The holiday season is such a magical time, filled with twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and, of course, the joy of baking! One of my absolute favorite traditions is making a gingerbread Christmas tree. The aroma of warm spices fills my kitchen, bringing a smile to my face and instantly putting me in the festive spirit. It’s not just about the delicious flavors; it’s about creating something special to share with family and friends. Trust me, when you put that beautiful tree on the table, everyone’s faces light up with excitement! Plus, decorating it with colorful candies is an adventure in itself. So, let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to spread some holiday cheer with this delightful treat!
Ingredients for Gingerbread Christmas Tree
Gathering the right ingredients is key to crafting our festive gingerbread Christmas tree. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Royal icing for decoration
- Assorted candies for decoration
Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for that perfect creamy texture when mixing! And don’t forget to pack that brown sugar tightly for extra sweetness in every bite. Let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Gingerbread Christmas Tree
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and warm! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready when our dough is all set. While that’s happening, grab a couple of baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup and helps prevent sticking. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good whisk to mix everything evenly. The warm spices will start to mingle together, creating that cozy holiday scent! Set this bowl aside; we’ll be adding it to our wet ingredients soon.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to cream the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar together. Use an electric mixer on medium speed, and beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving our cookies a lovely texture. Oh, the smell already is delightful!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s add the magic! Beat in the large egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture until everything is well combined. This will create a rich, dark batter that’s full of flavor and holiday spirit. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl for that perfect mix!
Form and Bake
Time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. You’ll want to avoid overmixing to keep our cookies tender. Once your dough is ready, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape your trees, and carefully place them on the prepared baking sheets. Bake these beauties in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm and the centers are set. Your kitchen will smell like a holiday dream!
Cool and Decorate
After baking, allow your gingerbread trees to cool completely on wire racks. This is super important, as warm cookies can get a bit too soft to handle. Once they’re cool, it’s decorating time! Use your royal icing to create beautiful designs, and don’t hold back on the candies! From gumdrops to sprinkles, this is where you can really let your creativity shine. Each tree can be a unique masterpiece, perfect for impressing family and friends during the festivities!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Stunning festive appearance that’s sure to impress your holiday guests.
- Easy-to-follow steps make it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Customizable decorations let your creativity shine—use your favorite candies!
- Great for making lasting memories with family during the holiday season.
- Deliciously spiced gingerbread flavor that captures the spirit of Christmas in every bite.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to create your gingerbread Christmas tree, here are some pro tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly! First, when rolling out your dough, aim for about 1/4 inch thickness. This will give you cookies that are sturdy enough to hold up while still being soft and chewy. If the dough feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to sprinkle a bit more flour on your surface!
Cooling is crucial, so let your cookies rest on wire racks until they’re completely cool before decorating. This helps the icing set properly and prevents any melty mishaps! Also, when decorating, work with small batches of royal icing to avoid it drying out too quickly. And remember, the more colorful your candies, the more festive your tree will look! Enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to get a little creative—after all, it’s all about spreading joy this season!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutrition, keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For reference, each gingerbread Christmas tree cookie contains approximately 150 calories. It’s a delightful treat, but like all sweets, it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Remember, the joy of baking and sharing these cookies is what truly counts during the holiday season!
FAQ Section
How can I make my gingerbread Christmas tree decorations stand out?
To make your decorations pop, use a variety of colorful candies and sprinkles. Consider adding edible glitter for that extra sparkle!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the gingerbread dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This also helps the flavors develop beautifully.
What can I substitute for royal icing?
If you prefer, you can use melted chocolate or store-bought icing as alternatives. Just keep in mind that they may not dry as hard as royal icing.
How should I store my gingerbread cookies?
Keep your gingerbread Christmas tree cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long!
Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes! Once fully cooled, you can freeze the gingerbread cookies. Just layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container, and they’ll be good for up to three months.
Gingerbread Christmas Tree: 5 Reasons to Love This Treat
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive gingerbread Christmas tree decorated with icing and candies.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Royal icing for decoration
- Assorted candies for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add egg, molasses, and vanilla to the butter mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until combined.
- Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into tree shapes.
- Place cutouts on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cookies cool completely before decorating.
- Use royal icing to decorate with candies.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be made ahead of time.
- Use different candies for unique decorations.
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: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: gingerbread, Christmas, holiday, tree