Nothing says the holidays quite like Christmas tree sugar cookies! These deliciously festive treats are perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or a cozy baking session at home. This article will guide you through everything from crafting the dough to decorating like a pro.
A Sweet Start to the Holidays
The history of sugar cookies dates back centuries, evolving into a holiday favorite thanks to their simple yet versatile nature. Today, you can find unique twists, like Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cookies, that elevate these festive treats with modern flair.
🛒 Ingredients for Perfect Cookies
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these festive cookies from scratch:
- Dry Ingredients
🍪 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
🧂 1 tsp baking soda
🧂 ½ tsp baking powder - Wet Ingredients
🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
🍬 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
🥚 1 large egg
🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract
🌿 ½ tsp almond extract (optional) - Optional Additions
🖌️ Green food coloring
🎄 Festive sprinkles and decorations
🍳 Instructions: Step-by-Step Recipe
1️⃣ 🎄 Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2️⃣ 🥣 Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3️⃣ 🧈 Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
4️⃣ 🌿 Combine Ingredients
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- If using green food coloring, knead it into the dough until evenly incorporated.
5️⃣ 🍪 Shape the Cookies
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
- Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out tree shapes.
6️⃣ 🍬 Bake
- Place the cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
7️⃣ 🎨 Decorate
- Once the cookies are fully cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, and festive toppings as desired.
- Get creative with patterns and colors!
🎁 Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: ~24 cookies
- Calories: ~120 kcal per cookie
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft, refrigerate it for 20–30 minutes to make it easier to work with.
- Add Extra Flair: Use edible glitter or metallic sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For more creative decorating ideas, check out Holiday Meringue Christmas Trees, which pair beautifully with these cookies as part of a dessert spread.
Decorating Ideas to Spark Creativity
Simple Designs
- Cover with green frosting and add sprinkles or candy stars as ornaments.
Advanced Techniques
- Layer pastel green frosting using a star piping tip for a fluffy, snow-laden effect.
For more decorating inspiration, explore Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing for elegant, intricate designs.
FAQs About Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Stay Soft?
Incorporate sour cream or cream cheese into your recipe for a tender texture.
Can I Freeze Decorated Cookies?
Yes, freeze undecorated cookies for up to three months, then frost after thawing.
Conclusion
Creating Christmas tree sugar cookies is more than just baking—it’s a cherished holiday tradition. Whether you keep it simple or go all-out with intricate designs, these cookies are sure to brighten your holidays. Pair them with other festive treats like Warm Brie with Roasted Holiday Fruits for a delightful dessert table.
Happy baking, and may your holiday season be as sweet as your cookies!
Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 🍪 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 🧂 1 tsp baking soda
- 🧂 ½ tsp baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 🍬 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 🌿 ½ tsp almond extract optional
Optional Additions
- 🖌️ Green food coloring
- 🎄 Festive sprinkles and decorations
Instructions
1️⃣ 🎄 Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2️⃣ 🥣 Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3️⃣ 🧈 Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
4️⃣ 🌿 Combine Ingredients
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- If using green food coloring, knead it into the dough until evenly incorporated.
5️⃣ 🍪 Shape the Cookies
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
- Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out tree shapes.
6️⃣ 🍬 Bake
- Place the cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
7️⃣ 🎨 Decorate
- Once the cookies are fully cooled, decorate with icing, sprinkles, and festive toppings as desired.
- Get creative with patterns and colors!
Notes
Decorating Ideas to Spark Creativity
Simple Designs
- Cover with green frosting and add sprinkles or candy stars as ornaments.
Advanced Techniques
- Layer pastel green frosting using a star piping tip for a fluffy, snow-laden effect.