As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a hub of joy and creativity. One particular afternoon, while anxiously preparing for our family get-together, I had a sudden craving for something festive and fun. That’s when I decided to whip up a batch of Christmas Tree Brownies! These delightful choc mint brownies offer a glorious blend of rich chocolate and refreshing mint, and what’s more, they’re shaped like charming little Christmas trees.
Not only are they a visual treat, but they also bring a playful twist to traditional holiday baking. Perfect for sharing—paired with laughter and good company—these brownies are bound to steal the show at any gathering. And with the versatility of vegan options and easy ingredient swaps, you can indulge guilt-free while impressing your loved ones. So, let’s dive into this quick and festive recipe that will add a sprinkle of cheer to your holiday season!
Why are Christmas Tree Brownies a must-try?
Festively fun: Shaped like Christmas trees, these brownies make holiday baking exciting and interactive for all ages.
Rich chocolatey goodness: With their fudgy texture and refreshing mint flavor, they elevate traditional brownies to a new level of indulgence.
Quick preparation: Ready in just about 30 minutes, they fit perfectly into the busy holiday season.
Versatile options: Whether you choose to customize the decorations or opt for vegan substitutes, these brownies cater to various preferences and dietary needs.
Crowd-pleasing treat: Guaranteed to enchant both kids and adults alike, they’re sure to become a festive favorite at any gathering!
Christmas Tree Brownies Ingredients
For the Brownies
• Butter – Adds richness and moisture; can be substituted with nuttelex for a vegan version.
• White Sugar – Provides sweetness and contributes to the chewy texture.
• Cacao Powder – Imparts a deep chocolate flavor while reducing overall sweetness compared to sweet cocoa.
• Dark Chocolate – Essential for a deeper, richer brownie flavor; avoid using regular eating chocolate as it may not melt smoothly.
• Salt – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
• Mint Extract – Amplifies the mint flavor; can be omitted based on preference.
• Flour – Provides structure to brownies.
• Eggs – Bind the ingredients and provide moisture; ensure they are room temperature for even mixing.
For the Icing
• Icing Sugar – Used for decoration to create the festive look.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds flavor depth and enhances the sweetness of the icing.
• Green Food Coloring – Makes the icing resemble tree foliage.
These Christmas Tree Brownies are the perfect festive treat to bring joy to your holiday table!
How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies
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Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a circular pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal once baked.
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Cream together room temperature butter and white sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy. This creates a lovely foundation for your fudgy brownies.
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Melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until fully melted. Once smooth, let it cool slightly to ensure it doesn’t scramble the eggs when combined.
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Combine the melted chocolate with eggs and mint extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and silky, which will add richness and minty notes to your brownies.
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Fold in the butter-sugar mixture gradually, then gently add flour, cacao powder, and salt until just combined. Take care not to overmix; you want your brownies to be soft and fudgy!
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
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Cool the brownies completely in the pan before carefully removing them. Once cooled, cut them into triangles to create your Christmas tree shapes.
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Decorate the brownies by applying green icing and adding festive sprinkles. This step makes them visually delightful and adds a fun touch for your holiday gatherings!
Optional: Add crushed peppermint candies for a delightful crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Tree Brownies
Room Temperature: Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their fudgy texture and freshness.
Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze them for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy!
Reheating: To enjoy warm brownies, heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring a soft and gooey bite.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Tree Brownies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the brownie batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing the bowl tightly covered in the refrigerator. Alternatively, bake the brownies and store them, uniced, in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For the best flavor and texture, decorate them just before serving, as this preserves the freshness of the icing and the festive look. Simply whip up the icing when ready and add sprinkles, ensuring your brownies remain just as delightful for everyone to enjoy!
Christmas Tree Brownies Variations
Ready to get creative with your Christmas Tree Brownies? The possibilities are endless!
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Vegan Twist: Substitute butter with nuttelex and eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a plant-based delight.
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Mint-Free Option: Skip the mint extract and use vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor profile, still delicious!
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Crunchy Topping: Add mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies into the brownie batter for a delightful crunch.
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Shape Variety: Instead of trees, use different cookie cutters to shape your brownies into stars, snowmen, or ornaments for fun holiday treats.
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Fudgey Center: Bake the brownies for slightly less time to maintain a gooey center, giving them a deliciously fudgy texture.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a warm spice that complements the mint, creating an exciting flavor contrast.
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Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra layer of texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
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Icing Variations: Create a rainbow of colors in your icing by mixing in different food colorings or flavors—think strawberry or lemon for a fruity twist!
Feel free to mix and match these variations to make the ultimate festive treat!
Expert Tips for Christmas Tree Brownies
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Cool Completely: Allow your brownies to cool fully before decorating to ensure the icing stays intact and doesn’t melt.
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Baking Time Adjustment: If using a larger or smaller pan, adjust baking time accordingly; thinner brownies will cook faster and may dry out if overbaked.
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Serrated Knife: Use a serrated knife for cutting the brownies into clean, tree-shaped triangles. This prevents them from crumbling or tearing.
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Ingredient Temperature: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to promote even mixing, ensuring a smoother batter and fudgier brownies.
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Fresh Storage: If making in advance, store the brownies without icing to maintain freshness and decorate just before serving for the best presentation.
These tips will help you achieve the perfect Christmas Tree Brownies every time!
What to Serve with Christmas Tree Brownies?
Indulge your senses with these festive treats that bring warmth and holiday cheer to any gathering.
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Glass of Milk: A classic pairing, the creamy texture complements the rich chocolate mint brownies wonderfully.
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Hot Cocoa Bar: Enhance the experience with a DIY hot cocoa station. Top with marshmallows, whipped cream, or peppermint sprinkles.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy vanilla flavor balances the chocolate base, providing a delightful contrast in every bite.
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Peppermint Bark: Keep the minty theme going! This crunchy, sweet treat adds a festive touch to the dessert table.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of berries adds a vibrant, fresh element, perfect for cutting through the richness of the brownies.
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Coffee: Serve a warm cup of coffee or espresso alongside for a delightful after-dinner treat that the grown-ups will love.
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Festive Trifle: Layering cubed brownies with cream and fruit creates a stunning dessert centerpiece that’s full of flavor.
These playful pairings will elevate your holiday dessert experience and make your gathering a delicious success!
Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for the brownies?
I recommend using unsalted butter for your Christmas Tree Brownies to better control the saltiness of your dessert. If you’re opting for a vegan version, nuttelex or any plant-based butter works perfectly!
How should I store my brownies?
Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness. If you choose to refrigerate them, they can last for about a week. Just remember to cover them to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze Christmas Tree Brownies?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for an hour.
What if my brownies turn out too dry?
If your brownies end up dry, it may be due to overbaking. To avoid this, check for doneness a few minutes early by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs. If they do come out dry, pair them with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful treat!
Are there any allergy considerations with this recipe?
Yes, the primary allergens to consider are eggs and dairy, found in butter and milk. For a vegan option, substitute both the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon grounded flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of regular eggs. Always check your ingredients, particularly the mint extract and food coloring, for potential allergens.
Delightful Christmas Tree Brownies: Festive Chocolate Mint Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a circular pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Cream together room temperature butter and white sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until fully melted.
- Combine melted chocolate with eggs and mint extract until smooth.
- Fold in the butter-sugar mixture, then add flour, cacao powder, and salt until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes.
- Cool the brownies completely in the pan before removing and cutting them into triangles.
- Decorate with green icing and add festive sprinkles.
