Christmas Tree Brownie Cups Recipe

If you’re looking to bring a cheerful, festive touch to your holiday dessert table, this Christmas Tree Brownie Cups Recipe is an absolute showstopper. These delightful brownie bites have everything you need to impress—rich chocolatey goodness baked into adorable cups, crowned with creamy green frosting shaped like little Christmas trees, and finished off with colorful sprinkles and mini M&Ms that look like ornaments. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, gifting them to loved ones, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these treats capture the joy and warmth of the season in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, easy to find, and each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the flavor, texture, and festive look of this dessert. From the fudgy brownie base to the vibrant green frosting and playful toppings, everything comes together effortlessly.

• Brownie mix (18.3 oz box): The base of our treat, providing rich, chocolatey goodness with minimal prep time.
• White chocolate chips (1 cup): Melted for dipping, these add a smooth, sweet contrast and help hold the festive sprinkles on the rims.
• Whipped topping (16 oz container): Light and fluffy, this makes the perfect canvas for coloring and piping the Christmas tree shapes.
• Green food coloring: Essential for turning the whipped topping into charming evergreen trees that catch the eye.
• Sprinkles (red and green nonpareils, sanding sugar): These bring sparkle, texture, and that unmistakable holiday vibe to each cup.
• Mini M&Ms (1 cup): Fun, colorful “ornaments” that make decorating your brownie trees joyful and customizable.

How to Make Christmas Tree Brownie Cups Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Start by preparing the brownie batter according to the instructions on your box. It’s the quick and easy foundation for these festive treats, ensuring you get that rich and fudgy texture without any fuss.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Tins

Preheat your oven as directed on the brownie mix box. Meanwhile, grease two mini muffin tins thoroughly with cooking spray to make sure your brownie cups come out cleanly and keep their shape perfectly.

Step 3: Fill and Bake

Pour the prepared brownie batter into the mini muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake them for 12 to 15 minutes, or until you see those edges turn firm and the tops develop a crinkly texture—a classic brownie sign. Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; a few moist crumbs clinging to it means they’re perfectly baked.

Step 4: Create an Indentation

Right after baking, while the brownies are still warm, use a teaspoon to gently press into the center of each brownie, making a small cup. This indentation will soon hold your creamy frosting, turning each bite into a miniature holiday scene. Cool the brownies completely before removing them from the tins to keep them intact.

Step 5: Melt the White Chocolate

Place your white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 40-second bursts, stirring well after each. Continue heating in short 10-second intervals until the chocolate is fully melted and silky smooth. This step creates the perfect glue for sprinkles and adds a lovely sweet touch to the edges.

Step 6: Decorate the Rims

Dip the top edge of each cooled brownie cup into the melted white chocolate, then immediately dip it into a shallow bowl filled with sprinkles. This not only makes the dessert pop with color but introduces a fun, festive crunch with every bite.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

Add several drops of green food coloring to your whipped topping and gently fold until you reach that perfect evergreen shade reminiscent of fresh pine. This vibrant green frosting is the star of the ‘tree’ design.

Step 8: Pipe the Trees

Fit a piping bag with a large star tip, like a Wilton 1M, and fill it with your green whipped topping. Pipe swirling layers on top of each brownie to mimic the shape of a fluffy Christmas tree, building height and texture for a delightful look and mouthfeel.

Step 9: Add Decorations

Now the fun truly begins—decorate your whipped topping trees by placing mini M&Ms as “ornaments” and adding extra festive sprinkles if you like. It’s a wonderfully creative step that lets your holiday spirit shine through every cup.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Brownie Cups Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate these adorable treats, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar to resemble snow or a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the finished trees. Fresh mint leaves or edible glitter can also add a magical, wintery glow that guests will adore.

Side Dishes

Serve your Christmas Tree Brownie Cups Recipe alongside classic holiday beverages like hot cocoa or spiced cider for a cozy combination. They also pair wonderfully with a simple fruit platter or vanilla ice cream to balance out the rich chocolate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Display these festive bites on a tiered dessert stand adorned with pine sprigs and fairy lights to replicate a winter wonderland. For gift-giving, package them in decorative boxes or clear treat bags tied with red and green ribbons to spread holiday cheer beyond your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover Christmas Tree Brownie Cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge will help the frosting stay firm and fresh for up to four days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooled brownie cups (without frosting) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then frost and decorate as desired.

Reheating

If you prefer your brownies slightly warm, gently reheat them for 10-15 seconds in the microwave—just don’t warm the frosting or decorations to keep the texture perfect. Enjoy the mix of warm chocolate with cool, creamy frosting for an irresistible treat.

FAQs

Can I make these brownie cups from scratch instead of using a box mix?

Absolutely! While the box mix saves time, a homemade brownie recipe with your favorite ingredients will work beautifully. Just ensure the batter is thick enough to hold its shape when baked in mini muffin tins.

What kind of whipped topping is best for piping the Christmas trees?

A stabilized whipped topping or whipped cream works best as it holds its shape longer, especially if you’re prepping ahead or serving in a warmer environment.

Can I use other types of chocolate instead of white chocolate for the rim decoration?

Yes! Dark or milk chocolate can be melted and used instead of white chocolate. Just keep in mind that white chocolate helps the colors of the sprinkles pop more vividly.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting before serving?

Keep your brownie cups refrigerated until just before serving. If you’re piping them well in advance, using stabilized frosting helps maintain the shape and prevents melting.

Are these brownie cups gluten-free?

They can be if you use a gluten-free brownie mix and ensure that your toppings and sprinkles do not contain gluten. Always double-check ingredient labels when accommodating dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

Nothing captures the spirit of the holidays quite like this Christmas Tree Brownie Cups Recipe. With fudgy brownies, creamy green frosting, and festive decorations, it’s a dessert that invites smiles and creates memories. Don’t hesitate to make a batch and bring joy to your celebrations—once you try them, these adorable treats will become a favorite holiday tradition.

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