Matcha Brownie Christmas Trees

There’s something about the holidays that calls for festive treats. What better way to celebrate the season than with gooey, fudgy matcha brownies shaped like adorable Christmas trees? This recipe takes a classic brownie recipe to a whole new level, adding a holiday-inspired flair with a vibrant green matcha hue, a crackly top, and whimsical decorations. These brownies are not only delicious but also a fun and creative project for the season. Let’s dive into how to make these crowd-pleasing Matcha Brownie Christmas Trees!

Why These Matcha Brownies Make the Perfect Holiday Treat

1. Eye-Catching Design: The vibrant green of the matcha paired with the festive decorations makes these brownies stand out on any dessert table.
2. Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples and high-quality matcha, you can whip up these brownies without a fuss.
3. Fun to Make: Decorating the brownies like Christmas trees is a fun activity for kids and adults alike, making this recipe perfect for family bonding.
4. Unique Flavor: The earthy matcha flavor complements the sweetness of the white chocolate, creating a unique treat that will impress your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Matcha Brownie Christmas Trees:

For the Matcha Brownies:

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates a fudgy texture.
• White chocolate, chopped: Provides sweetness and a smooth consistency to complement the matcha flavor.
• Matcha powder (high quality): Gives the brownies their vibrant green color and earthy flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter.
• Dark brown sugar: Adds depth and a slight molasses flavor.
• Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and adds structure.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the matcha flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the brownies.

For Decoration:

• White chocolate, melted – Used to drizzle over the brownies for decoration.
• Festive sprinkles (red, green, gold, etc.) – Adds a holiday touch.
• Candy canes (optional) – Serves as the tree trunks for decoration.

For making the Matcha Brownie Christmas Trees, here are the essential tools you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few mixing bowls in different sizes to combine the dry ingredients and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: A whisk is essential for blending the dry ingredients and whisking the wet ingredients until smooth.
• Electric Mixer: An electric hand mixer or stand mixer will help you cream the ingredients, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Spatula: A silicone spatula is perfect for folding the wet and dry ingredients together without over-mixing.
• Measuring Scale: To accurately measure all your ingredients in grams.
• Baking Pan: To bake the brownies.
• Parchment Paper or Butter: To grease to pan and prevent the brownies from sticking to the pan.
• Toothpicks: Toothpicks are handy for checking if the brownies are done.
• Long Knife: To cut the brownies into equal triangles.

Here is the full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Matcha Brownies

• 113 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 113 g (4 oz) white chocolate, chopped
• 15 g (2 tbsp) matcha powder (high quality)
• 150 g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 50 g (1/4 cup) dark brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 125 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour

For the Decoration:

• 113 g (4 oz) white chocolate, melted
• Festive sprinkles (red, green, gold, etc.)
• Candy canes (optional)

Directions:

Make & Bake the Brownies:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Set aside.
2. Create the Matcha Chocolate Mixture: Using the double-boiler method, melt the butter, white chocolate, and a pinch of salt over medium heat. Stir frequently until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and sift in the matcha powder. Whisk until the matcha is fully incorporated and the mixture is a uniform green color. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar. Using a hand mixer, beat on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and creamy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the vanilla extract and mix again briefly.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Slowly pour the slightly cooled matcha chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Beat on low speed until fully combined.
5. Fold in the Flour: Sift the all-purpose flour into the wet ingredients. Gently fold it in with a spatula until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix—this ensures the brownies stay tender and fudgy.
6. Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
7. Cool Completely: Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before using the parchment overhang to lift them out. Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.

Shaping the Brownie Christmas Trees:

1. Cut Into Triangles: Once the brownies are completely cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into diagonal triangles. Start by cutting the brownies in half diagonally to create two large triangles. Then, cut smaller triangles from each section until you have tree-shaped pieces.
2. Pro Tip: To get clean edges, wipe your knife clean with a damp cloth after each cut.
3. Melt the White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
4. Decorate Your Trees: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the brownie triangles in a zigzag pattern to mimic garlands on a Christmas tree. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle your favorite festive sprinkles on top for a pop of holiday color.
5. Optional: Add Candy Cane Trunks: Break mini candy canes into small pieces and insert them into the base of each brownie triangle to act as tree trunks.

Tips and Tricks:

Tips for the Brownies:

• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing. Just fold until there are no more streaks of flour. Overmixing can make the brownies tough instead of soft.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This allows for smoother mixing and helps achieve a shiny top.
• Cool Before Slicing: Patience is crucial with brownies. Cooling them fully allows them to set and gives you cleaner slices.
• Customize Your Brownies: Add chopped nuts, white chocolate chunks, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for extra flavor and texture!

General Tips:

• Bake Time is Key: Keep an eye on baking time. Overbaking can lead to drier brownies, while underbaking makes them too gooey. For that fudgy texture, take them out when a toothpick still has a few moist crumbs.
• Preheat Your Oven: Make sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking. This ensures even baking and helps the brownies rise properly.
• Line Your Pan: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up. This also helps to avoid sticking and makes cutting the brownies easier.
• Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting brownies, use a sharp knife for clean edges. If the brownies are too soft, chill them in the refrigerator for a short time to firm them up before cutting.
• Store Properly: Store your decorated brownies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated if you prefer.

By following these tips, you’ll create perfect fudgy matcha brownies with a shiny top!

More Baking Ideas:

• Chocolate Banana Bread – Rich, moist, and studded with chocolate chips, this Chocolate Banana Bread is a heavenly treat for chocolate and banana lovers alike.
• Frosted Oreo Cookies – Soft, chewy cookies crowned with creamy Oreo frosting—perfect for anyone who loves a cookies-and-cream dream!
• Tiramisu Cookies – Espresso and mascarpone come together in these elegant Tiramisu Cookies, delivering the flavors of the classic Italian dessert in every bite.
• Chocolate Banana Bread – Rich, moist, and studded with chocolate chips, this Chocolate Banana Bread is a heavenly treat for chocolate and banana lovers alike.

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe: