Christmas Dessert For Kids

Alright, listen up, holiday heroes! Christmas is coming, which means two things: relentless carols on repeat and the inevitable sugar craving from every tiny human (and, let’s be real, every adult) in your life. But fear not, my friend, because I’ve got your back with a dessert that’s so ridiculously easy, it practically makes itself. Seriously, you’ll look like a culinary genius without even breaking a sweat. Unless, you know, you’re *really* enthusiastic with the spatula. 😉 We’re making super cute, super festive, and super delicious Christmas Tree Brownie Bites!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Because it’s **idiot-proof**, even *I* didn’t mess it up, and that’s saying something! It involves chocolate (duh), sprinkles (essential), and a shape that’s instantly recognizable as “festive.” Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get the kids involved without them destroying your entire kitchen in the process. Think of it as controlled chaos. It’s also relatively quick to pull together, which means more time for holiday movie marathons and less time slaving over a hot stove. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a treat that looks complicated but is secretly a breeze? You’ll be basking in compliments, I promise.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• **One batch of brownies:** Your choice! A box mix is totally acceptable here (no judgment, we’re friends!). Or, if you’re feeling fancy, bake your favorite from-scratch recipe. Just make sure it’s cooled completely.
• **Green frosting:** Store-bought is your BFF for speed. Or, grab some white frosting and a bottle of green food coloring – gel food coloring gives a richer color, FYI.
• **Pretzel sticks:** These are crucial for our “tree trunks.” Don’t skip them, unless you want your trees to look like sad, deflated triangles.
• **Assorted Christmas sprinkles:** Stars, nonpareils, tiny silver balls – whatever makes your heart sing. More is more, IMO.
• **Mini M&M’s or small candies:** For those adorable “ornaments.”

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First things first, make those brownies! Follow the box instructions or your favorite recipe. **The most important step here is to let them cool down completely.** Seriously, completely. Like, walk away, watch an episode of something, then come back. Warm brownies and frosting are a melty disaster waiting to happen.
2. Once your brownies are cool, gently lift the entire slab out of the pan. A parchment paper sling is amazing for this! Now, grab a sharp knife and cut your brownie slab into triangles. Think of it like cutting a pizza, but into wedges that resemble little Christmas trees. You’ll likely get a few irregular pieces – chef’s snack!
3. Carefully, push a pretzel stick into the bottom (the wider base) of each brownie triangle. This is your sturdy tree trunk. Don’t push too hard, or it might snap through. We want trees, not pretzel shrapnel.
4. Now for the fun part: frosting! Using a butter knife or an offset spatula, spread a generous layer of green frosting over each brownie tree. Don’t aim for perfection; a slightly rustic look totally works here. The kids definitely won’t care.
5. Before the frosting sets, get those sprinkles and candies ready! Let your inner artist (or your actual kids) go wild. Place the star sprinkles on top, dot the mini M&M’s around like ornaments, and shower them with all the festive bits.
6. Once decorated, carefully transfer your Christmas Tree Brownie Bites to a plate or serving platter. Step back and admire your handiwork. You’ve just created edible holiday magic!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• **Cutting warm brownies:** As mentioned, a big no-no. You’ll end up with a crumbly mess that refuses to hold a shape. Patience, young grasshopper.
• **Too much frosting:** While tempting, an overly thick layer of frosting can make your brownie trees slide off their pretzel trunks. Go for a moderate, even coating.
• **Forgetting the cooling time:** I know, I know, I said it before, but it’s that important! You’ll regret it if you don’t.
• **Being too precious:** This is a fun, kid-friendly dessert. If a sprinkle lands awkwardly or a tree leans a bit, who cares? It adds character! Embrace the delicious imperfection.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling adventurous or missing an ingredient? No sweat!

• **Brownies:** Not a brownie fan? You could totally use chocolate cake or even blondies. Cut them into squares first, then diagonally to get the triangles. You could even use Rice Krispie treats, pressed into a pan and cut similarly!
• **Green Frosting:** If green isn’t your vibe, or you’re out of food coloring, white frosting looks like a snow-covered tree, or red frosting can be pretty striking too. You could even just dust them with powdered sugar for a minimalist, snowy effect.
• **Pretzel Sticks:** If you don’t have pretzel sticks, short cookie sticks or even mini candy canes (broken to size) could work in a pinch for the trunk.
• **Decorations:** No mini M&M’s? Use gummy bears cut into tiny pieces, chocolate chips, or even just more sprinkles! Edible glitter always adds a nice touch of sparkle if you’re feeling extra.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• **Can I make the brownies from scratch?** Absolutely! If you have a killer brownie recipe, go for it. Just ensure they’re firm enough to cut and fully cooled.
• **How far in advance can I make these?** You can make the brownies a day or two ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Assemble and decorate them closer to serving for the freshest look.
• **Do they need to be refrigerated?** If your frosting contains dairy (like cream cheese frosting), yes, pop ’em in the fridge. If it’s a standard shelf-stable buttercream, they’re fine at room temperature for a day or two.
• **Can the kids help with this?** YES! That’s half the fun! Let them frost (expect a mess, but totally worth it) and go wild with the sprinkles. It’s a great holiday activity.
• **What if I don’t have green food coloring?** No biggie! Use white frosting for a snowy look, or pick another festive color like red. Or just skip the color and embrace the natural frosting hue.
• **My pretzel sticks keep breaking! What gives?** Your brownies might be a bit too dense or you’re pushing too hard. Try wiggling the pretzel gently rather than pushing straight through, or ensure your brownies aren’t overbaked and too dry.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, my friend! A delightful, easy-peasy Christmas dessert that’s guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even a little bit of sugary chaos to your holiday season. These little trees are perfect for school parties, family gatherings, or just munching on while wrapping presents (don’t tell anyone, but they’re my go-to “chef’s treat”). Now go forth and impress someone—or yourself—with your newfound culinary skills. You’ve earned it!