Name: Christmas Tree Brownies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; ⅔ cup (55 g) unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp baking powder; 1 cup vanilla frosting, tinted green; ½ cup mini candy-coated chocolates; 24 yellow star sprinkles; 24 pretzel sticks

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These Christmas Tree Brownies are the cutest treat on any holiday dessert table, and they’re so much easier than they look. Rich, fudgy chocolate brownies are cut into triangles, then decorated with a zigzag of green frosting “garland,” colorful candy “lights,” a little star on top and a pretzel stick trunk.

They’re perfect for school parties, cookie exchanges and a fun afternoon of decorating with the kids.

Christmas tree brownies decorated with green icing, colorful candy lights, yellow star sprinkles and pretzel trunks, one held up by a hand over a tray.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Tree Brownies

Fudgy homemade brownies with a crackly top, made in one bowl.
No special pans. Just bake in a 9×13 and cut into triangles.
A fun family activity. Kids love adding the lights and stars.
Make-ahead friendly for parties and gifting.

Ingredients

For the brownies

Unsalted butter – 1 cup (226 g), melted.
Granulated sugar – 2 cups (400 g).
Eggs – 4 large, at room temperature.
Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons.
Unsweetened cocoa powder – ⅔ cup (55 g).
All-purpose flour – 1 cup (125 g).
Salt and baking powder – ½ teaspoon each.

For decorating

Vanilla frosting – 1 cup, tinted with green gel food coloring.
Mini candy-coated chocolates – ½ cup.
Yellow star sprinkles – About 24.
Pretzel sticks – About 24.

How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies

1. Make the batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Whisk the melted butter and sugar, then whisk in the eggs one at a time and the vanilla. Sift in the cocoa, flour, salt and baking powder and fold until just combined.

2. Bake

Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely, then chill for 30 minutes for cleaner cuts.

3. Cut the trees

Lift the brownies out and cut lengthwise into 3 long strips. Cut each strip into triangles by slicing diagonally, alternating directions, to make about 24 trees.

4. Decorate

Pipe the green frosting in a zigzag across each triangle. Press on the candy “lights” and a star at the top, then gently push a pretzel stick into the bottom of each tree as the trunk.

Tips for Perfect Brownie Trees

Chill before cutting so the triangles have sharp, clean edges.
Wipe your knife between cuts.
Use gel coloring for a bright green that doesn’t thin the frosting.
Insert the pretzels gently so the brownies don’t crack.

Variations

Boxed mix shortcut: Use a family-size brownie mix baked in a 9×13 pan.
Mint chocolate: Add ½ tsp peppermint extract to the frosting.
Snowy trees: Dust with powdered sugar instead of frosting.

How to Store

Store decorated brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Add the pretzel trunks the day you serve them so they stay crunchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make them ahead?
Yes. Bake and cut the brownies up to 2 days ahead, then decorate the day of your party.

What can I use instead of pretzel sticks?
Mini candy canes or a small piece of a chocolate wafer work well.

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