Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies: 7 Fun Ways to Celebrate

Name: Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies: 7 Fun Ways to Celebrate
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; Food coloring (optional)

November 25, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Oh, the joy of the holiday season is absolutely in the air, and you know what makes it even sweeter? Christmas tree sugar cookies! These delightful treats are not just cookies; they’re little pieces of festive magic that bring families together. I remember the first time I made these with my family; we spent hours rolling out the dough and transforming it into adorable little trees, each one decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles. It’s such a fun way to unleash your creativity and share laughs in the kitchen. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies wafting through the house, signaling that Christmas cheer is here! Get ready to create delicious memories with these charming cookies that everyone will love!

Ingredients for Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to get started on these festive treats! Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making your cookies delicious and beautifully shaped like Christmas trees.

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cookies. Make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies rise and gives them a nice, soft texture.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: A little boost to make your cookies fluffy and delightful!
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar. This is key for that rich flavor.
1 1/2 cups white sugar: Sweetens the cookies and gives them that lovely crunch while baking.
1 egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a warm, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the butter.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract: A splash of this gives your cookies a unique twist—trust me, it’s worth it!
3 to 4 cups powdered sugar: For the icing! Adjust the amount based on how sweet and thick you want it.
1 tablespoon milk: This helps thin out the icing to the perfect consistency for decorating.
Food coloring (optional): Get creative with colors for your icing and make those Christmas trees pop!

How to Prepare Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these adorable Christmas tree sugar cookies! Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through each step, and before you know it, you’ll have a batch of festive treats to decorate and share. Ready? Let’s get baking!

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This helps to ensure a light, fluffy cookie.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and white sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer—whatever you prefer!
Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is well combined. The mixture should look rich and velvety.
Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Stir until just combined; don’t overmix, or your cookies might be tough!
Shape the cookies: Now comes the fun part! Roll the dough into balls and shape them into Christmas trees. You can use your hands or a cookie cutter if you have one. Place them on ungreased cookie sheets, leaving a little space between each tree for spreading.
Bake: Pop the cookie sheets into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for a slight golden color around the edges.
Cool before decorating: Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on the sheets before you start decorating. This is key, or your icing will melt into a puddle!
Prepare the icing: In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar and milk until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a few drops of food coloring to make it festive!
Decorate: Finally, unleash your creativity and decorate the cooled cookies with the icing and any other fun toppings you have on hand. Sprinkles, edible glitter, or even mini candies work great!

And there you have it! A delightful batch of Christmas tree sugar cookies ready to spread some holiday cheer. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to grab a cookie (or two) for yourself while you’re at it!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re all set to make these scrumptious Christmas tree sugar cookies, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

Chill the dough: If you find the dough too sticky to handle, don’t hesitate to pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes shaping the cookies so much easier and helps them hold their shape while baking.
Use a cookie cutter: For uniformity, consider using a Christmas tree cookie cutter. It adds a fun touch and makes decorating a breeze!
Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they’re in the oven. They should be just golden around the edges—overbaking will make them dry. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
Get creative with decorations: Use a variety of toppings! Think edible glitter, colorful sprinkles, or even mini candies for ornaments. The more fun you have decorating, the more festive your cookies will look!
Let the icing set: After decorating, let your cookies sit for a bit so the icing can harden slightly. This makes them much easier to stack and store!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning and delicious Christmas tree sugar cookies that everyone will love. Happy baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in no time, making them perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
Festive Fun: Shaping them like Christmas trees adds a delightful holiday touch that brings a smile to everyone’s face.
Great for Families: Decorating these cookies is a fantastic activity for kids and adults alike. It’s a wonderful way to make memories together!
Customizable: You can easily change up the colors and decorations to make each cookie unique—get as creative as you want!
Deliciously Sweet: With a tender, buttery texture and the perfect amount of sweetness, they’re sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Perfect for Gifting: Pack these cookies up in a festive box or tin, and they make a delightful gift for friends and neighbors.

Nutritional Information

Curious about what’s in these delightful Christmas tree sugar cookies? Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values you can expect per cookie. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on standard ingredients, so your results may vary slightly depending on how you make them.

Calories: 120
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 16g
Sugar: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg

These cookies are packed with sweetness and a little bit of holiday magic, making them a delightful treat to enjoy this festive season!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these festive Christmas tree sugar cookies? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some of the most common queries I get, plus a few handy tips to make your baking experience even better!

How should I store these cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them—just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!

Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely! If you’re out of almond extract, you can either skip it or replace it with an extra splash of vanilla extract for a different flavor. You can also use margarine in place of butter if you need a dairy-free option, though the taste may vary slightly.

What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, it’s a good idea to chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it much easier to handle and shape into those adorable Christmas trees!

Can I use different shapes instead of Christmas trees?
Of course! While I love the holiday tree shape, feel free to get creative with other cookie cutters. Stars, bells, or even gingerbread men would work wonderfully with this dough!

What toppings work best for decorating?
The sky’s the limit! You can use colorful sprinkles, mini candies, edible glitter, or even royal icing to create beautiful designs. Let your imagination run wild—this is your chance to make each cookie unique!

How can I make the icing thicker or thinner?
To thicken your icing, simply add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, but do it gradually to avoid making it too runny.

With these tips in mind, you’re all set to tackle any questions that come your way while making these delightful cookies. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve baked and decorated your gorgeous Christmas tree sugar cookies, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh and delicious! To store your cookies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and tasty for about a week—perfect for snacking or sharing with friends and family during the holidays!

If you want to keep them longer, you can definitely freeze them! Just layer the cookies with parchment paper in an airtight container or a freezer bag, and they’ll stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. If you want to warm them up a bit, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for just a few minutes—this will revive that fresh-baked goodness. Happy storing and snacking!

Variations on Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Feeling adventurous? Let’s explore some fun variations on these classic Christmas tree sugar cookies to keep things exciting and delicious!

Chocolate Mint Trees: Swap out 1/2 cup of flour for cocoa powder to create a chocolate version. Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the icing for a refreshing twist!
Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
Spritz Cookies: Use a cookie press to shape the dough into festive designs instead of trees. These can be decorated the same way and are just as fun!
Fruit-Flavored Icing: Mix in some fruit juice or puree to your icing for a burst of flavor! Think lemon, raspberry, or orange for a zesty decoration.
Nutty Toppings: Try adding chopped nuts or coconut flakes on top of your icing for added texture and a delightful crunch.
Rainbow Trees: Use multiple colors of icing to create a rainbow effect on your trees—kids will love them, and they’ll look stunning on any holiday platter!

These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Feel free to mix and match flavors and decorations to suit your taste and make these cookies truly your own. Happy baking!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.