Christmas Tree Brownies with Candy Cane Trunks Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a festive treat this holiday season, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Christmas Tree Brownies with Candy Cane Trunks Recipe is not only super easy to make but absolutely adorable, and trust me—I absolutely love how this turns out every time I make it! From the fudgy brownies shaped like little Christmas trees to the minty candy cane trunks, this treat hits all the sweet, festive notes you want. Keep reading, because I’m sharing all my tricks to make sure your brownies look and taste amazing.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Christmas Tree Brownies with Candy Cane Trunks Recipe uses simple, store-bought ingredients that come together beautifully. The brownie mix keeps things easy, while the icing and sprinkles let you get creative with your decorations. Here are the essentials and why they work so well.

• Brownie Mix: A classic boxed mix is your shortcut to rich, fudgy brownies without the fuss of from-scratch baking.
• White Vanilla Icing: This is your “snowy” frosting base that’s easy to tint and pipes smoothly.
• Green Food Colouring: Just a few drops bring your tree icing to life with a festive, vibrant green.
• Small Round Sprinkles: They act like ornaments on your Christmas trees—choose bright colors for the best look!
• Small Star Sprinkles: Tops your Christmas trees like the star on top—adds that finishing touch.
• Candy Canes: These form the trunks of your trees and add that fun peppermint crunch.

Variations

I’m all for personalizing recipes to match your taste and occasion, so I love experimenting with this Christmas Tree Brownies with Candy Cane Trunks Recipe. Don’t hesitate to tweak the decorations or ingredients to make it truly yours!

• Nutty Upgrade: I sometimes sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on the batter before baking for a nice crunch that’s subtle but delicious.
• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve used gluten-free brownie mixes instead, and they work just as well if you have dietary restrictions in your crew.
• Different Colors: Try red or teal food coloring for a unique twist on the tree icing—perfect if you want to match party colors.
• Flavor Tweaks: Adding a dash of peppermint extract to the icing enhances the candy cane flavor beautifully.

How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies with Candy Cane Trunks Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Bake the Brownies

Start by lining an 8″x8″ baking pan with aluminum foil, then lightly spray it with cooking spray. I’ve learned this step makes removing the brownies so much easier without any mess. Prepare your brownie mix right from the box according to the package directions—it’s your shortcut to chocolate bliss. Bake as directed, then make sure you let the brownies cool completely. I usually wait about 1.5 hours; rushing this part leads to messy icing later. Patience here really pays off!

Step 2: Cut Your Brownies into Christmas Tree Shapes

Once cooled, pop the brownies out of the pan using the foil edges—you’ll see why I mentioned lining the pan! Cut the slab into three rows, then slice diagonally to create those charming triangular Christmas tree shapes. I like cutting in alternating diagonal directions for the perfect little trees, just like you’d see on a holiday card. It’s easier than it looks and feels magical to see them come to life.

Step 3: Make the Candy Cane Trunks

Grab your candy canes and unwrap them carefully. Using a sharp knife, break each candy cane into 1.5-inch pieces to serve as trunks for your brownie trees. Press the sharper end of each candy cane piece gently into the base of the brownie triangles—this step is so satisfying! The candy cane trunks add a minty crunch and keep the theme super festive.

Step 4: Prepare the Icing and Decorate

Now let’s make those trees green! Spoon about half the tub of white vanilla icing into a bowl and mix in green food coloring until you reach your favorite shade. I usually go for a deep forest green—it looks stunning and festive against the dark brownies. Transfer the icing into a zip lock bag, seal, and snip off a small corner with scissors, making it easy to pipe. Starting at the top, pipe a gentle zigzag down each brownie triangle for that snow-dusted tree effect. Last but not least, sprinkle on your favorite round sprinkles as ornaments and top each tree with a small star sprinkle. Instant holiday magic!

How to Serve Christmas Tree Brownies with Candy Cane Trunks Recipe

Garnishes

For me, the sprinkles are where you can have the most fun. I love mixing bright red, gold, and white round sprinkles to mimic ornaments, plus don’t skip the star sprinkles at the top—they make the brownies look so festive. Sometimes I add edible glitter for a little sparkle, which my family goes crazy for. It’s those tiny details that turn these brownies into holiday stars.

Side Dishes

These brownies shine best alongside a warm cup of peppermint hot chocolate or a glass of cold milk. When I serve them at parties, I also like pairing them with a simple cheese board or fresh fruit to balance the sweetness. Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds!

Creative Ways to Present

I once arranged these Christmas Tree Brownies with Candy Cane Trunks Recipe on a large platter with fresh pine branches and fairy lights for a centerpiece effect—everyone was impressed! Another time, I tied individual brownies with a little festive ribbon and handed them out as edible party favors. Little touches like this really bring your holiday baking to life.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Christmas Tree Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature—this keeps them moist and fresh for about 3-4 days. I recommend layering the brownie trees carefully using parchment paper to avoid sticking or smushed icing decorations.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead (trust me, holiday baking is hectic), these freeze well. I individually wrap each decorated brownie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours—the candy cane trunks stay firm, and the icing remains tasty.

Reheating

Brownies are best eaten fresh, but if you prefer a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or the candy canes can soften too much and the icing might melt.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Tree Brownies with Candy Cane Trunks Recipe has become one of my absolute holiday favorites. It’s an easy way to bring festive cheer with minimal stress, and I love watching how the kids’ faces light up when they help decorate. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll want to make it every year—it’s a delicious tradition in the making. So go ahead, grab that brownie mix and candy canes, and let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen this Christmas!

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