Name: Christmas Brownie Tree Confections Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 18.3 ounces brownie mix (prepared according to box directions); 18 mini candy canes (hook removed) or 9 regular-size candy canes (hook removed and broken in half); ¼ cup salted sweet cream butter (softened); 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening; ½ teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream; 4 to 6 drops forest green food color (depending on desired shade); 12 candy star decorations; Multi-colored candy confetti; Nonpareils

Ingredients

18.3 ounces brownie mix, prepared according to box directions

18 mini candy canes, hook removed (or 9 regular size candy canes, hook removed and broken in half)

¼ cup salted sweet cream butter, softened

2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

½ teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring

¼ teaspoon almond extract

2 cups powdered sugar

2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream

4 to 6 drops forest green food coloring, depending on desired color intensity

12 candy star decorations (optional)

Multi-colored candy confetti (optional)

Nonpareils (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the brownies out easily. Spray the pan with baking spray and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the brownie batter according to the package instructions. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

Step 3: Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper sling. Slice the brownies diagonally into three rows, then make alternating diagonal cuts to form triangle shapes.

Step 4: Attach a broken candy cane piece to the bottom of each triangle to serve as the tree trunk.

Step 5: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and vegetable shortening with a handheld mixer on medium-high speed for 1 minute.

Step 6: Add the clear vanilla and almond extract, mixing until fully combined.

Step 7: Lower the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the powdered sugar half a cup at a time, alternating with tablespoons of heavy cream. After all is added, increase speed to high and mix until the frosting is smooth.

Step 8: Stir in 4 to 6 drops of green food coloring until the color is even with no streaks.

Step 9: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip, or use a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off for piping.

Step 10: Starting at the top tip of each brownie triangle, pipe a zigzag pattern down to the bottom to create the look of pine branches.

Step 11: Decorate the top of each tree with a candy star. Add candy confetti or nonpareils to embellish the frosting as desired.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of food coloring shades to create a more textured frosting effect on the trees.

Swap candy stars for edible glitter or small silver dragees for a different look.

For a gluten-free version, choose a gluten-free brownie mix.

If you don’t have a piping bag, a clean plastic sandwich bag with a tiny hole cut in a corner works well for frosting application.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies from scratch instead of using a mix?

Absolutely! Use your favorite homemade brownie recipe and follow the same slicing and decorating instructions for festive results.

What can I use if I don’t have clear vanilla flavoring?

You can substitute regular vanilla extract, but it may slightly color the frosting. Using clear vanilla keeps the frosting bright green without dulling the color.