinary chocolate squares into something magical.
That night, we placed our newly made Christmas Brownies beside the Christmas Tree Cake on Festive Plate and the Christmas Tree Cupcake Platter. The table looked like a miniature holiday wonderland—colorful, bright, and delicious. What started as a spontaneous idea quickly became one of our most beloved Easy Christmas Brownies & Tree Dessert Ideas. Each year since, these brownies have found their way to the center of our dessert table, right next to the twinkling lights and holiday cheer.
Print
Easy Christmas Brownies & Tree Dessert Ideas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Description
These festive brownies combine rich chocolate flavor with playful tree-shaped decorations for a memorable holiday treat. Easy to bake and decorate, they make a sweet centerpiece for your dessert table or a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a bowl until glossy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
5. Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Stir in chocolate chips.
7. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
8. Bake 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
9. Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting.
10. Cut cooled brownies into triangles to form tree shapes.
11. Mix powdered sugar with milk and green food coloring, pipe icing onto triangles and decorate with sprinkles and candy canes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 50
Keywords: christmas brownies, easy christmas brownies, christmas tree brownies, holiday desserts, festive brownies, christmas dessert ideas, tree dessert ideas
Why These Treats Became a Holiday Tradition
It didn’t take long for these Christmas Brownies to become a favorite family tradition. After the first batch, we realized how much everyone—kids and adults alike—enjoyed getting creative with the decorations. The younger ones loved piping icing in zigzag patterns and adding colorful sprinkles, while the grown-ups perfected the “snowy” sugar dusting on top. Before we knew it, decorating brownies had become an annual event, complete with music, hot cocoa, and plenty of laughter.
Each year, we expand the dessert display, placing our brownie trees next to Christmas Tree-shaped Cookies On Tray and a vibrant assortment of cupcakes. The dessert table becomes a cheerful centerpiece during Christmas Dinner, a blend of chocolatey goodness and festive creativity. What makes these treats truly special is how easily they can be packaged as heartfelt gifts. We often wrap a few brownies in cellophane, tie them with red ribbons, and deliver them to neighbors as a sweet surprise.
Over time, these Easy Christmas Brownies & Tree Dessert Ideas have come to symbolize everything we love about the holidays—sharing, creativity, and togetherness. They’re simple enough for busy hosts, kid-friendly for family activities, and charming enough to impress at any festive gathering. As soon as the baking pans come out and the cocoa hits the bowl, we know Christmas has officially begun.
Baking Easy Christmas Brownies for the Holidays
Ingredient List and Tools You’ll Need
To make these Easy Christmas Brownies, you don’t need any complex or hard-to-find ingredients. Most items are pantry staples that come together to create a rich, fudgy base ready for all your favorite holiday decorations. Below is a simple ingredient and tools list to help your baking session run smoothly.
| Ingredients | Measurements / Notes |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | ¾ cup, melted |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| Light Brown Sugar | ½ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 teaspoons |
| All-Purpose Flour | ¾ cup |
| Unsweetened Cocoa Powder | ½ cup |
| Baking Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips | 1 cup |
| Green Food Coloring | A few drops for icing |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 cup (for decorating) |
| Milk or Cream | 2–3 tablespoons (for icing consistency) |
| Colorful Sprinkles | As desired |
| Mini Candy Canes | Optional – for tree “trunks” |
Tools You’ll Need:
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8×8-inch baking pan or similar square/rectangular tin
- Parchment paper (for easy brownie removal)
- Cooling rack
- Icing bags or plastic sandwich bags (for piping)
- Butter knife or offset spatula for spreading
Every tool and ingredient plays a part in creating perfect Christmas Brownies—dense, chewy, and ready to decorate into festive tree shapes. Keeping these essentials handy before you start ensures your baking is smooth and mess-free.
Step-by-Step Directions for Delicious Brownies
- Prepare Your Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your pan with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang to lift brownies out later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, both sugars, eggs, and vanilla together until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet, mixing only until combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in chocolate chips for extra gooey richness.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool on a wire rack before cutting.
- Shape into Christmas Trees: Lift the brownie slab and cut into long strips, then into triangles to resemble trees.
- Prepare Icing: Mix powdered sugar with milk or cream, tinting with green food coloring for the frosting.
- Decorate Your Trees: Pipe icing across in zigzag lines, top with sprinkles or crushed candy canes, and use mini candy canes for trunks.
- Display & Enjoy: Arrange your Christmas Brownies on a festive platter beside a Christmas Tree Cake On Festive Plate or Christmas Tree Cupcake Platter.
Once decorated, these Easy Christmas Brownies & Tree Dessert Ideas can be displayed as edible décor or given as heartfelt Christmas gifts, wrapped neatly with ribbons or packaged in tins for sharing with friends and neighbors.
Decorating and Displaying Holiday Brownies and Treats
Creative Ways to Plate and Serve
When it comes to presenting Christmas Brownies, creativity is just as important as flavor. The right presentation turns your homemade bakes into eye-catching centerpieces that instantly draw smiles from guests. Whether you’re hosting Christmas Dinner or arranging a cozy dessert display, a well-decorated plate of brownies can feel like a miniature holiday scene.
Start by using a large festive plate or cake stand as your base. Lay brownie “trees” in a circular pattern, filling gaps with peppermint candies, sugared cranberries, or sprigs of rosemary for a wintery touch. Surround your Christmas Tree Cupcake Platter with alternating brownie trees to create a bright, balanced look.
For individual servings, plate a brownie tree beside ice cream or whipped cream, dusted with powdered sugar to resemble falling snow. Or, stack brownies on a wooden board and tie them with thin ribbon, creating a rustic bundle of edible gifts. Line your Christmas Brownies beside a Christmas Tree Cake on Festive Plate and cookies for a striking, photo-ready display.
Mixing Brownies with Other Christmas Tree Desserts
Combining your Christmas Brownies with other desserts brings vibrant variety to your table. Center your Christmas Tree Cake On Festive Plate, surround it with brownie trees of varying designs, and add a Christmas Tree Cupcake Platter nearby. The contrast of fudgy chocolate with bright frosting creates a colorful, inviting spread.
Finish the look with a tray of Christmas Tree-shaped Cookies On Tray placed around the edges or on risers for layered presentation. Stick to a unified color palette of green, white, gold, and red. Small details like edible glitter and shiny ornaments tie the entire arrangement together.
These displays also make perfect gifts. Bundle brownies, cookies, and cupcakes in decorated tins or parchment-wrapped boxes with holiday ribbons. A handwritten tag reading “Baked with Love” makes it personal and heartwarming. Little touches like this bring the season’s spirit to every bite of your Easy Christmas Brownies & Tree Dessert Ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Brownies & Dessert Ideas
FAQ Section
1. How can I keep my Christmas Brownies soft and moist?
Store cooled brownies in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Adding a slice of bread or a few marshmallows keeps them soft by maintaining humidity. Perfect for preparing ahead of Christmas Dinner.
2. Can I make Christmas Tree Brownies ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Bake one to two days early, leave uncut until ready to serve, and decorate the day of your event. Keep stored in a covered container to lock in freshness.
3. How do I decorate brownies if I don’t have piping tools?
Use a plastic sandwich bag with a snipped corner as an improvised piping bag. You can also drizzle with a spoon or fork for a casual, rustic look. Add sprinkles or crushed candies for festive flair.
4. What’s the best way to store brownies after baking?
Store at room temperature up to four days or refrigerate if frosted. For longer storage, freeze undecorated brownies for up to two months, then thaw and decorate before serving.
5. How to gift or package these Christmas Tree desserts creatively?
Arrange brownies in tins or bakery boxes lined with parchment paper, tied with ribbons and personalized tags. Combine them with Christmas Tree-shaped Cookies On Tray or cupcakes for a mixed holiday gift box.
Conclusion: Spreading Sweet Joy This Christmas
The magic of the season often lies in simple, heartfelt gestures—like baking Christmas Brownies with family or sharing them with neighbors. These Easy Christmas Brownies & Tree Dessert Ideas bring warmth, creativity, and togetherness to every gathering.
Whether displayed beside a Christmas Tree Cake On Festive Plate, paired with a Christmas Tree Cupcake Platter, or served with Christmas Tree-shaped Cookies On Tray, each sweet treat creates joyful holiday memories. Every batch tells a story of laughter, sharing, and seasonal magic.
This year, let your kitchen glow with chocolatey aroma and festive spirit. With Easy Christmas Brownies & Tree Dessert Ideas, you’re not just baking desserts—you’re creating moments that make Christmas truly special.
