Whether you need cookies for a Christmas platter or goodies for Santa, these Christmas Tree Brownie Pops feature fudgy brownies, cream cheese frosting, and candy cane “trunks” for a fun and festive holiday treat!
I can’t tell y’all how excited I am about how today’s recipe turned out! I mean, how cute are these Christmas Tree Brownie Pops?! And even though they make look a bit on the fancy side, they were so easy to make. Decorating these guys would be such a fun holiday activity with the kiddos!
I started with my favorite brownie recipe EVER (I can never thank you enough for your brilliance, Ina Garten), which is almost entirely concocted of butter and chocolate. It’s the holidays, right? They are to-die-for and, while I only make them a few times a year, they are exponentially worth every calorie. As a bonus, these brownies are made in a big 12- by 18-inch sheet pan, which not only results in a ton of brownies (enough to enjoy and share!), but they’re also the perfect depth for cutting out with cookie cutters, should you so desire.
So after baking up a pan of chocolate decadence, I cut my brownies into tree-like triangles. I started out using a Christmas tree cookie cutter but quickly determined that I liked the look of simple triangles much better. Then it was time to whip up a batch of my favorite frosting ever — cream cheese frosting, which has the perfect amount of tang to balance out these rich, sweet, fudgy brownies. I scooped the frosting into a gallon-sized freezer plastic baggie, snipped about 1/2-inch off of one corner, and used it as a piping bag to quickly and attractively frost my brownies.
I found that I got the best results by turning each tree upside down, starting at the long flat side, and then frosting back and forth across the brownie, all the way down to the tip (the end where the star would go). You could just as easily use a knife to frost your brownies, but I think that this plastic bag method is actually quicker, less messy, and ends up looking nicer.
Finally I broke off the straight side of a mini candy cane to use as the Christmas tree trunk, and then I went to town with a variety of holiday sprinkles! You could choose to tint your frosting green, but I decided to leave mine un-dyed and instead bring in color using sparkling sugar, sprinkles, Sixlets, and whatever festive little candies I had in the pantry.
The final result? Brownie pops that will be the star of the Christmas cookie platter! And if you decide to leave a few for Santa? Well, in return, he might just stuff your stocking extra full this year. 😉
Whether you need cookies for a Christmas platter or goodies for Santa, these Christmas Tree Brownie Pops feature fudgy brownies, cream cheese frosting, and candy cane "trunks" for a fun and festive holiday treat!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter
- 28 ounces semisweet chocolate chips, divided
- 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped (I use Baker's chocolate squares)
- 6 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons instant coffee granules
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously butter and flour a rimmed 18x13x1-inch half sheet pan.
- In the top of a double broiler (or in a large, heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water), melt together the butter, 16 ounces of chocolate chips, and unsweetened chocolate, stirring until smooth. Set aside to slightly cool.
- In a large bowl, blend together eggs, instant coffee granules, vanilla, and sugar. Slowly and gradually stir the warm butter/chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, baking powder, and salt. Blend into chocolate mixture until just combined. In a small bowl, toss remaining 12 ounces chocolate chips with remaining 1/4 cup flour. Stir into chocolate batter and spread into prepared sheet pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then rap the baking sheet against the oven shelf or counter to remove any trapped air bubbles. Bake for 15 more minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean, taking care not to overbake. Allow to cool completetely.
- Once brownies are cool, cut into Christmas tree-shaped triangles. Use a thin metal spatula to remove from cookie sheet onto a platter.
- To decorate, insert a straight piece of mini candy cane into the base of each tree.
- Scoop Cream Cheese Frosting (or your favorite frosting) into a gallon-sized freezer baggie. Push frosting into a corner of the bag and cut off a 1/2-inch piece to create a hole. Use as a piping bag to pipe frosting onto each brownie. Place brownie upside down, start at long, flat side, and pipe frosting back and forth going down the brownie, all the way to the tip (where the star would go).
- Use a variety of sprinkles, leftover crushed candy canes, and small candies to decorate the trees. Store refrigerated in a tightly covered container.
Notes
The instant coffee granules give the brownies a deeper, richer, chocolate flavor, as opposed to making the brownies taste like coffee. You may reduce the amount used if you wish, but when I've tried doing so, I didn't think the brownies tasted as decadent.
If you prefer nuts in your brownies, you may add 3 cups chopped walnuts (or your favorite nut) to the step where you toss the remaining chocolate chips with the remaining flour.
You may tint your frosting with green food coloring, if you wish.
You will have lots of leftover brownie scraps from cutting out the trees. I'm sure you will think of some way to dispose of them... 😉
Outrageous Brownies recipe from Ina Garten.
More Christmas recipes & ideas…
Christmas Tree Sheet Cake Pops
Overnight Egg Nog French Toast
Christmas Cupcake Toppers Using Nutter Butters
Carolyn Crouchet says
December 8, 2014 at 8:15 pmYou are truly gifted! I love, love, love all the decorating options. I can envision a platter with a bunch of these on it: one delicious recipe, a bunch of visual variety, a lot of delighted recipients! Muchas gracias!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
December 11, 2014 at 11:15 pmYou are too sweet, Carolyn…thank you! I love these brownie pops because, not only do they taste great, but you can customize them with whatever festive sprinkles or candies you have on hand. You could even cut out shapes other than Christmas trees if you prefer (I always use heart-shaped cookie cutters for Valentine’s Day). Hope you have fun making them if you have a chance to try them, and good luck with your last week of school before Christmas break! 🙂
Dalila G. says
December 8, 2014 at 9:00 pmDon’t you just LOVE Ina?!
You have really made my baking for family and friends a joy!
Thank you Samantha!!
These Christmas Tree Brownie Pops are going to win me loads of “brownie” points! LOL!!
And all those decorating ideas….brilliant! 🙂
Pinned!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
December 11, 2014 at 11:16 pmThank you so much for the sweet comment and the pin, Dalila! I’m glad you’re excited to try these, and yes, I adore Ina…she never steers me wrong. 😉 I appreciate you stopping by and I hope you’re having a wonderful December!
heather @french press says
December 8, 2014 at 9:36 pmlove love love how festive these are
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
December 11, 2014 at 11:18 pmThank you, Heather! It was fun coming up with different ways to decorate them. I’m going to make them again later this month and let my kids do the decorating next time…can’t wait to see what they come up with! 😉
Jennie says
December 9, 2014 at 9:00 amOh my goodness, I LOVE these! Sending this to my sister who loves brownies and who has two little girls who would love to help with decorating! 🙂
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
December 11, 2014 at 11:19 pmThank you, Jennie…I hope your sister has fun decorating these with her girls! You are thoughtful to share this recipe with them. 🙂 Hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season!
Lise Ode says
December 9, 2014 at 2:26 pmThese are the cutest! So festive!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
December 11, 2014 at 11:22 pmThank you so much, Lisa! I appreciate you stopping by to check them out. 🙂
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
December 9, 2014 at 6:51 pmYou are SO dang clever. I would never think of something like this. Toooooo cute.
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
December 11, 2014 at 11:24 pmThanks so much, Carol! It was really fun to see these little treats come together. 🙂 Hope you have a happy Friday!
Jaren (Diary of a Recipe Collector) says
December 10, 2014 at 5:40 amEach year I pick something to bake and decorate at Christmas time with my kiddos. These look like fun, and they will love them!!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
December 11, 2014 at 11:27 pmWhat a neat tradition, Jaren…I’m so glad you might try these brownie pops this year! They’re definitely fun and easy to make. I hope that you and your kids have a good time decorating them!
Jenna says
December 10, 2014 at 1:54 pmthese are adorable Samantha!! I just might make them for our family Christmas Eve! Thanks so much!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
December 11, 2014 at 11:29 pmThank you, Jenna…and you’re welcome! 🙂 I hope your family loves these if you have a chance to make them. Happy Friday!
Jodee Weiland says
December 12, 2014 at 7:47 pmThese brownie pops are just too cute! What a great idea for the holidays…delicious and cute! The little ones will love these…thanks for sharing!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
December 14, 2014 at 10:20 pmThank you, Jodee, for stopping by and for the sweet comment. I hope your week is off to a fabulous start! 🙂
[email protected] Freshman Cook says
December 13, 2014 at 7:27 pmThese are so so adorable! I love the versatility of decorating them to match decor or for a certain person! Your recipe sounds amazing!! I would love if you would share this at Celebrate It!. It’s my blog party where we celebrate our wonderful everyday life!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
December 14, 2014 at 11:09 pmThanks so much, Teri, for the sweet comment and the invite to your link party! Hopping over now…hope you have a great week! 🙂
Alison- The Pink Tumbleweed says
December 15, 2014 at 9:02 amThese are adorable! Can’t wait to try them!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
December 17, 2014 at 12:55 pmThank you, Alison…I appreciate that! 🙂 Hope your week is going well!
The Better Baker says
December 15, 2014 at 9:40 amThese are so adorable I just want to squeal! =) Thanks so much for sharing your special recipe with us at Weekend Potluck. Have a blessed week ahead. XO
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
December 17, 2014 at 12:57 pmThanks so much, Marsha…I hope your week is going wonderfully as well! I appreciate you stopping by and thanks, as always, for hosting WP! 🙂
Amanda says
November 12, 2015 at 4:09 pmHello,
My family loves brownies, but does NOT like when there are chocolate chips in them… Is it ok to just leave them out completely(the step where you coat them in flour, then incorporate them into the batter)? Or will it somehow ruin the batter?
Thank you!!! 🙂
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
November 15, 2015 at 2:44 pmHi Amanda! You can absolutely leave the chocolate chips out of these brownies…they’ll still turn out great! However, I would probably go ahead and incorporate that extra 1/4 cup flour (the portion that you’re supposed to mix with the chocolate chips to prevent them from sinking into the batter) when you whisk together the other 1 cup flour with the baking powder and salt. Hope that helps…enjoy! 🙂
Carrie says
December 1, 2015 at 1:29 pmHi!
How many brownie trees did you get out of one pan? I need two dozen for a cookie exchange and I can’t tell how many you get out of one pan.
Thanks!
Carrie says
December 1, 2015 at 1:31 pmI just saw that it’s approximately 2 dozen! 🙂
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
December 9, 2015 at 2:25 pmI’m so happy that you found the answer at the top of the recipe, Carrie! I’m embarrassingly behind on replying to blog comments right now and I’m glad you didn’t have to wait for me. 😉 I recently made Christmas Tree Sheet Cake Pops using this same method and I specifically thought of you when I cut them out and counted them…in fact, I included a photo in that post to show readers how I made the cuts based on your feedback! 🙂 Hope they are/were a hit!
Carrie says
December 14, 2015 at 9:28 amThank you!! That photo is really helpful, I was going to buy a cookie cutter, but now I don’t need to!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
December 16, 2015 at 3:28 pmYou’re welcome, Carrie! I actually think these brownie trees turn out cuter when you cut them into simple triangles (which is easier than using a cookie cutter as well). Hope they’re a hit!
Christine says
December 22, 2015 at 3:10 pmCan you used boxed brownie mix if your in a hurry?
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
December 22, 2015 at 3:21 pmAbsolutely, Christine! But I think it’s going to take more like 1 1/2 boxes of brownie mix to fill this size sheet pan. I’d go ahead and mix up two boxes of brownie mix, spread enough batter to fill the sheet pan without going too high up the sides (as your brownies will rise a bit), and then bake the remainder of the brownie batter in a small, separate pan. Also, since you’ll be estimating the amount of batter to use, I’d probably lay a big sheet of foil on the rack under the pan to catch any potential overflowing batter…juuuust in case. Hope that helps! Enjoy!
Christine says
December 22, 2015 at 5:29 pmWoohoo!! Thank you!
Tara says
December 26, 2015 at 1:54 pmDriest brownies I’ve ever made in my life! I was already skeptical about this recipe because there was no oil. I followed this to a T (coffee granules and all) and when they were cooled, they were the driest things ever! They crumbled up so much and they were really horrible to eat. They tasted like an extremely dry chocolate cake. Not to mention, when I microwaved one to try to salvage it, it was even worse! Wish I made the brownies straight from a box.
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
December 26, 2015 at 2:20 pmHi Tara! I’m so sorry that this recipe didn’t work out for you. I’m not sure what happened, but I have never had these brownies turn out the least bit dry or crumbly and I’ve made this recipe dozens of times. They are actually incredibly moist and fudgy and taste exponentially better than anything out of a box. There is no need for oil in this recipe as it already includes a full pound of butter. I’m sure you followed the recipe, but it’s sounds like the brownies were either overbaked, an important ingredient was incorrectly measured, or the incorrect pan size was used. As I mentioned and linked in the post, this brownie recipe comes from Ina Garten where she has hundreds of five star reviews. I hate that this recipe didn’t work out for you and I’m sorry that you wasted ingredients, but these brownies definitely should not have turned out dry.
Melinda Mitchell says
December 3, 2016 at 6:37 amFirst you tell me the brownies are all butter and chocolate, then you tell me to share?? What kind of nonsense is that?? lol
They look scrumptious! Thanks for revealing the secret of perfectly frosting them, the baggie. I seriously thought you’re a professional baker!
Kandi Fehr says
January 1, 2017 at 2:57 pmCan i forget the instant coffee granules? It looks like a delicious recipe! Thanks!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
January 22, 2017 at 4:49 pmYes, you may leave out the instant coffee if you wish. 🙂
Kandi Fehr says
January 1, 2017 at 3:06 pmAlso, can i microwave the butter, choc chips and unsweetened choc instead of a double broiler? Thanks!
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
January 22, 2017 at 4:49 pmHi Kandi! There is such a large amount of butter, chocolate chips, and unsweetened chocolate in this recipe that there’s a good chance it might seize up and become lumpy if it’s overheated in the microwave. So that’s not to say it couldn’t or wouldn’t work…I just think the odds of success are better using a double broiler. If you do decide to try microwaving, I’d just do so in short increments at low power, stirring well in between. 🙂
Christa says
December 16, 2017 at 11:02 amGreat recipe! And love how great they look, such an excellent Christmas treat! Just wondering if they can be frozen? I made 6 dozen for a baking exchange and now we are in the middle of a snowstorm and the exchange is cancelled! I can’t be left alone in a house with all these brownies they’re too yummy lol
Samantha at Five Heart Home says
December 20, 2017 at 1:08 pmSo sorry for my delayed reply, Christa. The brownies can definitely be frozen, but I’m afraid the frosting and decorations would not hold up to freezing. On the plus side, these brownies are so dense and moist that they do stay fresh for a number of days. So I hope your baking exchange was rescheduled after the storm passed!