24 Mar 2025
Cook time 40 min
Prep time 125 min
Ingredients:
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup dark chocolate
4 eggs
1/3 cup dry cocoa powder
1.25 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
Christmas tree brownies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with a festive twist. These brownies are not only delicious but also fun to decorate, making them a perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy together. Follow this simple recipe to create your own batch of Christmas tree brownies that will surely become a holiday favorite.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to help lift the brownies out later.
2. Melt Butter and Chocolate:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1 cup (220g) of butter and 1 cup (230g) of dark chocolate together, stirring constantly until completely smooth. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix Sugar, Eggs, and Chocolate Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup (230g) of brown sugar. Pour the slightly cooled chocolate and butter mixture over the sugar and whisk until combined. Add the 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Sift 1/3 cup (50g) of cocoa powder into the wet mixture and mix until incorporated. Then, gradually add the 1.25 cups (160g) of all-purpose white wheat flour. Gently fold the flour into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out into an even layer. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
6. Cool and Cut:
Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cooled brownies out of the pan.
7. Shape and Decorate:
Once cooled, cut the brownies into triangles to form "Christmas tree" shapes. You can decorate your Christmas tree brownies with green frosting, sprinkles, and small candies to resemble ornaments. Optionally, insert pretzel sticks into the wide end of each triangle to create the tree trunks.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange your decorated Christmas tree brownies on a festive plate, serve, and enjoy the holiday cheer!
Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to mix.
- Melt the dark chocolate and butter together over a double boiler to prevent burning.
- Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out with a few crumbs when inserted into the center.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into tree shapes to avoid crumbling.
- Decorate with green frosting, sprinkles, or candies to resemble Christmas tree ornaments.
By following this recipe, you will have a batch of delectable Christmas tree brownies to share with loved ones during the holiday season. These brownies are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite decorations. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results. Happy Holidays!