Christmas is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable. The air is filled with the sweet scent of baking, and the sound of carolers can be heard in the distance. One of the most iconic and beloved holiday treats is the Christmas tree brownie. In this article, we'll explore five ways to make Christmas tree cosmic brownies that are sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
To start, let's talk about the importance of the Christmas tree brownie. It's a classic holiday treat that's both easy to make and adorable to look at. The combination of rich, fudgy brownie and festive green frosting is a match made in heaven. But what really sets these brownies apart is the creative way they're decorated to resemble miniature Christmas trees.
Method 1: The Classic Christmas Tree Brownie
This method is a great starting point for beginners. It requires just a few ingredients, including a package of brownie mix, some green frosting, and a few M&M's or chopped nuts for decoration.
- 1 package of brownie mix
- 1 can of green frosting
- 1 cup of M&M's or chopped nuts
- 1 tablespoon of white chocolate chips (optional)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting.
- Use the green frosting to create a triangle shape on top of the brownie, resembling a Christmas tree.
- Decorate with M&M's or chopped nuts to resemble ornaments.
Adding a White Chocolate Star on Top
For an extra-special touch, you can add a white chocolate star on top of the Christmas tree. Simply melt 1 tablespoon of white chocolate chips in the microwave and use a spatula to create a star shape. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Method 2: The Cosmic Brownie Christmas Tree
This method takes the classic Christmas tree brownie to the next level by adding a few cosmic twists. We'll use a combination of dark chocolate and sprinkles to create a truly out-of-this-world dessert.
- 1 package of dark chocolate brownie mix
- 1 can of green frosting
- 1 cup of sprinkles
- 1 cup of M&M's or chopped nuts
- 1 tablespoon of white chocolate chips (optional)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dark chocolate brownie mix according to the package instructions.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting.
- Use the green frosting to create a triangle shape on top of the brownie, resembling a Christmas tree.
- Sprinkle with sprinkles to create a cosmic effect.
- Decorate with M&M's or chopped nuts to resemble ornaments.
Adding a Chocolate Ganache Drizzle
For an extra-special touch, you can add a chocolate ganache drizzle to the top of the Christmas tree. Simply melt 1 cup of dark chocolate chips in the microwave and whisk in 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Drizzle the ganache over the top of the brownie and allow it to set before serving.
Method 3: The Christmas Tree Brownie Cake
This method is perfect for those who want to make a show-stopping dessert. We'll use a combination of brownie mix and cake mix to create a towering Christmas tree cake.
- 1 package of brownie mix
- 1 package of yellow cake mix
- 1 can of green frosting
- 1 cup of M&M's or chopped nuts
- 1 tablespoon of white chocolate chips (optional)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions.
- Pour the batter into one of the prepared cake pans and smooth out the top.
- Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions.
- Pour the batter into the second prepared cake pan and smooth out the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling.
- Use the green frosting to create a triangle shape on top of the brownie cake, resembling a Christmas tree.
- Decorate with M&M's or chopped nuts to resemble ornaments.
Adding a Fondant Snowman on Top
For an extra-special touch, you can add a fondant snowman on top of the Christmas tree cake. Simply roll out 1 cup of white fondant and use a cookie cutter to create a snowman shape. Allow the fondant to set before decorating with edible markers or small candies.
Method 4: The Christmas Tree Brownie Trifle
This method is perfect for those who want to make a dessert that's both easy to serve and visually stunning. We'll use a combination of brownie mix, whipped cream, and sprinkles to create a Christmas tree brownie trifle.
- 1 package of brownie mix
- 1 can of whipped cream
- 1 cup of sprinkles
- 1 cup of M&M's or chopped nuts
- 1 tablespoon of white chocolate chips (optional)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before assembling.
- Cut the brownies into small cubes and layer in a large bowl or individual glasses.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkles to create a Christmas tree effect.
- Decorate with M&M's or chopped nuts to resemble ornaments.
Adding a Candy Cane Border
For an extra-special touch, you can add a candy cane border around the edges of the trifle. Simply melt 1 cup of white chocolate chips in the microwave and whisk in 1 tablespoon of crushed candy canes. Drizzle the chocolate mixture over the edges of the trifle and allow it to set before serving.
Method 5: The Christmas Tree Brownie Pops
This method is perfect for those who want to make a dessert that's both fun to eat and easy to serve. We'll use a combination of brownie mix, lollipop sticks, and sprinkles to create Christmas tree brownie pops.
- 1 package of brownie mix
- 1 can of green frosting
- 1 cup of sprinkles
- 1 cup of M&M's or chopped nuts
- 1 tablespoon of white chocolate chips (optional)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions.
- Pour the batter into a large bowl and stir in 1 cup of sprinkles.
- Scoop the batter into small balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Insert a lollipop stick into each ball and bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the brownie pops to cool completely before frosting.
- Use the green frosting to create a triangle shape on top of each brownie pop, resembling a Christmas tree.
- Decorate with M&M's or chopped nuts to resemble ornaments.
Adding a Chocolate Dipped Tip
For an extra-special touch, you can add a chocolate dipped tip to each brownie pop. Simply melt 1 cup of dark chocolate chips in the microwave and dip the tip of each brownie pop into the chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
We hope these five methods have inspired you to create your own Christmas tree cosmic brownies. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, there's something for everyone in this article. So go ahead, get creative, and make some Christmas magic happen in the kitchen!
What is the best way to store Christmas tree brownies?
+The best way to store Christmas tree brownies is in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I use different types of frosting for my Christmas tree brownies?
+Yes, you can use different types of frosting for your Christmas tree brownies. Some popular options include cream cheese frosting, peanut butter frosting, and chocolate frosting.
How do I make my Christmas tree brownies more festive?
+You can make your Christmas tree brownies more festive by adding sprinkles, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut to the top. You can also use festive shapes, such as Christmas trees or snowflakes, to cut out the brownies.