There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious christmas tree cookies? These adorable treats not only bring joy to your kitchen but also fill the air with the sweet aroma of baking. Perfect for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies are a holiday staple that everyone loves. Trust me, when you present a platter of these delightful green trees, they’ll steal the show! Plus, they offer a wonderful opportunity for creativity—think colorful icing, sprinkles, and your unique decorating flair. Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these charming cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Ingredients List
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Green icing for decoration
- Sprinkles for decoration
How to Prepare Christmas Tree Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful christmas tree cookies! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want those cookies to bake perfectly! While that’s warming up, grab a bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This little mix will help your cookies rise just right.
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, this step is key for that dreamy texture! Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until everything is well combined. Now, gently fold in the flour mixture a little at a time, combining until just incorporated. Don’t overmix, or you might end up with tough cookies!
Once the dough is ready, it’s time to roll it out. Dust your countertop with a bit of flour and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake those beauties for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just golden. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now comes the best part—decorating! Once they’re cool, grab your green icing and sprinkles to bring your festive trees to life!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings.
- Festively shaped like Christmas trees, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Deliciously buttery and sweet, with a delightful crunch.
- Perfect canvas for your creative icing and sprinkle designs.
- Great for cookie exchanges or as thoughtful homemade gifts.
Tips for Success
To ensure your christmas tree cookies turn out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted, to get that fluffy texture when creaming. When rolling out the dough, keep your surface lightly floured to prevent sticking, and don’t hesitate to chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to handle. This will help your cookies keep their shape while baking. Keep an eye on them as they bake; every oven is different, and you want the edges just golden. Finally, have fun with the decorating—layer your icing for depth and sprinkle generously for that festive flair!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your christmas tree cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, these cookies freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the cookies at room temperature. No need to reheat—just dive in and savor the holiday magic!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition in these delightful christmas tree cookies! Each cookie typically contains around 150 calories, making them a sweet treat to enjoy without too much guilt. You’ll find about 10g of sugar and 7g of fat per cookie, which includes 4g of saturated fat. Remember, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so it’s always a good idea to double-check if you’re keeping track of your intake. Enjoy these festive bites in moderation, and savor every delicious moment!
FAQ Section
Can I use different shapes for these cookies?
Absolutely! While I love the festive Christmas tree shape, you can use any cookie cutter you have on hand. Stars, snowflakes, or even gingerbread men would work beautifully too!
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticking to your hands or the surface, don’t worry! Just sprinkle a little more flour as you roll it out. If it’s really soft, chilling the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes can help firm it up.
How can I make these cookies more colorful?
Great question! You can definitely mix in food coloring into your icing for a variety of shades. Using different colored sprinkles is also a fun way to add some pizzazz to your christmas tree cookies!
Can I make the cookie dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling out.
What’s the best way to decorate the cookies?
Oh, the decorating is where the magic happens! I recommend using a piping bag for the icing—it gives you more control. You can layer different colors and add sprinkles while the icing is still wet for that extra festive touch. Get creative and have fun!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these christmas tree cookies! First, why not try different shapes? Snowmen, stars, or wreaths can all add a unique twist to your cookie platter. When it comes to icing, you can mix in food coloring for a rainbow of shades or even use chocolate icing for a rich flavor contrast. And don’t stop at sprinkles—think edible glitter, mini chocolate chips, or even crushed candy canes for that extra festive crunch. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine and make these cookies truly your own!
For more festive recipes, check out this Yule log recipe or these Christmas pretzel treats!
Print
Christmas Tree Cookies: 5 Magical Tips for Joyful Baking
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas tree-shaped cookies, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Green icing for decoration
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture until combined.
- Roll out the dough and cut into tree shapes.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Let cool before decorating with icing and sprinkles.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different colors of icing for variety.
- These cookies freeze well.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas tree cookies
