Christmas Tree Brownies with Chocolate Buttercream Bliss
There’s something magical about the holiday season, isn’t there? The sweet warmth that fills your kitchen as butter and chocolate melt together, the aroma of baked brownies wafting through the air — it creates a cozy atmosphere that’s hard to resist. These Christmas Tree Brownies with Chocolate Buttercream Bliss not only smell divine but also look absolutely festive, resembling little evergreen trees adorned with creamy chocolate frosting. Just picturing them lined up on your dessert table brings a smile to my face.
Table of Contents
I remember the first time I made these for a holiday gathering; the laughter and joy shared around the table were just as sweet as the treats themselves. It was a tradition in my family to bake together, and now, I can’t help but feel nostalgic every time I whip up this recipe. They’re perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights in, or delightful gifts for friends and family. Trust me; you’ll want to add these cheerful brownies to your repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just about 40 minutes, from start to finish!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of dark chocolate and rich buttercream makes every bite melt in your mouth.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These brownies look as good as they taste, making them a delightful centerpiece.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or an indulgent afternoon snack.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegan and gluten-free diets without losing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup Butter: Adds richness and a decadent flavor to the brownies. Feel free to substitute with margarine for a dairy-free version.
- 8 oz Dark Chocolate: This provides a deep chocolate flavor. For a sweeter taste, you can swap it for semi-sweet chocolate.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar: This ingredient brings sweetness and important structure. It’s essential for the recipe, but you can adjust the amount based on your dietary needs.
- 4 large Eggs: They bind the ingredients together and contribute moisture. For a vegan option, use flax or chia eggs instead.
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract: A must for enhancing flavors. Choose pure vanilla for the best impact.
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour: This creates structure in the brownies. Use a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free adaptation.
- 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor. For a unique twist, try using Dutch-process cocoa.
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Balances the sweetness beautifully. Both kosher and fine salt work perfectly here.
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar: This sweetens and thickens the buttercream. It’s best not to substitute this ingredient.
- 1/2 cup Butter: Ensure it’s softened for easy whipping to create that creamy texture in your frosting.
- 1/3 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor of the buttercream. Dutch cocoa can give it a richer taste.
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the frosting; stick with pure for the best flavor.
- 2-3 tbsp Milk/Cream: Adjust the consistency of the frosting; non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk work well, too.
How to Make Christmas Tree Brownies with Chocolate Buttercream Bliss
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This step is crucial to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking. The parchment helps the brownies maintain their beautiful shape while also preventing any sticking, making clean-up a breeze!
Combine Chocolate and Butter: In a medium heat-safe bowl, combine the butter and dark chocolate. Set this bowl over a pot filled with simmering water, creating a double boiler. Stir gently until the mixture melts together into a smooth, glossy consistency. This method helps prevent the chocolate from seizing and keeps everything velvety.
Add Sugar and Eggs: Remove the melted chocolate and butter from the heat, letting it cool slightly. Gradually whisk in the granulated sugar until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This process adds air into the batter, which is key for light, rich brownies.
Mix in Dry Ingredients: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it spreads evenly to all corners. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined — be careful not to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay for soft, fudgy brownies.
Bake Until Perfect: Pop the brownies into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re ready when the edges are set, and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. The center should look slightly soft as it will continue to firm up while cooling.
Cool and Prepare Buttercream: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they cool, let’s whip up the chocolate buttercream! In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter for 2-3 minutes until it’s fluffy and pale.
Make Frosting: Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream, adjusting as necessary to achieve a creamy consistency. This frosting should spread easily but hold its shape beautifully for decorating.
Decorate and Serve: Once the brownies are completely cool, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to decorate the surface with chocolate buttercream, creating fun, tree-like shapes. Feel free to add sprinkles or edible decorations for a festive touch! These **Christmas Tree Brownies with Chocolate Buttercream Bliss** are now ready to impress your family and friends.
Storing & Reheating
These delicious brownies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To enjoy them warm again, simply reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but be mindful they may lose some texture over time. Refreshing them with a little scoop of ice cream can bring back some of that indulgence!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing the batter; this will keep your brownies tender rather than tough.
- Ensure butter is softened before whipping up the buttercream to prevent lumps and achieve that creamy consistency you want.
- When using eggs, room temperature eggs blend better with the batter, helping to create a smoother mix.
- For a richer flavor, add a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie batter.
- Make-ahead options are fantastic! You can bake the brownies and buttercream days ahead, then frost and serve when ready.
Every bite of these Christmas Tree Brownies with Chocolate Buttercream Bliss is a holiday celebration waiting to happen. With their stunning appearance and delightful taste, they are bound to bring smiles to your gathering. Plus, the ability to swap ingredients keeps things flexible and fun, making this recipe a treasure for every home baker. So gather your ingredients, bring out your inner chef, and enjoy the magic of baking these sweet treats!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the brownies a day or two in advance and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. The chocolate flavor actually deepens as they sit. Just frost them right before serving for that fresh, delicious appeal!
What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
For vegan brownies, simply substitute each egg with one flax or chia egg — mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it becomes gelatinous. It’s a great binder and works beautifully in this recipe!
How can I make my buttercream fluffier?
To achieve an extra fluffy buttercream, ensure that the butter is at room temperature before whipping. If your frosting is too thick, you can add a bit more milk or cream to lighten it up, gradually mixing in until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?
Yes! While the recipe calls for unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch-process cocoa can add a deeper flavor. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the taste and acidity balance in your brownies and buttercream.
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📖 Recipe Card
Christmas Tree Brownies with Chocolate Buttercream Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Christmas Tree Brownies are a festive treat featuring rich dark chocolate and creamy buttercream, perfect for holiday gatherings or as delightful gifts. Easy to prepare, these mouthwatering brownies will impress your family and friends with their irresistible flavor and cheerful presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter
- 8 oz Dark Chocolate
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 4 large Eggs
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1/3 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
- 2–3 tbsp Milk/Cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Combine butter and dark chocolate in a heat-safe bowl over simmering water, stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat and whisk in granulated sugar; then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl and fold into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour into prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are set, center slightly soft.
- Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat softened butter for buttercream until fluffy, then add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and milk/cream to achieve desired frosting consistency.
- Once brownies are cool, decorate with buttercream using a piping bag, making tree shapes.
Notes
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For a richer chocolate flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the batter.
These brownies can be baked in advance and frosted just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
