Whimsical Brownie Evergreens

Transform your holiday dessert table with these absolutely delightful frosted brownie Christmas trees. They offer a unique and festive twist to traditional treats, guaranteed to be the star attraction at any holiday gathering, office party, or cookie exchange. Imagine rich, fudgy brownies, baked to perfection, then artfully decorated with creamy, dreamy buttercream frosting, transforming each piece into a charming miniature Christmas tree. But don’t let your imagination stop there; these versatile brownie cut-outs can be adorned in countless creative ways to suit any festive occasion!

While the joy of frosting sugar cookies is a cherished holiday tradition for many, these decadent brownie “cookies” present a fun, equally festive, and wonderfully easy alternative. The best part? There’s no lengthy chilling of dough, tedious rolling, or even the need for specialized cookie cutters required to achieve these enchanting shapes. They offer all the festive appeal with significantly less effort, making them perfect for busy holiday bakers.

This recipe ingeniously adapts a favorite one-bowl homemade brownie recipe, transforming it into delightful triangles that perfectly mimic Christmas trees. Each fudgy triangle is then crowned with a vibrant green vanilla buttercream frosting and adorned with an assortment of festive sprinkles, bringing these edible trees to life. Their irresistible charm and incredibly delicious taste make them an instant hit. If you’re looking to introduce something fresh and exciting to your annual cookie exchange or simply want to elevate your holiday dessert spread, these frosted brownie Christmas trees are an absolute must-try! They combine the beloved texture of a classic brownie with the whimsical spirit of the festive season, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and visually stunning. This guide will walk you through every step, from baking the perfect brownie to mastering the art of cutting and decorating, ensuring your holiday treats are nothing short of spectacular.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients You’ll Need
• How to Make Brownie Cut-Outs
• How to Cut Brownies into Christmas Trees
• Flavor Variations and Decorating Ideas
• Essential Tips for This Recipe
• More Irresistible Brownie Recipes
• Get the Full Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need for Festive Brownie Trees

Crafting these delectable frosted brownie Christmas trees begins with a careful selection of high-quality ingredients, ensuring both the rich flavor and perfect fudgy texture. For the brownies, you’ll need essential pantry staples like unsalted butter, quality bittersweet chocolate (chopped or chips work equally well), granulated sugar for sweetness, a touch of salt to balance flavors, large eggs for structure and moisture, pure vanilla extract for warmth, and all-purpose flour. The magic of the frosting comes from softened unsalted butter, finely sifted powdered sugar for a smooth consistency, more vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and a few tablespoons of milk to achieve that ideal fluffy texture. And, of course, green gel food coloring and an assortment of festive sprinkles are crucial for bringing your Christmas tree vision to life!

How to Master Making Brownie Cut-Outs

Creating these charming brownie cut-outs is a straightforward process, especially with a reliable one-bowl brownie recipe. The key is to achieve that perfect fudgy texture that holds its shape when cut, providing a sturdy base for your festive decorations. Follow these simple steps for success:

1. Prepare Your Brownie Batter: Start by melting unsalted butter and bittersweet chocolate together gently in a saucepan over low heat until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Remove it from the heat to prevent overcooking the chocolate. Next, incorporate the granulated sugar and a pinch of salt, stirring well until fully combined. This helps dissolve the sugar and begins to build the brownie’s characteristic texture. Then, add the large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, emulsified batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for that quintessential warm flavor. Finally, add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until the dry ingredients are fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – everything comes together in a single bowl, making cleanup a breeze.
   
2. Bake to Fudgy Perfection: Pour your rich brownie batter evenly into a prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Ensure the pan is greased and floured, or lined with parchment paper, for easy removal later. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes. The ideal doneness for fudgy brownies is when the edges are slightly puffed and set, and the surface appears dry, but a toothpick inserted into the center still comes out with moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this will result in dry brownies rather than the desired fudgy consistency.
   
3. Cool and Precisely Slice: Patience is a virtue here! Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before attempting to slice them. Cooling ensures they firm up and are much easier to cut cleanly without crumbling. Once thoroughly cooled, carefully transfer the brownie slab onto a cutting board. Now, it’s time for the fun part – transforming them into festive triangles. Detailed instructions on how to achieve perfect Christmas tree shapes are provided in the next section!
4. Whip Up the Fluffy Frosting: While your brownies are cooling, prepare the luscious buttercream frosting. In the bowl of an electric mixer (or using a hand mixer), combine softened unsalted butter, sifted powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Begin mixing on low speed until all ingredients are just incorporated and no dry sugar remains. Then, increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting becomes wonderfully light, fluffy, and creamy. Don’t forget to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is evenly mixed. If the frosting seems too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, half a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a perfect spreadable consistency. For our Christmas trees, incorporate green gel food coloring until you achieve your desired festive shade.
5. Decorate with Holiday Cheer: With your cooled brownie triangles and vibrant green frosting ready, it’s time to unleash your creativity! Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip (a star tip works beautifully for a tree-like texture and swooping motion). Alternatively, a simple offset spatula can be used to spread the frosting generously over each brownie triangle. The final touch? A generous scattering of festive sprinkles – think edible stars for the tree toppers, colorful nonpareils as ornaments, or shimmering sugar for a snowy effect. Let your imagination guide you to create unique and enchanting designs.
   
6. Serve and Savor: Your magnificent frosted brownie Christmas trees are now ready to be enjoyed! Arrange them artfully on a festive platter or party tray to showcase their holiday charm. They are perfect for immediate indulgence, or they can be stored for later enjoyment, making them ideal for holiday meal prep. These festive treats are sure to bring smiles and holiday spirit to anyone who tries them, proving that holiday baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be utterly magical.

Precision Cutting: How to Transform Brownies into Christmas Trees

The secret to creating perfectly shaped brownie Christmas trees lies in the cutting technique. It’s remarkably simple and doesn’t require any special tools beyond a sharp knife and possibly a ruler for precision. Here’s a detailed guide to cutting your cooled brownies into charming tree shapes:

1. Initial Rectangular Cuts: Begin by transferring your completely cooled brownie slab from the baking pan to a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the entire brownie slab into 4 long, even rectangles. These cuts should run parallel to the shorter sides of your 9×13-inch pan. Aim for consistency in width to ensure your trees are uniform in size.
2. Diagonal Cuts for Triangles: Now, take one of the long brownie rectangles. Position your knife at one bottom corner of the rectangle. Make a diagonal cut across the brownie strip, aiming towards the opposite long edge, approximately 1 inch in from that corner. This will form the first side of your triangle. For the next cut, move approximately 1 inch along the bottom edge from where your previous cut ended. From this new point, make another diagonal cut back towards the original long edge, again about 1 inch from the previous cutting point on that edge. Essentially, you’re creating a zigzag pattern down the length of the rectangle.
3. Repeat and Refine: Continue this diagonal cutting pattern along the entire length of the brownie strip. Each “zig” and “zag” will create a perfect triangle, mimicking the shape of a Christmas tree. With each long rectangle, you should be able to yield approximately 7 distinct triangles. Don’t worry if your first few aren’t perfect; practice makes perfect! A ruler can be a helpful guide to ensure your 1-inch increments are consistent, leading to more uniform trees. As you cut, you’ll notice small half-triangle scraps remaining at either end of each strip. These delicious bits are the baker’s reward – perfect for a quick snack!
4. Complete the Batch: Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the remaining three brownie rectangles. By the end, you should have a total of 28 perfectly shaped brownie triangles, all ready to be frosted and transformed into a whimsical forest of Christmas trees. This method maximizes your yield while creating an appealing, festive shape without any specialized cookie cutters.

Flavor Variations and Creative Decorating Ideas

While classic chocolate brownies with vanilla buttercream are undeniably delicious, the holiday season is a perfect time to experiment with flavors and expand your decorating repertoire. Here are some inspiring ideas to make your frosted brownie cut-outs even more spectacular and personalized:

• **Peppermint Wonderland**: Infuse your brownies with a burst of cool mint by adding ½ teaspoon of **peppermint extract** to the brownie batter. For an extra kick, a small amount of peppermint extract can also be added to the buttercream frosting. This creates a refreshing, seasonal flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with chocolate, reminiscent of candy canes and holiday cheer.
• **Rich Chocolate Indulgence**: For the ultimate chocolate lover, swap the vanilla buttercream for a decadent **fudge buttercream frosting**. The intense chocolate flavor of the frosting will complement the fudgy brownies beautifully, creating a truly irresistible treat. You can find many recipes for easy fudge buttercream online to make this variation a reality.
• **Santa Hat Brownies**: Instead of Christmas trees, transform your triangle-shaped brownies into adorable **Santa hats**! Decorate them with a base of vibrant red frosting, then pipe a fluffy white border along the bottom and a small white pom-pom on the tip. This playful design is sure to be a hit, especially with children.
• **Gift Box Brownies**: Take a different approach to shaping and simply cut your cooled brownies into **traditional squares**. Once frosted, these squares can be decorated to resemble **Christmas gifts**. Use various colors of frosting to create “ribbons” and “bows” on top, using contrasting colors for a striking effect. Edible glitter can add an extra festive sparkle.
• **Cookie Cutter Fun**: If you own holiday-themed cookie cutters, don’t hesitate to use them! Once your brownies are completely cooled and firm, you can gently press **holiday cookie cutters** (stars, snowflakes, gingerbread men, bells) into the brownie slab to create other festive shapes. Just be sure to work carefully to avoid crumbling the brownies. Frost and decorate these shapes as desired.
• **Unleash Your Inner Artist**: The beauty of these brownie cut-outs is their versatility. Don’t feel limited by specific designs. **Get creative**! Use any shape, combine multiple frosting colors, experiment with different piping tips, and go wild with your sprinkle collection. You can create abstract designs, winter scenes, or even personalized messages. The goal is to have fun and make treats that reflect your unique holiday spirit.

Essential Tips for Perfect Frosted Brownie Christmas Trees

Achieving bakery-quality frosted brownie Christmas trees is easier than you think, especially with a few expert tips. These insights will help ensure your brownies are perfectly fudgy, your frosting is vibrant, and your festive treats stay fresh for longer.

• Embrace Parchment Paper for Easy Removal: This is perhaps the most critical tip for effortless brownie removal and clean slicing. Always line your baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring that you leave enough overhang on the sides to create “handles.” Once the brownies are completely cooled, you can simply lift the entire slab out of the pan using these parchment paper handles. This prevents any sticking and makes transferring to a cutting board incredibly easy, ensuring your brownies remain intact and beautiful. If parchment paper isn’t available, greased aluminum foil can serve as a suitable alternative.
• Opt for Gel Food Coloring for Vivid Hues: When it comes to coloring your buttercream frosting, **gel food coloring** is vastly superior to liquid varieties. Gel colors are highly concentrated, meaning you need only a small amount to achieve intensely vivid and rich colors (like that perfect Christmas tree green) without altering the consistency of your frosting. Liquid food coloring, on the other hand, is less potent and can thin out your frosting if too much is added. Brands like Wilton and AmeriColor are widely available at craft stores and specialty baking shops, while Betty Crocker also offers good quality gel colors found in most grocery stores.
• Smart Storage for Make-Ahead Treats: These frosted brownie Christmas trees are fantastic for making in advance, offering a wonderful convenience during the busy holiday season. Unfrosted brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and frozen for a month or even longer. For frosted brownies, store them similarly in an airtight container. However, a crucial step for frosted treats is to allow the frosting to “set” or develop a slight “crust” before stacking or tightly covering them. This prevents the frosting from smudging or sticking to other brownies or the container lid, preserving their beautiful decoration. Place them uncovered in a cool spot for an hour or two, or briefly in the refrigerator, until the frosting surface is firm to the touch before sealing.

More Irresistible Brownie Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of these frosted brownie Christmas trees, you’re in for a treat! The world of brownies is vast and wonderful, offering endless possibilities for every occasion and craving. Here are a few more beloved brownie recipes that are definitely worth adding to your baking repertoire, each promising a unique twist on this classic dessert:

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies: Can’t decide between a chocolate chip cookie and a fudgy brownie? Why choose when you can have both! This incredible recipe combines the best of both worlds, featuring a rich brownie base topped with a chewy, golden chocolate chip cookie layer. It’s a decadent two-in-one dessert that’s perfect for satisfying multiple cravings.
• Classic Fudge Brownies: Sometimes, you just can’t beat a timeless classic. This recipe for classic fudge brownies delivers everything you expect from a perfect brownie: intensely chocolatey flavor, a dense and moist interior, and that desirable crinkly top. It’s the go-to recipe for any occasion and a solid foundation for countless variations.
• Pecan Pie Brownies: Elevate your dessert game with a delightful fusion of two beloved treats: fudgy brownies and gooey pecan pie. This recipe features a rich brownie base topped with a sweet, nutty, and sticky pecan pie filling. It’s a sensational dessert that brings together the best of fall and winter flavors, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering.

Get the Full Recipe: Frosted Brownie Cut-Out Cookies

Frosted Brownie Cut-Out Cookies

Servings: 28 servings

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Frosting Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins

A fun and festive alternative to traditional sugar cookies, these cut-out brownies are perfect for holiday celebrations!

Ingredients

For the brownies:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 6 ounces (170 grams) bittersweet chocolate, chopped or use chips
• 1 ½ cup (300 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour

For the frosting:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 4 cups (452 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch salt
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• Food coloring, as desired (green recommended)
• Sprinkles, as desired

Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Offset spatula
• Gel food coloring
• Piping decorator set

Instructions

To make brownies:

1. To make the brownies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a medium saucepan set over low heat, gently melt the bittersweet chocolate and unsalted butter together. Stir continuously until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the granulated sugar and salt until well combined. Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure fudgy brownies.
5. Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the middles appear dry, but a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before proceeding. This is crucial for clean cuts.

To make frosting:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), combine the softened unsalted butter, sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Start mixing on low speed until the ingredients are just combined and smooth.
2. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is wonderfully light, fluffy, and creamy, pausing as needed to scrape down the sides of the bowl. If the frosting seems too stiff, add an additional tablespoon of milk, one tiny bit at a time, until the desired spreadable consistency is achieved.
3. Add gel food coloring (green is recommended for Christmas trees) to the frosting and mix until the color is evenly distributed and reaches your desired shade.

To cut and decorate into Christmas trees:

1. Once the brownies are completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire brownie slab out of the pan and transfer it to a clean cutting board.
2. Cut the cooled brownies into 4 long, even rectangles parallel to the short edges of the pan. Take one rectangle at a time. To create the tree shape, cut from one bottom corner diagonally across to the other long edge, approximately 1 inch in from that corner. Then, cut diagonally again back to the other side, another 1 inch in from the previous cut point. Continue this zigzag pattern until you have 7 triangles from each strip. Using a ruler can help ensure consistent cuts.
3. Repeat this cutting process with the remaining brownie strips until you have a total of 28 brownie triangles. You will have a few small scraps leftover from the ends of each strip, which are perfect for a little baker’s snack!
4. Transfer the green frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip, or simply use an offset spatula. Pipe or spread the frosting decoratively on top of each brownie triangle.
5. Generously add festive sprinkles as you like to resemble ornaments and a tree topper.
6. Store the frosted brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If planning to stack them, allow the frosting to develop a slight “crust” by letting them sit uncovered for an hour or so before sealing, to prevent smudging. For longer storage, wrap individually with plastic wrap and freeze for a month or more.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 295kcal, Carbohydrates: 36g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 59mg, Sodium: 33mg, Potassium: 57mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 30g, Vitamin A: 444IU, Calcium: 14mg, Iron: 1mg

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Author: Annalise Sandberg

This delightful recipe was originally published in December 2013, created in a wonderful partnership with Go Bold With Butter.