Christmas Tree Brownies (Gluten Free Recipe)

Alright, dessert lovers, it’s time to channel your inner holiday cheer and get ready for a treat that’ll make your kitchen smell like a winter wonderland!

We’re talking Christmas Tree Brownies – the fudgiest, most delightful brownies topped with a swirl of festive buttercream frosting that’s sure to turn heads and warm hearts. 

Not only do these brownies look absolutely adorable, but they taste like a chocolatey dream wrapped in a holiday hug. Plus, they’re gluten-free – because everyone deserves a bite (or three) of this seasonal goodness!

Imagine: you’ve got a rich, dense brownie base, a smooth and creamy green frosting that’s as cheerful as a Christmas elf, and just the right amount of sparkle from gluten-free sprinkles. 

These Christmas Tree Brownies are perfect for adding that special touch to your holiday dessert table, sharing with family and friends, or enjoying solo with a hot cocoa by the fireplace. And don’t worry – these trees don’t shed needles; they only shed chocolate chips (and love).

So grab your apron and let’s bring some sparkle and serious brownie magic to your holiday baking lineup. I promise you’ll be the hero at your next Christmas party or cookie exchange.

If you love festive recipes during the holiday season you may also want to try my Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe or my Chocolate Peppermint Truffles.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE GLUTEN FREE CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES

1. Holiday Showstoppers: These Christmas Tree Brownies are the perfect blend of festive and fun, making them a must for any holiday dessert table. They’re almost too cute to eat… almost!
2. Gluten-Free Goodness: No one’s missing out on these sweet treats! Made with gluten-free flour, they’re perfect for friends and family with dietary restrictions without sacrificing any fudgy, chocolatey flavor.
3. Crackly Tops and Fudgy Centers: Thanks to the butter-sugar melt method, these brownies have that iconic crackly top we all love and a gooey, fudgy center that just melts in your mouth.
4. Easy Customization: Top them however you like! From colorful sprinkles to little star toppers, you can make each “tree” uniquely festive.
5. Perfect for Holiday Fun: This is a great recipe to make with kids. Decorating the trees adds a dash of holiday spirit and makes for a cozy family activity (and some delicious taste-testing along the way).
6. Make-Ahead Friendly: Whip up a batch, frost, decorate, and store – they’re perfect to pull out whenever you need a little holiday cheer!

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE CHRISTMAS BROWNIES

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make these brownie christmas trees (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card below):

• Vegan Butter – regular unsalted butter also works great but they will no longer be dairy-free.
• Granulated Sugar – you can try coconut sugar as well, but you will most likely need more of it.
• Eggs 
• Vanilla Extract 
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend – I used Bob’s Red Mill, however any gluten free flour with xanthan gum will work.
• Natural Cocoa Powder 
• Baking powder 
• Sea salt
• Semisweet Chocolate chips – can use chocolate chunks as well. 
• Green frosting – can make homemade frosting by combining powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, milk and green food coloring. 
• Festive sprinkles – star sprinkles for the top of the tree and crushed candy canes are also great.
• Optional – peppermint stick for a candy cane trunk, store-bought vanilla frosting, pretzel stick, white chocolate chips, heavy cream, dark chocolate, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE FESTIVE CHRISTMAS TREE BROWNIES

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low-medium heat. Add in sugar slowly and whisk continuously (this step is very important as it helps melt the sugar, which will give the brownies a the flakey crackly crust on the top). 
3. Continue whisking for approx 1-2 minutes after all the sugar has dissolved.
4. Transfer the butter mixture over to a large bowl and let cool slightly. Add in eggs one at a time, whisking vigorously between each egg, then add the vanilla.
5. In a separate bowl, sift the cocoa powder, gluten free flour, baking powder and salt.
6. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Transfer the brownie batter over to the prepared pan and top with chocolate chips, cacao nibs, or chopped nuts if you desire.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes in preheated oven, ensuring you do not over bake.
8. Remove from the oven and cool for about 15 minutes. Cut in half then cut in alternating diagonals into a triangle shape, as in the photo shown below.
9. Spoon the green icing into a zip lock bag.
10. Seal the bag and cut off a small corner with scissors.
11. Squeeze out the icing in a curvy zigzag as you go down the tree.
12. Add your favorite sprinkles and a small star sprinkle at the top. Enjoy your new favorite holiday sweet treat at Christmas time!

STORING LEFTOVER CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

• Room Temperature: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to keep the texture perfect.
• Refrigerator: If you need to keep them a bit longer, place them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. The cool air will help maintain the texture of the buttercream frosting too!
• Freezer: For long-term storage, wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Melt the Butter and Sugar Properly: When melting the butter and sugar, be sure to whisk continuously and let the sugar dissolve completely. This step is crucial for getting that signature flaky crust on top of the brownies.
• Cool the Butter Mixture: Allow the butter and sugar mixture to cool slightly before adding the eggs. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and helps create a smooth, cohesive batter.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt before adding to the wet ingredients. This helps prevent any lumps and ensures an even, fudgy brownie texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of that perfect fudgy texture.
• Use Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, use good-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips. They make a big difference in the richness of the brownies.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the fudge brownies as they bake! You want them slightly underdone when you pull them out for that gooey, fudgy interior. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not totally clean.
• Cool Before Cutting: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into tree shapes. This makes slicing much easier and prevents them from crumbling.
• Piping the Icing: For even icing, spoon the green frosting into a piping bag or zip-lock bag and cut a small corner off for easy, controlled decorating.
• Customize Your Decorations: Add fun gluten-free sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a star-shaped candy at the top of each tree for extra holiday flair.

FAQS

CAN I MAKE THESE HOMEMADE BROWNIES AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes, you can! Bake and decorate them a day or two in advance. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. If making further in advance, freeze them for longer freshness.

CAN I FREEZE THE BROWNIE TREES WITH THE DECORATIONS ON?

It’s best to freeze undecorated brownies. If you’ve already added decorations, freeze them in a single layer and add fresh decorations after thawing for the best visual appeal.

CAN I USE MY OWN BROWNIE RECIPE INSTEAD OF THIS ONE?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite brownie recipe (or even a store-bought brownie mix you already love), go for it. Just make sure the brownies are sturdy enough to cut into trees.

HOW CAN I MAKE CLEAN CUTS WITHOUT CRUMBLING THE BROWNIES?

For best results, let the rich brownies cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife, and wipe it clean between cuts to keep the edges neat and avoid crumbling.

WHAT’S A GOOD ALTERNATIVE FOR HOMEMADE FROSTING?

If you’re short on time, store-bought frosting works great! Just add a few drops of green food coloring, and you’re ready to go.

ARE THE DECORATIONS CUSTOMIZABLE IN THESE DELICIOUS BROWNIES?

Absolutely! Get creative with the decorations. Use gluten-free candies, edible glitter, or even shredded coconut for a snowy effect. Let your imagination run wild!

CAN I USE FLAX EGGS INSTEAD OF WHOLE EGGS?

Yes you can. The gluten free brownies may not be as fluffy and thick, but this will still work.

CAN I USE A BOX OF BROWNIE MIX INSTEAD TO MAKE THIS RECIPE MORE SIMPLE?

Yes you can absolutely use a gluten free boxed mix instead! The festive season is always very busy so if making these fun holiday treats from a box makes more sense for you, no stress!

Other Fun Christmas Treats You May Like To Try!

• Gluten Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
• Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Soft And Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
• Gluten Free Chocolate Fudge Crinkle Cookies
• Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bites
• Easy Chocolate Christmas Bark
• Cranberry Bliss Saltine Toffee
• Gluten-Free Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
• Gluten-Free Santa Hat Brownies
• Chocolate Covered Pretzel Wreaths
• Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments
• 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge
• Easy Snowman Cake Pops
• Healthy Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
• Chocolate Reindeer Chow

Continue to Content

Yield: 10 servings

Gluten Free Christmas Tree Brownies (Easy Recipe)

Print

Indulge in the festive magic with our Gluten Free Christmas Tree Brownies – a delicious twist on a classic treat. Gooey, chocolatey, and adorned with festive decorations, these brownies are perfect for spreading holiday joy without compromising on flavor.

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

FOR BROWNIES

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/4 cups granulated white sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3/4 cup gluten free flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips

FOR BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk
• Green food colouring
• Gluten-free sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low-medium heat. Add in sugar slowly and whisk continuously (this step is very important as it helps melt the sugar, which will give the brownies a the flakey crackly crust on the top). 
3. Continue whisking for approx 1-2 minutes after all the sugar has dissolved.
4. Transfer the butter mixture over to a large bowl and let cool slightly. Add in eggs one at a time, whisking vigorously between each egg, then add the vanilla.
5. In a separate bowl, sift the cocoa powder, gluten free flour, baking powder and salt.
6. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Transfer the brownie batter over to the prepared pan and top with chocolate chips, cacao nibs, or chopped nuts if you desire.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes in preheated oven, ensuring you do not over bake.
8. Remove from the oven and cool for about 15 minutes. Cut in half then cut in alternating diagonals into triangle shapes, as in the photo shown above.
9. Spoon the green icing into a zip lock bag.
10. Seal the bag and cut off a small corner with scissors.
11. Squeeze out the icing in a curvy zigzag as you go down the tree.
12. Add your favorite sprinkles and a small star sprinkle at the top. Enjoy your new favorite holiday sweet treat!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 338Total Fat: 34gSaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 91mgCarbohydrates: 83gFiber: 2gSugar: 70gProtein: 5g

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

IF YOU TRIED THIS CHRISTMAS BROWNIE RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS ADORABLE HOLIDAY TREAT ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails