Christmas Tree Brownies

There are a lot of things that Christmas is synonymous with; fairy lights, pine trees, open fires, carols and over indulgence. Now what is a little over indulgence without chocolate? The shops seem to be stocking the huge boxes of chocolates earlier and earlier these years which makes avoiding the family box of Celebrations really difficult. Call my logic flawed but I always think homemade is healthier than shop bought (usually) so it ensure I get a much healthier snack I like to bake my chocolate treat at home where I can. Yeah, ok I can see that one small chocolate is probably less calorific than a slice, or two of Christmas Tree Brownies…. But I do like to eat half the box of chocolates soooo….

Brownies are a treat in our house all year round and I like to try and jazz them up every now and then. Last time I made cinnamon brownies but this week I have made chocolate orange Christmas Tree Brownies. The orange flavour is actually stronger than you would expect but not over powering at all. And it is such a great flavour for the holiday season, it instantly makes me feel festive.

Christmas Day

Usually I like to make a big elaborate cake for Christmas Day dessert, however this year these cute little Christmas Tree Brownies are what I am planning on serving. With eight adults and four children to cater for a tray bake of brownies is the perfect size and really quick and easy to do. The decoration is also really simple as the green is made my simply melting candy melts and the baubles are smarties. For Christmas I will try and find or make some edible stars for a real finishing touch but for these practice ones I have just used yellow and orange smarties.

Print Recipe

Christmas Tree Brownies

Course

Baking

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Servings

Ingredients

• 180 g Plain Flour
• 325 g Caster Sugar
• 200 g Dark Chocolate
• 175 g Butter
• 2 Large Eggs beaten
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 large Orange Zest
• 1 bag Green Candy Melts
• 1 tube Smarties for decoration
• Rainbow Sprinkles for decoration

Course Baking Prep Time 20 Minutes Cook Time 30 minutes Servings Ingredients 180 g Plain Flour 325 g Caster Sugar 200 g Dark Chocolate 175 g Butter 2 Large Eggs beaten 1 tsp Baking Powder 1 large Orange Zest 1 bag Green Candy Melts 1 tube Smarties for decoration Rainbow Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 170 degreesC.
2. Line a traybake tin (20cm/30cm approx) with baking parchment.
3. Break up the chocolate and butter and put in a bowl. Place this bowl over a pan of simmering water ensuring the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl.
4. Once the chocolate and butter have completely melted remove from the heat and add the sugar. Mix well until completely combined.
5. Fold in the flour, baking powder and orange zest until completely combined.
6. Mix in the beaten eggs.
7. Pour the brownie mix into the prepared baking tray.
8. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. The middle should be cooked but still soft and springy.
9. Leave to cool in the tray for a couple if minutes and then transfer onto a rack to cool completely.
10. Cut the brownie into triangles.
11. Put the green candy melts into a heat proof bowl and place over a pan of simmering water ensuring the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl.
12. Put the melted candy melts into a piping bag with a flat nozzle or just cut a home in the bottom of the bag of it is easier.
13. Pipe in zigzags down the triangular brownie pieces.
14. Place the smarties on the trees as you wish so they look like baubles. Complete with a sprinkling of rainbow sprinkles.

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