There’s something undeniably enchanting about Christmas Tree Cookies. Picture this: vibrant green dough shaped like festive trees, sprinkled with colorful candies that twinkle like holiday lights. The aroma wafts through your home, wrapping you in warmth like a cozy blanket on a winter day. Each bite is a delightful crunch followed by the soft sweetness of frosting, reminding you of holiday gatherings filled with laughter and love.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Christmas Tree Cookies</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- How long do Christmas Tree Cookies last?
- Can I freeze Christmas Tree Cookies?
- What’s the best way to decorate Christmas Tree Cookies?
- 📖 Recipe Card
These cookies are not just treats; they are edible memories waiting to be made. I distinctly remember the first time I baked these little wonders with my kids. Flour everywhere, giggles echoing in the kitchen, and a few accidental flour fights later, we had a merry mess and a batch of cookies that tasted like joy itself. Whether it’s for a holiday party or simply to brighten up a cold December afternoon, these Christmas Tree Cookies promise to spread cheer and deliciousness in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Tree Cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels
- The flavor profile features a sweet balance of buttery cookie and creamy frosting that will have everyone coming back for more
- Visually appealing evergreen shapes topped with colorful decorations will be the star of your holiday dessert table
- They’re versatile enough to customize for any occasion—switch up the colors or shapes for birthdays or other celebrations!
Every year, our family gathers around the kitchen table to decorate these cookies, creating cherished memories and some pretty hilarious moments.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: A staple for cookie recipes; it gives structure while keeping the cookies tender.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough beautifully; opt for finer sugar for extra smoothness.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness; it also adds rich flavor.
Eggs: Large eggs are best; they bind everything together while adding moisture.
Baking Powder: Essential for leavening; ensure it’s fresh to give your cookies the perfect rise.
Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for an aromatic boost that elevates flavor.
Green Food Coloring: This transforms your dough into cheerful Christmas trees; add gradually until you achieve your desired shade.
Frosting (Store-bought or Homemade): Choose your favorite type—royal icing works great for decorating!
Colored Sprinkles or Candies: These add festive flair; use whatever variety you like!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Tree Cookies
Prepare Your Dough: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy for about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract and green food coloring until uniform.
Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually mix this dry combination into your wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid over-mixing as it can lead to tough cookies.
Shape Your Trees: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use tree-shaped cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets with space between each cookie.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as ovens can vary! Once done, let them cool on wire racks.
Add Frosting & Decorations: Once cooled completely, frost your trees using either store-bought or homemade frosting. Get creative with colored sprinkles or candies—this is where you can really let your holiday spirit shine!
Enjoying these Christmas Tree Cookies fresh out of the oven brings joy unmatched by anything else during this festive season!
You Must Know
- Christmas Tree Cookies are not just festive treats; they bring joy and laughter to your holiday gatherings
- The colorful icing and fun shapes make them a hit with both kids and adults
- Prepare for the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the dough while it chills, roll it out, then cut into tree shapes before baking for 10-12 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional flavors with peppermint extract or add chocolate chips to the dough. Decorate with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive sparkle!
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To refresh, warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Christmas Tree Cookies, ensure your butter is softened but not melted to avoid spreading
- Chill the dough before rolling out; this helps maintain shape during baking
- Use quality food coloring for vibrant icing that pops on your festive trees!
Baking these cookies reminds me of my childhood, when my family would gather around the kitchen, decorating them together while singing off-key carols. Pure magic!
FAQ
How long do Christmas Tree Cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, they can last up to one week.
Can I freeze Christmas Tree Cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper for freshness.
What’s the best way to decorate Christmas Tree Cookies?
Use royal icing for intricate designs and colorful sprinkles for added flair!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Christmas Tree Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Experience the joy of the holidays with our Christmas Tree Cookies! These vibrant green, tree-shaped treats are adorned with colorful candies and a sweet frosting that evokes warm memories of family gatherings. Easy to make and fun to decorate, these cookies are perfect for any festive occasion, adding a delightful crunch and sweetness to your celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Green food coloring (to achieve desired shade)
- Frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- Colored sprinkles or candies (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and green food coloring.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet mixture until just mixed.
- Lightly flour your surface, roll out the dough to ¼ inch thick, and cut out tree shapes using cookie cutters. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on wire racks before decorating.
- Once cool, frost cookies and add festive sprinkles or candies.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
