Peppermint Brownie Christmas Trees

Here’s to rich, fudgy brownies dressed up for the holidays. These Peppermint Brownie Christmas Trees are the perfect mix of chocolatey goodness and cool peppermint crunch. They look impressive on any dessert table but are surprisingly simple to make.

Every year, I love baking something fun and whimsical treats for the holidays. These little brownie trees have become one of my favorite traditions – they’re easy, quick, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The best part? They start with a brownie mix, so you can focus on decorating and enjoying the moment.

If you love festive desserts like this, be sure to check out Peppermint Chocolate Covered Oreos, Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Pumpkin Spice Fudgy Brownies – they’re all perfect for cookie exchanges or Christmas parties.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make using a boxed brownie mix – no stress baking.
• Adorable tree shape makes them perfect for gifting or party trays.
• The combination of fudgy brownie and cool peppermint is irresistible.
• Great activity to make with kids or friends during the holidays.
• Freezer-friendly, so you can make them ahead of time.

Ingredients

• Brownie Mix: A boxed brownie mix keeps things quick and consistent. It’s rich, chocolatey, and the perfect sturdy base for stacking.
• Eggs, Oil, and Water: These are typically called for on the brownie mix box and help create that fudgy texture we all love.
• White Icing: Sweet, creamy frosting adds contrast to the dark brownies and serves as “snow” between each tree layer. Store-bought icing works great, or you can use your favorite homemade buttercream.
• Crushed Candy Canes: The peppermint pieces add a festive crunch and a burst of cool, minty flavor that balances the rich chocolate.
• Silver Star Sprinkles: These tiny stars give the trees their finishing sparkle – a simple touch that makes them holiday-perfect.

Substitutions and Additions

• Homemade Brownies: Use your favorite scratch brownie recipe instead of a boxed mix for a more decadent result.
• Different Icing Flavors: Try cream cheese frosting or chocolate buttercream if you prefer less sweetness or want a richer flavor.
• Colorful Decorations: Add mini M&Ms or colored sugar sprinkles for a playful, kid-friendly look.
• Extra Peppermint: Mix a little peppermint extract into the icing for an extra burst of mint flavor.

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Brownies

Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure it hangs slightly over the edges for easy lifting. Prepare the brownie batter according to the directions on your mix and pour it into the pan.

Bake until set, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

Cool and Chill

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan, then use the parchment to lift them out. Place the cooled brownies in the freezer for about 10 minutes – this helps firm them up so they cut cleanly.

Cut the Brownie Circles

Using three round cookie cutters in graduated sizes, cut sets of circles from the brownies. Each tree will need one of each size. Handle them gently so the edges stay neat.

Prepare the Icing

Fit a large piping tip (like a 2D) into a piping bag and fill it with icing. If your icing feels too stiff, stir in a teaspoon of milk at a time until it’s smooth and easy to pipe.

Assemble the Trees

Start with the largest brownie circle as your base. Pipe a generous swirl of icing on top, then sprinkle on some crushed candy canes.

Add the medium-sized brownie circle and repeat with icing and peppermint.

Finish with the smallest brownie circle, pipe a final swirl of icing, sprinkle more peppermint, and top with a silver star.

Repeat and Serve

Continue assembling until all your trees are complete. Arrange them on a platter and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving so the icing can set slightly. Enjoy!

Tips and Notes

• Use a Chilled Brownie Base: Chilling helps the brownies stay firm and makes cutting easier, especially if they’re extra fudgy.
• Go Light on the Peppermint: Too much crushed candy can overwhelm the sweetness – a sprinkle is plenty.
• Decorate Before Serving: For the freshest look, assemble the trees shortly before serving. The icing will stay fluffy, and the peppermint pieces will stay crisp.
• Use a Piping Tip with Good Definition: A large star tip, such as 2D, gives the icing that pretty “tree branch” look and makes the dessert extra festive.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Warm with Hot Cocoa: These trees taste amazing alongside a cozy mug of hot chocolate – the peppermint pairs perfectly.
• Display on a Holiday Dessert Board: Arrange the trees with sugar cookies, fudge squares, and truffles for a festive dessert spread.
• Wrap as Edible Gifts: Place each tree in a clear cellophane bag, then tie it with a red ribbon for an adorable homemade gift.
• Add a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Sprinkle a little over the tops for a snowy finish before serving.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Store leftover trees in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze undecorated brownie circles for up to a month; thaw before icing and assembling.
• If serving after refrigeration, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes for the best texture.
• Avoid stacking finished trees for storage – they’re best stored in a single layer.