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Christmas Tree Brownies

These festive Christmas tree brownies are decorated with vibrant green frosting and colorful sprinkles, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Print it Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Brownies
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled Use unsalted butter for control of saltiness.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder Use unsweetened cocoa, not hot cocoa mix.
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled Measure flour carefully.
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt Omit if using salted butter.
For the Green Frosting and Decorations
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened Use soft butter, not melted.
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 teaspoons milk, as needed Add as needed for desired consistency.
  • 1 tablespoon red, white, and gold sprinkles Check packaging for edibility.
  • 8 small edible star sprinkles, optional
  • Green gel food coloring Add a little at a time for desired color.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round metal cake pan, lining the base with parchment paper.
Mixing the Brownie Batter
  1. Whisk the melted butter with granulated sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
  2. Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt, folding gently until no dry streaks remain. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25–30 minutes, checking at 25 minutes. The edges should be set; a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs.
  2. Let the brownies cool in the pan on a rack for about 90 minutes.
Cutting
  1. Loosen the brownies from the edge, lift out using parchment strips, and transfer to a cutting board.
  2. Cut into eight equal wedges.
Making the Frosting
  1. Beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and 1 teaspoon of milk until creamy.
  2. Add green gel food coloring a little at a time until desired color is achieved.
Decorating
  1. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag or zip-top bag. Pipe a green zigzag on each brownie and add sprinkles and a star sprinkle on top.
  2. Let the decorated brownies stand briefly so the frosting firms slightly before moving them.

Notes

Bake the brownies a day ahead and store tightly covered at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze undecorated brownies for up to 2 months.