Brownie Christmas Trees Recipe!

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Bake the Brownies: Preheat your oven and prepare an 8×8 or 9×13 inch baking pan according to your brownie mix package instructions. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix with the specified amounts of eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Stir thoroughly until the ingredients are just combined and no dry streaks remain – be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for the time recommended on the package, typically 25-30 minutes for an 8×8 pan, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
2. Cool Completely: This step is paramount for neat cutting and frosting. Allow the baked brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours, or even longer. For best results, you can bake them the day before and let them cool overnight. Once fully cooled, carefully invert the brownie slab onto a cutting board.
3. Prepare the Green Frosting: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated and smooth. Slowly add milk, starting with 2 tablespoons, and then adding more 1/2 teaspoon at a time until the frosting reaches a smooth, pipeable consistency – not too stiff, but not runny. Incorporate green food coloring a few drops at a time, mixing after each addition until you achieve a vibrant, festive green color for your trees.
4. Set up for Piping: Securely attach the Wilton 1M star tip to your disposable piping bag. Carefully fill the piping bag with about two-thirds of the prepared green frosting. Twist the top of the bag to seal it, ready for piping.
5. Cut Brownie Circles: Using your three varying sizes of round cookie cutters, gently press them into the cooled brownie slab to cut out circles. For each Christmas tree, you will need three circles of ascending size (e.g., one large, one medium, one small). Try to maximize the number of sets you can get from your brownie sheet. For cleaner cuts, dip your cookie cutters in hot water and wipe them clean between each use.
6. Assemble the Trees: Begin assembling your trees on a serving platter or individual plates. Place the largest brownie circle down first. Pipe a generous swirl of green frosting on top, covering the entire surface. Carefully place a medium-sized brownie circle on top of the frosting layer. Pipe another swirl of frosting, then gently top with the smallest brownie circle. This stacking method creates the tiered effect of a Christmas tree.
7. Decorate and Finish: Pipe a final small dollop or swirl of frosting on the very top of the smallest brownie circle to create the peak of the tree. Immediately press a yellow star candy or sprinkle onto this frosting peak. Now, it’s time for the festive touches! Liberally sprinkle your holiday sprinkles all over the green frosting layers to resemble colorful ornaments.
8. Repeat and Serve: Continue this delightful assembly and decorating process with the remaining brownie circles and frosting until all your charming Brownie Christmas Trees are complete. Serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.