Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.1 ½ cups unsalted butter, 3 cups granulated sugar
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.6 large eggs, 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies.
- If using, gently fold in the chopped chocolate pieces.12 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate
- Divide the brownie batter into two roughly equal portions. In one portion, stir in a few drops of green food coloring until you achieve a vibrant Christmas tree green. Leave the other portion plain chocolate.green food coloring
- Spoon dollops of the green batter and the plain chocolate batter randomly over the prepared baking pan. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two batters together, creating a marbled effect. Don't over-swirl, as you want distinct colors.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter). Baking time will vary depending on your oven and the desired fudgy texture.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for easy cutting and decorating.
- Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place them on a cutting board. Using a small Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter, press down to cut out as many tree shapes as possible. You can re-press scraps to get more trees. Alternatively, cut them into rectangles and then trim them into tree shapes with a knife.
- Prepare your white frosting. You can use a piping bag with a small star tip for an authentic tree shape, or simply spread a thin layer of frosting on top of each brownie tree.white frosting
- While the frosting is still wet, liberally decorate each brownie tree with your assorted Christmas sprinkles. Get creative with placement to mimic ornaments, garlands, and even a star on top! Add candy pearls for extra dimension.Assorted Christmas-themed sprinkles, Red or white edible candy pearls
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate if the weather is warm. Can be gently reheated in microwave for 5-10 seconds on low. Freeze for up to 2 months.
