Oh, the magic of baking during the holiday season! There’s just something so special about filling the kitchen with the sweet aroma of cookies, especially when they’re shaped like adorable little Christmas trees. I remember the first time I made these festive treats with my kids. We spent the afternoon rolling out dough, giggling as we tried to replicate the perfect tree shape. And trust me, they were not perfect, but that’s what made them so charming! Each cookie ended up with its own personality, decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles that turned our baking session into a delightful winter wonderland. These Christmas tree cookies are not just delicious; they’ve become a cherished tradition in our home, perfect for gift-giving or simply enjoying with a cup of cocoa. You’re going to love making these as much as I do!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to holiday magic! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Christmas tree cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy for easy mixing!)
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Green icing for decoration (get creative with your design!)
- Sprinkles for decoration (because who doesn’t love a little sparkle?)
Make sure you have everything ready before you start baking so you can enjoy the process. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than realizing you’re missing an ingredient halfway through! Happy baking!
How to Prepare Christmas Tree Cookies
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to bring these festive cookies to life! Follow my step-by-step instructions to make the process as smooth as a fresh batch of buttercream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden!
- While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This dry mix will give your cookies the right lift.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until it’s light and fluffy. It should look like a cloud of happiness! This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to your buttery mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. The aroma will be heavenly!
- Now, gradually blend in the dry ingredients. I like to do this in thirds to avoid a flour explosion—trust me, it happens!
- Once your dough comes together, it’s time to roll it out! Dust your work surface with a little flour and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies.
- Place your tree cookies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a little space between them, as they’ll spread just a tad while baking.
- Bake them in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or until they’re golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them; you want them just right!
- Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. When they’re completely cool, it’s decorating time!
And there you have it! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of adorable Christmas tree cookies ready to dazzle everyone at your holiday celebrations!
Nutritional Information
Knowing the nutritional details can help you enjoy these Christmas tree cookies guilt-free! Here’s a general estimate of what each delightful cookie packs in:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for enjoying during the festive season! Just remember, while they’re delicious, moderation is key if you want to save room for all those holiday feasts!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appeal: These Christmas tree cookies are not just treats; they’re little edible decorations that bring joy to any holiday gathering!
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find baking these cookies a breeze, even for beginners.
- Customizable Decorations: Get creative with colors and toppings! You can decorate each cookie uniquely, making them as fun to create as they are to eat.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy family night, these cookies are sure to impress and delight everyone.
Tips for Success
If you want your Christmas tree cookies to turn out perfectly, I’ve got some simple tips that really help! First up, consider chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking—no sad, flattened trees here!
When it comes to decorating, don’t be afraid to get creative with your icing colors! You can use different shades of green for a fun ombre effect or even add some edible glitter for a festive sparkle. And speaking of storage, keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week—if they last that long! Enjoy every bite and happy baking!
Variations
Feeling adventurous? There are so many fun ways to switch up these Christmas tree cookies! You can add a dash of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing twist that screams holiday cheer. Or how about incorporating some mini chocolate chips into the batter for a delightful surprise in every bite? When it comes to decorating, try using colorful icing and themed sprinkles—think red and white for a candy cane effect or even edible glitter for some extra sparkle! The sky’s the limit with these festive treats, so let your creativity shine and make them uniquely yours!
Serving Suggestions
These delightful Christmas tree cookies are a perfect treat on their own, but they shine even brighter when paired with some festive companions! Consider serving them alongside a warm cup of cocoa, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. If you’re feeling extra festive, a glass of eggnog or spiced apple cider makes a wonderful pairing too! For a complete holiday spread, you could also include some classic gingerbread men or peppermint bark to create a delightful dessert platter that everyone will enjoy. Trust me, these cookies will be the star of the show!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas tree cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for about two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours. No reheating needed—just let the magic of the holidays bring them back to life! Happy snacking!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these adorable Christmas tree cookies? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries:
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Absolutely! Just keep in mind that it might change the texture a bit, making them denser. You could try a mix for the best of both worlds!
What if my dough is too sticky? Oops! No worries. Just sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and on your hands while rolling it out. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can also help!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! You can bake them a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just wait to decorate until you’re ready to serve them for the freshest look!
How do I make the icing? A simple glaze works wonders! Just mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and a few drops of food coloring. It’ll be the perfect touch for your festive trees!
With these tips in hand, you’re all set to create the most delightful Christmas tree cookies ever!
For more festive recipes, check out our complete recipe collection!
Additionally, if you’re interested in the nutritional benefits of baking, you can read more about it here.
Print
Christmas Tree Cookies: 5 Steps to Holiday Magic
- 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
A festive treat shaped like Christmas trees, perfect for holiday celebrations.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Green icing for decoration
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the 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.
- Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll dough into tree shapes on a floured surface.
- Place cookies on baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden.
- Let cool, then decorate with icing and sprinkles.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different colors of icing for variety.
- Chill dough for easier handling if sticky.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas tree cookies, holiday cookies, festive treats