christmas tree cookies recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best christmas tree cookies recipe

I’ve been making Christmas tree cookies for my family for years, and they’re always a hit. The recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dessert or a holiday gathering. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, measuring out the flour and sprinkling on the colored sugar.

They’re so proud to call these cookies their own creation, and I love seeing them develop a sense of pride in cooking. The best part of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize the colors and decorations to fit any occasion or theme. I’ve made these cookies for birthdays, holidays, and even just because.

They’re a staple in our household and always bring a smile to everyone’s face. One of the things I love about this recipe is the simplicity of the ingredients – just flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and food coloring. This makes it easy to whip up a batch at the last minute or to store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

The cookies are also incredibly tender and flavorful, thanks to the combination of white and brown sugar. When you take a bite, you’ll notice that they’re not too sweet or overpowering – just right. This makes them perfect for serving at a party or as a special treat for your family.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or want to impress your friends with a unique cookie recipe, Christmas tree cookies are sure to be a hit.

Christmas Tree Cookies

Christmas Tree Cookies

4.5 from 1146 votes

These festive Christmas tree cookies are buttery, sweet, and decorated with green icing and colorful sprinkles. They are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or as a fun baking activity with kids.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 40 mins
Servings: 24Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cookies

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Icing and Decoration

2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Green gel food coloring
Assorted sprinkles (stars, balls, or nonpareils)
Small star-shaped candies or yellow icing for the tree topper

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
4Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
5Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
6Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading during baking.
7Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
8On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
9Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
10Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just lightly golden.
11Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
12The cookies should be firm to the touch but not browned.
13To make the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
14Add green gel food coloring a drop at a time until you reach the desired shade of green.
15Transfer the icing to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off.
16Pipe a thin outline around each cooled cookie, then fill in the center with more icing and spread it evenly with a small knife or offset spatula.
17While the icing is still wet, decorate with sprinkles and place a star-shaped candy or a dot of yellow icing at the top of each tree.
18Let the icing set at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Rolling pin
Christmas tree cookie cutter
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Wire cooling rack
Small piping bag or zip-top bag
Small knife or offset spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 55mg🌾Total Carbs: 26g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 16g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

For a firmer dough that is easier to handle, chill the cut-out shapes on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking. You can also use royal icing instead of the simple glaze for a more professional finish. Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Watch Video Of How Christmas Tree Cookies Works

I’ve been making Christmas tree cookies for years, and they never fail to impress my family and friends. The combination of tender dough, rich flavors, and vibrant decorations makes them perfect for any occasion or gathering.

Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make – just mix together some basic ingredients and let the magic happen! One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – whether you want to keep them fresh for up to two weeks or freeze them for later use.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Tree Cookies

What type of flour should I use for Christmas tree cookies?

The best type of flour to use for this recipe is all-purpose flour. You can also use cake flour if you want a lighter texture.

Can I use milk instead of eggs?

No, you should not use milk instead of eggs in this recipe. The eggs provide moisture and richness to the cookies that milk cannot replicate.

How long do Christmas tree cookies stay fresh?

The cookies will stay fresh for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I freeze Christmas tree cookies?

What is the best way to decorate Christmas tree cookies?

The best way to decorate Christmas tree cookies is with colored sugar sprinkles or nonpareils. You can also use edible glitter or holly-shaped sprinkles for added festivity.

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