Christmas Tree Cookies are a delightful and festive treat that perfectly captures the holiday spirit. These cookies are not only visually stunning but also delicious, making them a hit at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking with family or preparing a batch for a cookie exchange, these cookies are a must-have for the season.
Ingredients
- For the cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- For the decoration:
- Green food coloring
- Royal icing or store-bought icing
- Assorted sprinkles, sugar pearls, and edible glitter
- Star-shaped sprinkles for the tree topper
Instructions
- Prepare the dough:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. - Chill the dough:
Divide the dough in half, shape it into disks, and wrap each disk in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. - Shape the cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Bake:
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating. - Decorate the cookies:
Divide the royal icing into separate bowls and add green food coloring to achieve the desired shade of green. Use a piping bag or a small spatula to spread the icing on the cookies, creating a tree-like appearance. Decorate with sprinkles, sugar pearls, and edible glitter. Place a star-shaped sprinkle at the top of each cookie tree. - Set and serve:
Allow the icing to set for at least 1 hour before serving or storing.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Arrange the Christmas Tree Cookies on a festive platter for a stunning holiday centerpiece. These cookies pair wonderfully with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea.
- Storage: Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Undecorated cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw and decorate as needed.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
2. What can I use instead of royal icing?
If you don’t have royal icing, you can use a simple powdered sugar glaze or buttercream frosting. However, keep in mind that royal icing hardens more firmly for stacking and storage.
3. Can I add flavors to the cookies?
Absolutely! You can experiment with flavors like peppermint extract, lemon zest, or cinnamon for a festive twist.
4. Do I need a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter?
While a cookie cutter is ideal, you can also cut out tree shapes by hand using a template and a sharp knife if you don’t have one.
Enjoy your festive baking and happy holidays! 🎄
PrintChristmas Tree Cookies
These festive Christmas Tree Cookies are a holiday favorite! Made with a buttery sugar cookie base and decorated with vibrant green icing, sprinkles, and a sweet star on top, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a fun baking project with kids. They’re easy to make and absolutely delightful to eat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Green food coloring
For Decoration:
- Assorted holiday sprinkles
- Small edible stars
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until combined. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. - Chill the Dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to make it easier to roll out. - Roll and Cut:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. - Prepare the Icing:
In a medium bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add green food coloring until the desired shade is achieved. - Decorate the Cookies:
Spread or pipe the green icing onto the cooled cookies. Decorate with sprinkles and place a small edible star at the top of each tree. Allow the icing to set before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- If you don’t have a tree-shaped cutter, you can create templates from parchment paper and cut around them with a knife.