Christmas Tree Brownie Cups

Introduction

There’s something magical about the holidays, and no treat says “festive fun” quite like Christmas Tree Brownie Cups. These adorable little brownie cups are not only bursting with chocolatey goodness, but they also look like tiny trees! Decorated with colorful sprinkles, a dusting of powdered sugar for that wintery sparkle, and topped off with a starry surprise, they’re as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the tastebuds.

I’ve always been someone who looks forward to the sweet part of Christmas. My family has this tradition of baking together, and this year, I decided to make something a little different—something that would bring the kids in on the action too. Enter: Christmas Tree Brownie Cups. Not only are these fun to bake, but they’re also incredibly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. And because they’re made in muffin tins, you can guarantee perfect portions every time.

The best part? These little brownie cups are great for a variety of occasions, whether it’s a Christmas party, a family get-together, or simply a cozy holiday dessert to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa. You can even make them ahead of time, which is always a plus when you’re juggling a million other holiday preparations!

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in and make some of the cutest, most delicious holiday treats ever!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve been searching for the perfect holiday treat to impress your family or holiday guests, this is it! Here’s why:

• Super Simple to Make: With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, even beginner bakers can pull this off with ease. If you’ve ever wanted to bake something festive but didn’t want to spend all day in the kitchen, these brownie cups are the answer!
• Family-Friendly Fun: This is the kind of recipe that’s perfect for baking with the kids! They’ll love decorating the “trees” and you’ll have a blast watching them get creative with sprinkles and edible glitter. Plus, they’ll feel proud to share their homemade treats with everyone.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: The rich, fudgy brownie base is perfectly balanced by the light sweetness of the icing and sprinkles. It’s a treat that satisfies both the kids’ sweet tooth and the grown-ups who are all about that chocolatey goodness.
• So Versatile: You can tweak this recipe to match any holiday occasion. Swap out the green icing for red, or change the sprinkles to reflect your personal holiday color scheme. These brownie cups are the perfect blank canvas for your festive creativity.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: About 45 minutes (20 minutes prep + 25 minutes bake time)
• Servings: This recipe makes 12 brownie cups, so it’s perfect for a small gathering, or you can double it if you’re hosting a larger crowd.
• Nutrition:
  • Calories per serving: ~230
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbs: 28g
  • Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these festive brownie cups:

• Brownie Cups:
  • 1 box of brownie mix (or 2 cups homemade brownie batter)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Icing:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons milk (or more if needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Green food coloring (gel works best for vibrant color)
• Topping:
  • Colorful sprinkles (red, green, gold, and silver work best for the “tree” effect)
  • Powdered sugar (for snow effect)
  • Small star-shaped candies or edible glitter (for the tree top)

Each ingredient plays an important role in bringing this holiday treat together. The brownie mix provides the rich, fudgy base, while the icing creates the perfect Christmas tree effect. The sprinkles and powdered sugar are for the final touch, turning each brownie cup into a little edible work of art!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups with non-stick spray.

2. Prepare the Brownie Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together the brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you’re using homemade brownie batter, simply mix the ingredients according to your preferred recipe.
• Once your batter is mixed, use a spoon or measuring cup to fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full. You want the batter to rise and create a cup shape, so don’t overfill.

3. Bake the Brownie Cups

• Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. The brownies should look slightly cracked on top but remain soft in the center. You can do the toothpick test—insert a toothpick into the center of a brownie; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
• Let the brownie cups cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Icing

• While the brownie cups are cooling, it’s time to make the green icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add a few drops of green food coloring and stir until the icing is a vibrant Christmas tree green. If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time.

5. Decorate the Brownie Cups

• Once the brownie cups have cooled, it’s time for the fun part! Use a butter knife or a small offset spatula to spread the green icing on top of each brownie cup. Make sure to leave a little edge for a “tree” shape.
• Sprinkle colorful sprinkles over the icing to create your tree decorations. You can use red, gold, and silver sprinkles to mimic ornaments, or even get creative with little edible stars.
• To finish off the look, lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar to create a snowy effect. Then, add a small star-shaped candy or a bit of edible glitter to the top of each tree to make it shine.

6. Let Them Set

• Allow the icing to set for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help everything stay in place and give the brownie cups a nice, clean look.

How to Serve

These Christmas Tree Brownie Cups are perfect for any holiday occasion. Here’s how to serve them:

• As a stand-alone treat: These brownie cups are rich enough to stand on their own, making them ideal for a dessert table or as party favors.
• With a hot drink: Pair these with a cup of hot cocoa, peppermint coffee, or even a cold glass of milk for the ultimate holiday indulgence.
• In a gift box: Wrap them in festive cellophane or place them in cute holiday boxes to share with friends and family.

Additional Tips

1. Use a high-quality brownie mix: While any brownie mix will work, choosing a premium brand can make all the difference in flavor and texture. If you’re making brownies from scratch, make sure to follow the recipe carefully to avoid dry or crumbly brownie cups.
2. Customize your toppings: Get creative with the sprinkles! Use colored sugars, mini candies, or even tiny candy canes to decorate your Christmas tree. The more festive, the better!
3. Don’t overbake the brownies: Remember, we want soft, fudgy brownie cups—not dry ones. Keep an eye on them as they bake, and use a toothpick to test for doneness.
4. Make them ahead of time: You can easily prepare these brownie cups a day or two ahead of your holiday gathering. Store them in an airtight container and frost them just before serving for the freshest look.
5. Use a piping bag for the icing: If you want a more precise, tree-shaped icing decoration, consider using a piping bag with a star tip for a beautiful, textured look.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few fun ways to switch up these Christmas Tree Brownie Cups:

• Mint Chocolate Trees: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the brownie batter for a minty twist that complements the chocolate flavor perfectly.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the regular brownie mix for a gluten-free one, and make sure your toppings (sprinkles, icing) are gluten-free as well.
• Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free brownie mix and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) and non-dairy milk for the icing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make the brownie cups from scratch instead of using a mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make the brownies from scratch, you can use your favorite homemade brownie recipe. Just make sure the batter is thick enough to hold the cup shape when baked in the muffin tin. Follow the baking times and instructions in the recipe, and you’ll have delicious homemade brownie cups to decorate.

2. How do I store the Christmas Tree Brownie Cups?
Store the brownie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re not planning to serve them right away, you can freeze them for up to a month. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

3. Can I make these brownie cups ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the brownie cups a day or two in advance. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, frost and decorate them. This saves you time on the day of your event!

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Conclusion

These Christmas Tree Brownie Cups are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. With their rich, fudgy brownie base, creamy frosting, and creative decorations, they’re sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking them with family, bringing them to a holiday party, or just indulging in a little holiday cheer, these treats are guaranteed to spread joy and delight.

Baking these brownie cups is more than just following a recipe—it’s about making memories, getting creative with your decorations, and sharing something sweet with the ones you love. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite holiday music, and let the magic of baking fill your home. Merry baking, and happy holidays!