Christmas Tree Cookies are a festive delight that captures the spirit of the holiday season. Whether you’re decorating for a party or simply looking for a fun baking project, these cookies are not only charming but also delicious. Image the joy of family and friends gathering around, admiring your beautiful green tree-shaped treats adorned with red and white icing. It’s a perfect recipe for both kids and adults to enjoy during Christmas celebrations.
Christmas Tree Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decorating
- 1 batch royal icing for decorating
- as needed red and white food coloring
- as needed sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into Christmas tree shapes.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating.
Decorating
- Decorate with royal icing, using the red and white food coloring for polka dots and swirls.
- Feel free to add sprinkles for extra sparkle!
- Allow the icing to dry completely before serving.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe for Christmas Tree Cookies stands out for several reasons. Firstly, they are incredibly fun to make, serving as a wonderful activity that brings people of all ages together. The festive shapes and decorations allow for creativity, making it perfect for holiday cooking sessions.
“These cookies are not just treats; they are tiny works of art! My kids had a blast decorating them, and they were the highlight of our holiday party.” — Happy Baker
Not to mention, they are budget-friendly, requiring simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Lastly, their delightful flavors and festive appearances make them an excellent addition to any holiday table.
Preparing Christmas Tree Cookies
Creating these Christmas Tree Cookies is both enjoyable and straightforward. The process consists of mixing the dough, rolling it out, cutting it into shapes, baking, and finally decorating. Each step is easy to follow, ensuring that even novice bakers can create impressive results. You will be delighted when you see the cookies transform from lump of dough into perfectly baked trees, waiting to be adorned with colorful icing!
What You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Christmas Tree Cookies is quite simple. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Royal icing for decorating
- Red and white food coloring
- Sprinkles (optional)
You can also customize this recipe with substitutions. For example, consider using gluten-free flour or plant-based butter if you have dietary restrictions.
Step-by-step Instructions
Let’s get into the details of how to prepare your delightful Christmas Tree Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into Christmas tree shapes.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating.
- Decorate with royal icing, using the red and white food coloring for polka dots and swirls. Feel free to add sprinkles for extra sparkle!
- Allow the icing to dry completely before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Once your Christmas Tree Cookies are baked and decorated, they are ready to shine on your holiday table. Serve them on a festive platter, and don’t forget to share them with family and friends! These cookies can also be paired with a warm cup of cocoa or peppermint tea for a cozy treat. For a unique twist, consider using your cookies as part of a creative winter-themed dessert board, showcasing other treats like chocolates, nuts, and fruits.
Storing Your Christmas Tree Cookies
To keep your Christmas Tree Cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for about a week. If you want to save some for later, they can also be frozen. Simply layer them between sheets of parchment paper, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To make the process of baking your Christmas Tree Cookies even more enjoyable, here are some helpful tips:
Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to work with, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will make it easier to cut out shapes.
Use Piping Bags: For decorating, using piping bags makes it easier to create intricate designs with royal icing.
Experiment with Colors: Get creative with your color palette. You might want to try additional colors for your icing decorations or include edible glitter.
Creative Twists
While traditional Christmas Tree Cookies are a joy to make, consider experimenting with variations. For instance, you can add peppermint extract into the dough for a minty twist. Alternatively, try incorporating different flavored extracts, such as almond or lemon, to customize the flavor. You can also make different shapes, like stars or ornaments, to create a festive cookie assortment.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to prepare these cookies?
Preparation takes about 30 minutes, and baking ranges from 8-10 minutes, depending on your oven.
2. Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dough a day ahead and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roll it out.
3. What can I use if I don’t have royal icing?
If royal icing isn’t available, you can use regular icing or even melted chocolate for decoration.
4. Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze unfrosted cookies for up to three months. Frost them after thawing for the best results.
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I hope you savor every moment you spend creating and enjoying these Christmas Tree Cookies! For more delightful recipes and tips, be sure to follow me on social media for updates:
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Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable with delicious baking!