Oh, the joy of baking during the holiday season! There’s something magical about filling the kitchen with the smell of fresh cookies, especially when those cookies are Christmas tree cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles. I remember my first time making these delightful treats; my kitchen was a flurry of flour and laughter as my kids and I rolled out the dough and transformed simple shapes into festive masterpieces. It’s become a cherished tradition in our home. We gather around the table, and each cookie becomes a canvas for creativity, whether it’s a sprinkle explosion or a delicate drizzle of icing. Trust me, these cookies not only taste amazing but also bring everyone together, making memories that last a lifetime. So, let’s dive into making these delicious Christmas tree cookies that are sure to brighten your holiday celebrations!
Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated
Before we jump into the fun of baking, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Christmas tree cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our cookie dough. Make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy!
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This will help our cookies rise and get that perfect fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Another leavening agent, ensuring our cookies are nice and tender.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is key for that rich flavor and soft texture. Let it sit out at room temperature for about an hour before using.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar: This will sweeten our cookies beautifully and help them brown in the oven.
- 1 egg: A large egg, at room temperature, will bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that warm, sweet aroma that fills your kitchen and taste buds!
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: This adds a lovely nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with vanilla.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Essential for our icing! This will create that sweet, smooth finish.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Just enough to make our icing the perfect consistency for decorating.
- Food coloring: Get creative! Use your favorite colors to make those trees pop.
- Sprinkles: Because what’s a decorated cookie without a little sparkle? Use festive colors to match your holiday spirit.
Gather these goodies, and let’s get ready to create some holiday magic in the kitchen!
How to Prepare Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated
Alright, let’s get those festive vibes going! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your Christmas tree cookies decorated to perfection. Trust me, it’s easier than it sounds, and the end result is pure delight!
- 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 flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This step is crucial for ensuring your cookies have just the right lift!
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy. I usually go for about 2-3 minutes of mixing; you want it to look light and airy!
- Add the egg and extracts: Beat in the egg and stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. This is where the magic happens—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually blend the dry mixture into the butter mixture. I like to do this in thirds, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough!
- Roll and cut the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies. Place them on ungreased baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one.
- Bake the cookies: Pop those trays into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the edges should look lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
- Cool completely: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. It’s important to let them cool completely before decorating so the icing doesn’t melt!
- Prepare the icing: While the cookies are cooling, mix together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add your desired food coloring to create festive shades for decorating!
- Decorate your cookies: Once the cookies are cool, it’s time to unleash your creativity! Use the icing to decorate and don’t forget to sprinkle on those festive sprinkles for that extra holiday flair!
And there you have it! Your Christmas tree cookies are now ready to shine on your holiday table. Enjoy the process, and let the decorating fun begin!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun to decorate: Each cookie is like a blank canvas, waiting for your creative touch! Let your imagination run wild with colors and sprinkles.
- Great for parties: These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings! They add a festive touch to any table and are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
- Holiday tradition: Making these cookies can become a cherished family tradition. Gather everyone around, roll out the dough, and share laughs while decorating together!
- Customizable: You can change up the decorations each year or even make different shapes! Why not mix in some stars or ornaments for variety?
- Deliciously sweet: With a buttery cookie base and sweet icing, these treats are as tasty as they are beautiful. Perfect for satisfying that holiday sweet tooth!
- Perfect for gifting: Package them up in festive boxes or bags for a delightful homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Tips for Success
Want to ensure your Christmas tree cookies decorated turn out absolutely perfect? I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that’ll help you avoid common pitfalls and make your baking experience a breeze!
- Measure accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to measure your ingredients carefully. Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid dense cookies.
- Don’t skip the chilling: If your dough feels too soft when rolling out, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilled dough is easier to work with and helps the cookies keep their shape.
- Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different! Check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time. They should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center.
- Use a wire rack: Once baked, transfer your cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from getting soggy and allows for even cooling, making decorating easier!
- Mix icing to the right consistency: Your icing should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to drizzle easily. If it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, a splash more milk will do the trick!
- Don’t rush the decorating: Enjoy the process! Take your time while icing and adding sprinkles. It’s all part of the fun, and trust me, the result will be worth it!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning and delicious Christmas tree cookies that everyone will adore. Happy baking!
Variations on Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s get creative with some fun variations on these Christmas tree cookies! Trust me, there are endless possibilities to make each batch unique and festive!
- Different shapes: While we love the classic tree shape, why not mix it up? Use star or bell-shaped cookie cutters for a fun twist, or even make a whole cookie set with various holiday shapes like snowmen or ornaments!
- Flavored icing: Experiment with different icing flavors! Try adding a bit of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist or orange zest for a citrusy kick. You can even mix in cocoa powder for a chocolatey icing that pairs beautifully with the cookie base.
- Chocolate-dipped cookies: For a decadent treat, dip half of your cooled cookies in melted chocolate. Let them set on parchment paper, and once hardened, you can decorate the chocolate side with sprinkles or edible glitter!
- Alternative decorations: Instead of traditional sprinkles, consider using edible glitter, mini marshmallows, or crushed candy canes for a festive touch. You could even get creative with royal icing to pipe intricate designs!
- Nutty additions: Add some finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for a delightful crunch and extra flavor. Just keep in mind any nut allergies if you’re sharing these treats!
- Gluten-free option: If you need a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well!
These variations will not only keep things exciting in the kitchen but also give you a chance to personalize your Christmas tree cookies decorated for every festive occasion. Have fun experimenting, and let your creativity shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked and decorated your beautiful Christmas tree cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible! Here are my go-to tips for storing and reheating these festive treats:
- Storing cookies: Place your cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and flavorful. If you’re stacking them, I recommend adding a layer of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
- Room temperature: These cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. Just make sure they’re in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight!
- For longer storage: If you want to keep them for a longer time, these cookies freeze beautifully! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply transfer them to the refrigerator the night before or let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. They’ll be just as delightful as the day you made them!
- Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they might become too soft! Alternatively, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Christmas tree cookies decorated well beyond the holiday season. Happy munching!
Nutritional Information
Now, I know you’re curious about the nutritional side of these festive treats! Just a quick note before diving into the numbers: the nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and their brands. So, keep that in mind as you enjoy your delicious Christmas tree cookies decorated!
- 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
With these delightful cookies, you can indulge a little while still enjoying the holiday spirit! Remember, moderation is key, especially when it comes to these sweet, festive delights. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ About Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated
Got questions about making these festive Christmas tree cookies decorated? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common questions and my answers to help you along the way:
How do I make the icing?
Making the icing is super simple! Just mix together 3 cups of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. If you want to add colors, divide the icing into bowls and stir in a few drops of food coloring to achieve your desired shades. Adjust the milk or sugar to get the right consistency for drizzling or spreading.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day or two ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, then roll it out and cut your cookies!
What’s the best way to decorate the cookies?
The best part of decorating is to let your creativity shine! I like to use piping bags for more intricate designs, but you can also use a simple spoon for drizzling. Start with a base layer of icing and then add sprinkles, edible glitter, or even small candies for extra flair. Just have fun with it!
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading?
To keep your cookies from spreading too much while baking, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps the cookies maintain their shape!
Can I use different flavors for the cookies?
Definitely! You can mix up the flavor by adding different extracts like peppermint, coconut, or even maple. Just remember to keep it balanced so it doesn’t overpower the cookie base. Experimenting is half the fun!
What if I don’t have a tree-shaped cookie cutter?
No worries at all! If you don’t have a tree-shaped cutter, get creative! You can use any shape you have on hand—stars, circles, or even freehand cut them with a knife. Just remember, they’ll still taste amazing no matter the shape!
With these FAQs answered, you’re all set to create your own batch of Christmas tree cookies decorated. Enjoy the baking process and the festive spirit they bring!
Print
Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated: 7 Sweet Memories Await
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas tree cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles.
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 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into tree shapes.
- Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden.
- Allow cookies to cool before decorating.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk for icing, then add food coloring.
- Decorate cookies with icing and sprinkles.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different colors for festive designs.
- These cookies freeze well.
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, decorated cookies, holiday baking