Description
These Christmas Tree Brownie Bites combine a fudgy boxed brownie base with a fluffy homemade green buttercream frosting, shaped into festive mini Christmas trees topped with holiday sprinkles. Perfect for holiday parties and kid-friendly treats, this easy recipe delivers a delightful combination of rich chocolate and creamy sweetness in bite-sized form.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on the back of the box, usually water, eggs, and oil)
Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Green food coloring, as needed for desired shade
- Holiday sprinkles, for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini cupcake pan thoroughly with nonstick spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Make brownie batter: Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions, typically combining the mix with water, eggs, and oil. Mix until smooth.
- Fill cupcake pan: Spoon the brownie batter into each mini cupcake cavity, filling about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake the brownies: Bake the batter in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes. Look for firm edges with a center that is slightly soft but not gooey.
- Indent centers: Remove the pan from the oven. Using the back of a round teaspoon, gently press down the center of each brownie to create an indentation for the frosting. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Cool brownies completely: Use a paring knife to carefully loosen and pop out each brownie bite. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make buttercream frosting: In a mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on low speed until pale and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and cream: Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons heavy cream, alternating between each, while mixing on low speed over about 3 minutes. Adjust consistency by adding remaining powdered sugar if frosting is too thin, or more heavy cream if too stiff.
- Flavor and color frosting: Add vanilla extract, salt, and green food coloring. Whip on high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Pipe frosting: Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip with the green buttercream. Pipe the frosting onto each cooled brownie bite in a swirling, twisting motion to create a Christmas tree shape.
- Decorate: Sprinkle holiday-themed sprinkles on top of each frosted brownie tree for festive decoration.
Notes
- Using boxed brownie mix saves time and ensures consistent texture—feel free to use your favorite brand.
- Softening the butter to room temperature is key for smooth buttercream frosting.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar and cream to achieve your preferred frosting consistency—stiffer frosting holds shape better for piping trees.
- Green food coloring intensity can be modified to your liking; gel food coloring works best without thinning the frosting.
- This recipe yields approximately 36 mini brownie bites—perfect for holiday gatherings or as fun, festive gifts.
- If desired, add peppermint extract to the frosting for a minty twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie bite
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
