Oh, the joy of making Christmas tree desserts! There’s just something magical about transforming simple cookie dough into adorable little trees that bring a smile to everyone’s face during the holidays. I remember the first time I made these with my kids; we had flour everywhere, and let me tell you, our kitchen looked like a winter wonderland gone awry! But those giggles and the sparkle in their eyes when we decorated the cookies with bright green frosting and colorful candies? Absolutely priceless! These festive treats not only taste delicious, but they also make for a wonderful family activity that gets everyone involved. Plus, they’re a delightful addition to any holiday gathering, filling your home with sweet aromas and festive cheer. Trust me, your loved ones will adore them just as much as my family does!
Ingredients List
To create these delightful Christmas tree desserts, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package of sugar cookie mix
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- Green frosting (for decorating your trees)
- Red and yellow candies (to add some festive flair)
- Powdered sugar (for a light dusting before serving)
These ingredients come together to create the perfect canvas for your holiday creativity! Feel free to get playful with the candies—my kids often love to mix in some chocolate pieces or even mini marshmallows for extra fun. The sky’s the limit when it comes to decorating, so gather your supplies and let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making these delightful Christmas tree desserts! It’s super simple and so much fun. Here’s how to do it:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, softened butter, and the egg. Mix them together until everything is well blended and you get a nice, smooth dough. You can use a spatula or even your hands—trust me, it’s therapeutic!
- Now, here comes the fun part! Roll the dough into small tree shapes. I like to make a few different sizes for variety, which makes for a lovely cookie platter.
- Place your shaped cookies on an ungreased baking sheet, giving them a little space to spread out while they bake. You don’t want them to crowd each other!
- Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are just golden, and they smell heavenly!
- Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This is key because you don’t want your frosting to melt into a gooey mess!
- Finally, grab your green frosting and decorate your cookies like the beautiful Christmas trees they are! Use the red and yellow candies to add ornaments, and don’t forget a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving to make them even more festive.
And there you have it! These Christmas tree desserts are ready to dazzle your holiday gatherings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these delightful Christmas tree desserts! First off, they come together in a flash—seriously, you can whip them up in under 30 minutes, which means more time to enjoy the festivities! Plus, they’re the perfect way to get the whole family involved. My kids love rolling the dough and decorating their little trees, and it’s such a fun bonding experience that fills the kitchen with laughter and cheer.
And let’s talk about the decoration options! You can get as creative as you want with the green frosting and colorful candies. Want to add some sparkly edible glitter or swap out the candies for something unique? Go for it! Each cookie can reflect your personal style or holiday spirit, which makes them even more special.
These festive cookies are also a hit at holiday gatherings. They not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any dessert table. Trust me, when you present a platter of these adorable tree-shaped cookies, you’ll be the star of the party! So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to spread some holiday joy with these scrumptious creations!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to dive into making these adorable Christmas tree desserts, I’ve got some pro tips to help you achieve cookie perfection!
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too sticky or hard to shape, pop it in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out and shape into those cute little trees!
- Use a Cookie Cutter: If you want consistent shapes, consider using a Christmas tree cookie cutter. It’s a quick way to ensure each cookie looks just as festive as the next!
- Decorating Tips: When it comes to frosting, use a piping bag for more control if you want to create intricate designs. You can also use a simple zip-top bag with a corner snipped off if you don’t have a piping bag on hand. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your decorations—different candies can bring your trees to life!
- Dusting Sugar: For that magical snowy effect, dust your cookies with powdered sugar right before serving. It adds a lovely touch and makes them look so inviting!
- Storage: Keep your finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to make them in advance, they hold up well in the fridge, too. Just let them come to room temperature before serving so the frosting gets nice and creamy again.
With these tips, your Christmas tree desserts will not only look fantastic but taste amazing, too! Happy baking!
Variations
One of the best parts about these delightful Christmas tree desserts is how versatile they can be! You can easily switch things up to match your holiday spirit or personal taste. Here are some fun ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Frosting Colors: Instead of just green frosting, try using different colors to create a rainbow of Christmas trees! Red, blue, or even white frosting can make for a stunning display. You could even mix colors to create a marbled effect!
- Sprinkles Galore: Add a sprinkle party to your trees! Use festive sprinkles like nonpareils or edible glitter to give your cookies a magical touch. You can also use themed sprinkles that represent the holidays.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap out the sugar cookie mix for a gluten-free cookie mix. It’s an easy way to make sure everyone can enjoy these festive treats!
- Chocolate Trees: For a chocolatey twist, you can add cocoa powder to the cookie mix or use a chocolate cookie mix. Decorate with chocolate frosting and add some crushed peppermint candies for a delicious combo!
- Nutty Additions: Want some crunch? Try mixing in chopped nuts or using nut-based candies for decoration. It adds a delightful texture and flavor to your cookies!
Feel free to experiment and make these Christmas tree desserts your own! The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to see what festive creations you come up with!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve whipped up a batch of these adorable Christmas tree desserts, you’ll want to ensure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to store any leftovers properly:
- Airtight Container: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps keep them soft and prevents them from drying out. They’ll typically stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long!
- Fridge Storage: If you want to keep them for an extended period, you can pop them in the fridge. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to avoid absorbing any odors. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes so the frosting can soften back up.
Now, if you find that your cookies have lost a bit of their delightful softness after a few days, don’t worry! You can easily refresh them:
- Microwave Trick: Place a cookie on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will add moisture back into the cookie and make it soft again.
- Serve with a Twist: If you want to elevate your cookies after storage, consider warming them slightly in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked taste and aroma!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, your Christmas tree desserts will always be ready to share with friends and family, ensuring every bite is as delightful as the first!
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to enjoying these delightful Christmas tree desserts, it’s always good to be aware of the nutritional information. Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general idea of what to expect per cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
These festive treats are a fun way to indulge during the holidays! Just remember to enjoy them in moderation, and share the joy with friends and family. Happy baking and munching!
FAQ Section
I’m so glad you’re excited to make these Christmas tree desserts! Here are some common questions I get asked, along with my answers to help you out:
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the cookies a day in advance. Just bake them, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, decorate them with frosting and candies to keep them fresh and festive!
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay tasty for about a week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, but bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
What other candies can I use for decoration?
The fun part about decorating is the endless options! You can use mini chocolate chips, M&Ms, gummy candies, or even pieces of dried fruit for a unique twist. Let your creativity shine and use whatever candy you have on hand to make your trees truly one-of-a-kind!
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask! I love sharing in the joy of baking these festive treats with you!
Call to Action
Now that you’ve got the scoop on these delightful Christmas tree desserts, I’d love to hear from you! Did you try the recipe? What did you think? Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts or any fun twists you added. I love seeing how everyone makes these treats their own!
If you’re feeling inspired, don’t forget to rate the recipe, too! Your feedback helps me create more delicious content for you and others to enjoy. And hey, if you captured some colorful photos of your festive creations, I’d be thrilled if you shared them on social media. Just tag me so I can see your beautiful cookies light up the holiday season!
Happy baking, and may your holiday celebrations be filled with joy, laughter, and lots of tasty treats!
Print
Christmas Tree Desserts: 7 Joyful Holiday Treats to Bake
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive desserts shaped like Christmas trees.
Ingredients
- 1 package of sugar cookie mix
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- Green frosting
- Red and yellow candies for decoration
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the sugar cookie mix, butter, and egg until combined.
- Roll the dough into small tree shapes and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely.
- Decorate with green frosting and candies.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use different colors of frosting for variety.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: christmas tree desserts, holiday treats, festive cookies
