Christmas Tree Brownie Bites
Get on everyone’s nice list at the party by bringing festive Christmas Tree Brownie Bites! These adorable treats disappear faster than Santa!
Why We Love Brownie Christmas Trees
- Your favorite brownie mix plus homemade buttercream equals a holiday treat that is easy to make and brings lots of joy for the ho-ho-ho-holidays!
- This sweet treat is ready in 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for when you’re short on time but big on cheer!
- These Christmas tree brownies are great for holiday parties and potlucks as the recipe makes a lot, and it’s easy to double for really big groups.
- Decorating the tree is the best part, right? Don’t forget the sprinkles when it comes time to make these delicious brownie bites festive!
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Christmas Tree Brownies
BROWNIES: For this recipe, you will need your favorite box of brownie mix along with the ingredients listed on the back of the box to make them – usually eggs, water, and vegetable oil.
BUTTERCREAM FROSTING
DAIRY: You will need heavy whipping cream and unsalted butter.
PANTRY ITEMS: Make sure you have plenty of powdered sugar and grab the vanilla extract and salt.
DECORATIONS: Green food coloring is needed for the frosting, I like using gel food color for a vibrant look. You’ll also need sprinkles or small candies to decorate the trees. I like to make sure I have some gold or yellow stars for the top and nonpareils for the ornaments/lights.
How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies
Jump to RecipeSTEP 1 Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Prepare the brownie mix according to the instructions on the box and fill each cupcake well 2/3 full. Bake the brownies for 15-17 minutes.
STEP 2 After the brownies have cooked, take them out of the oven and use the back of a wooden spoon to indent the middle of each one forming a cup. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes and then transfer the brownies to a wire rack to cool completely.
STEP 3 While the brownies cool, make the buttercream. In a stand mixer (or a large bowl with a hand mixer) beat the butter until creamy. Then slowly add 3 cups of the powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of the heavy cream. Add the vanilla extract, salt, and food coloring and beat until evenly colored. Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a large closed star tip.
STEP 4 Pipe the frosting onto the cooled brownies in a back-and-forth pattern to make a Christmas tree shape. Decorate with sprinkles immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- To make a buttercream that will keep its tree shape it needs to be a little stiff so if the buttercream is too soft, add more powdered sugar or if it is way too stiff, add more heavy cream. The frosting will develop a crisp outer shell as it dries, so you need to add any sprinkles or decorations right after applying the frosting so that they stick.
- Any brownie mix you choose will work in this recipe, but the mix may make a little more or a little less than 36 bites.
- Store any leftover brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can make the brownies and buttercream ahead of time. Keep the brownie cups in an airtight container on the counter and the buttercream in the piping bag in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble, set the buttercream out on the counter to soften up. Then decorate as instructed.
Christmas Tree Brownie Bites FAQ
What are the three types of brownies?
Brownies fall into one of three camps- fudgy, chewy or cakey. All three are incredibly delicious but inevitably we tend to fall in love with one type but will eat the others just as happily.
- Fudgy brownies have more fat in them, like butter and chocolate, so they have a more fudgy, gooey chocolate consistency.
- Chewy brownies are more dense, compact brownies that are full of wonderful chocolate that you get to really sink your teeth into.
- Cakey brownies are light and airy, more like cake, but still packs a rich chocolate bite.
What are the best brownies from a box mix?
It seems that no one can resist the absolute deliciousness of Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownie Mix, according to a variety of lists and foodies alike! Pillsbury and Betty Crocker brownies mix are also well-loved, especially if you like a more fudgy brownie consistency. Many people also like King Arthur brand Gluten Free Ultimate Fudge Brownie Mix for a gluten-free alternative.
Other Recipes You May like
- Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies
- Brownie Balls
- Molasses Cookies
- Christmas Crack Recipe
- Christmas Pinwheel Cookies
Christmas Tree Brownie Bites
Ingredients
- 18 ounces brownie mix plus ingredients to prepare (1 box)
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar plus more as needed
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream plus more as needed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Green food coloring
- Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the cups of a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. Fill each mini muffin tin cup 2/3 full with brownie batter.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes until the edges are firm and the centers are still soft (but not gooey).
- Remove the muffin tin from the oven. Use the back of a rounded teaspoon measuring spoon to indent the center of each brownie to make a cup shape. Cool the brownies in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the brownies cool, beat the butter in a large mixing bowl on low speed until pale and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, alternating with 1 tablespoon of heavy cream, while mixing over 3 minutes. (see note)
- Add the vanilla, salt, and food coloring and mix. Add more food coloring as needed until your desired color is reached. Beat the frosting on high for 2 minutes. Transfer the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large closed star tip.
- Pipe the frosting into the brownie cups, twisting back and forth slightly to make a Christmas tree shape. Top with sprinkles. (You'll want to add the sprinkles quickly since the frosting will start to crust fast making it hard for the sprinkles to stick.)
Notes
- If the frosting is too stiff, add more heavy cream (a little at a time) until the consistency is to your liking. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar until it firms up.
- It’s best not to let the brownie sit out in an overly warm environment or the frosting may start to melt. You can chill them in the fridge (if making them ahead of time) and then put the brownies out to come up to room temperature on the counter before serving.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.