Delicious Christmas Tree Cookies

This Christmas tree cookie recipe brings festive cheer straight to your kitchen. These buttery cookies are soft yet crisp with a delicate sweetness that pairs beautifully with the vibrant green icing and colorful sprinkles. Perfect for holiday baking sessions with family or as thoughtful edible gifts, these cookies capture the joy of the season in every bite.

These cookies were my go-to treat during the holidays to bring everyone together. The joy of decorating them flourished into a sweet tradition in our home that brightened cold winter evenings.

Ingredients You Need

• All-purpose flour: creates the perfect sturdy yet tender crumb choose unbleached for best texture
• Unsalted butter: adds rich flavor and a soft flaky bite make sure it’s softened for smooth creaming
• Granulated sugar: balances buttery richness and helps the cookies brown lightly fresh sugar crystals work best
• One large egg: provides moisture and structure binding everything together use at room temperature
• Vanilla extract: infuses classic aromatic depth pure vanilla extract offers the most natural flavor
• Baking powder: acts as a gentle leavening agent for a subtle rise without fluffiness
• Salt: enhances all flavors harmoniously fine sea salt will disperse evenly
• Green icing: decorates with festive color choose a buttery or royal icing based on preference
• Colored sprinkles: add playful pops of color and texture fresh sprinkles keep their crunch

Detailed Cooking Directions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius to ensure even baking and the perfect delicate crispness on your cookies.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a mixing bowl beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step creates a smooth base that impacts texture and sweetness balance.

Add Egg and Vanilla:

Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into your creamed mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine flavor and moisture evenly.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl whisk together all-purpose flour baking powder and salt. This uniform dry mix ensures consistent texture and rise.

Combine Wet and Dry:

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix as it may toughen the dough mix until just combined.

Roll and Shape Dough:

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about one quarter inch thickness. Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to create festive shapes.

Arrange and Bake:

Place cut cookies evenly spaced on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges begin to turn a soft golden color.

Cool Completely Before Decorating:

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let cool fully to prevent your icing from melting and sliding off.

One of my favorite moments with these cookies is watching little hands carefully dotting sprinkles onto the icing. The magic of holiday baking really comes alive in that shared joy and creativity every year.

Smart Storage Tips

Store your decorated cookies in an airtight container layered between wax paper to keep them crisp but prevent sticking. They maintain best freshness up to five days at room temperature. For longer storage freeze un-decorated cookies wrapped tightly and decorate after thawing to preserve icing texture.

Ingredient Variations

Try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with almond meal for a subtle nutty undertone. Swap out green icing for colored royal icing for a glossier finish that hardens beautifully. Adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough can also bring warm seasonal notes to your bite.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Enjoy your Christmas tree cookies alongside a hot mug of spiced cider or a rich cup of hot chocolate. They also complement festive eggnog or a crisp sparkling wine for adult gatherings. Pairing with fresh cranberries or a simple fruit compote enhances their holiday charm.

Seasonal Makeovers

For a winter twist dust cookies lightly with powdered sugar after decorating to mimic soft snow. Use white icing and silver dragees for an elegant Scandinavian-inspired look. In spring or summer swap tree cutters for flower shapes and decorate with pastel icings for a playful seasonal adaptation.

The experience of baking Christmas tree cookies is a heartfelt tradition that turns simple ingredients into a celebration of joy and warmth. Every bite not only captures holiday flavors but also carries the spirit of togetherness straight from your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of flour is best to use?

All-purpose flour works perfectly to give these cookies a tender yet sturdy texture, ideal for cutting shapes.

→ How do I make sure the cookies hold their shape?

Chilling the dough briefly before rolling helps maintain crisp tree shapes during baking.

→ Can I decorate the cookies with other toppings?

Yes, besides green icing and sprinkles, you can use melted chocolate, edible glitter, or nuts for added flair.

→ What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container once decorated to keep them fresh and prevent the icing from softening.

→ How long should I bake the cookies?

Baking for 10-12 minutes at 350°F ensures the cookies are lightly golden on the edges and tender inside.