Decorated Christmas Tree Cookies Recipe for Cookie Swaps

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and sugar dance through kitchens during the holiday season, promising festive christmas tree cookies that sparkle with winter magic.

Delicate sugar-dusted edges and crisp buttery textures make these treats a delightful centerpiece for seasonal celebrations.

Bakers of all skill levels can create these charming confections with simple ingredients and easy techniques.

Festive green icing and decorative sprinkles turn ordinary cookies into edible works of art.

Each carefully crafted cookie brings a touch of whimsy and joy to holiday gatherings.

Decorating these treats becomes a cherished moment of connection and creativity.

You’ll love sharing these delightful christmas tree cookies that capture the spirit of the season.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 23

Christmas Tree Cookies Ingredient Rundown

• Flour: Provides structure and base for the delightful Christmas tree cookies, choose unbleached all-purpose flour for best results.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and creates a tender, soft texture with a gentle lift.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Butter: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture; use high-quality unsalted butter for best taste.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden, crisp exterior on the cookies.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's soft, chewy consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic cookie aroma and depth of flavor; choose pure vanilla for the most authentic taste.
• Almond Extract: Optional but adds a festive, nutty undertone that complements the Christmas theme; use sparingly for a subtle hint.

Tools To Bake And Decorate Christmas Tree Cookies

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar.
• Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for combining dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for evenly mixing flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Helps beat butter and sugar to light, fluffy perfection.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure delicious cookies.
• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for baking cookies.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents cookies from sticking.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out cookie dough for shaped cookies.
• Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter: Creates festive tree-shaped cookies.

Easy Steps To Make Christmas Tree Cookies Look Bright

• Cookie Dough Foundations

Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, creating a smooth, even mixture that will become the backbone of your festive treats.

• Butter Bliss

Cream butter and sugar until they transform into a cloud-like, pale yellow mixture that promises delightful sweetness.

• Flavor Harmony

Introduce eggs and aromatic extracts, gently folding them into the butter mixture. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients, mixing with a delicate touch to maintain the dough’s tender texture.

• Chilling Magic

Wrap the dough in plastic and let it rest in the refrigerator. This pause allows the flavors to mingle and the texture to become perfectly smooth.

• Rolling Adventure

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough. Use festive Christmas tree cookie cutters to create whimsical shapes that capture the holiday spirit.

• Baking Transformation

Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet, allowing space between each tree. Bake until the edges turn a gentle golden brown, filling your kitchen with a warm, sweet aroma.

• Cooling Celebration

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack, letting them cool completely. They’ll crisp up and become the perfect canvas for decorating with icing, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Creative Decorating Ideas For Christmas Tree Cookies

• Perfect Dough Consistency: Chill the cookie dough for at least 1 hour before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain crisp tree shapes. Cold dough ensures clean edges and prevents cookies from losing their festive tree silhouette.
• Decorating Magic: Use royal icing or colored sugar to transform these cookies into stunning Christmas trees. Pipe delicate green frosting or sprinkle edible glitter for a magical holiday touch that will wow family and friends.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend for those with dietary restrictions. Add a pinch of xanthan gum to help bind the dough and maintain the cookie's perfect texture.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. You can also freeze cut-out tree shapes for up to a month, making holiday baking less stressful and more enjoyable.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different extracts like peppermint or orange to give these Christmas tree cookies a unique seasonal spin. A touch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can add warm, festive notes that capture the holiday spirit.

How To Serve Christmas Tree Cookies At A Cookie Swap

• Festive Cookie Plating: Arrange cookies in a triangular shape resembling a Christmas tree, with smaller cookies on top and larger ones at the bottom.
• Holiday Gift Packaging: Stack cookies carefully in clear cellophane bags tied with red or green ribbon, creating a delightful homemade present for friends and family.
• Decorative Dessert Display: Dust cookies with powdered sugar to mimic snow, then place on a rustic wooden board with small pine branches and vintage cookie cutters for a charming Christmas scene.
• Sweet Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside warm hot chocolate or spiced chai tea, allowing the cookie's almond and vanilla flavors to complement the rich, comforting drinks.

Storage Tips For Christmas Tree Cookies With Icing

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep unbaked dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, allowing quick access for spontaneous baking sessions.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Shape dough into logs or discs, wrap securely in plastic and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months for convenient future baking.
• Smart Portioning Trick: Divide raw dough into individual cookie-sized portions before freezing, enabling effortless single-cookie baking without thawing entire batch.
• Crisp Keeping Method: Store baked cookies in airtight containers at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain texture and prevent sticking for 5-7 days.

Festive Christmas Tree Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 23 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas tree cookies bring holiday cheer with delightful peppermint and chocolate flavors. Decorated sugar cookies shaped like evergreen trees promise sweet memories for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 ¾ cups (350 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ tsps vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
• 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 large egg whites or 3 tbsps meringue powder + 6 tbsps water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Green gel food coloring
• Assorted sprinkles, edible glitter, or nonpareils
• Star-shaped candies or sprinkles for tree toppers

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Instructions

1. Dry Ingredient Preparation: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl to create a uniform dry base with evenly distributed ingredients.
2. Butter Mixture: Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and significantly increased in volume.
3. Wet Ingredient Integration: Blend egg and vanilla and almond extracts into the butter mixture, ensuring a smooth and consistent incorporation.
4. Dough Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a uniform dough develops without excessive manipulation.
5. Dough Chilling: Encase the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate, allowing flavor development and structural firmness to occur.
6. Baking Preparation: Preheat the oven and dust a work surface with flour for precise dough rolling.
7. Cookie Shaping: Roll out chilled dough and cut into festive Christmas tree shapes using a specialized cookie cutter, creating uniform holiday-inspired cookies.
8. Baking Process: Arrange cookie cutouts on a lined baking sheet, maintaining adequate spacing to promote even baking and prevent potential merging.
9. Cooling and Finishing: Bake until edges achieve a golden-brown tone, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling before adorning or serving.

Notes

• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie edges during baking.
• Roll Evenly: Use consistent rolling pin pressure to create uniform cookie thickness, ensuring balanced baking and professional-looking results.
• Prevent Sticking: Lightly flour work surface and cookie cutter to easily release delicate Christmas tree shapes without tearing.
• Decorate Wisely: Wait until cookies are completely cooled before adding frosting or decorations to prevent melting and maintain intricate design details.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 23
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg