As the holiday season approaches, my kitchen transforms into a festive wonderland, filled with the enticing scent of spices and sweet treats. There’s something truly heartwarming about gathering loved ones for a cozy afternoon of cookie decorating, especially when those cookies take the enchanting shape of Christmas trees! I remember the first time I made these vibrant Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies; the kids were delighted as we transformed simple dough into colorful masterpieces. The joy of creating cookies together is an experience that transcends age, combining creativity with the rewarding taste of homemade goodness.
These cookies not only captivate the eye with their charming green icing and delightful sprinkles, but they also boast a buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. Ready in just under 30 minutes, they are incredibly easy to whip up—making them the perfect go-to treat for a last-minute gathering or festive gifting. Join me in celebrating this holiday season with a batch of these whimsical Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies that will bring smiles and warmth to your table!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
- These Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are effortlessly easy to make, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the festivities with loved ones.
- The buttery flavor and vibrant icing create a delightful taste experience that everyone will love.
- Their charming appearance makes them a real showstopper, perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting to friends and family.
- Quick to prepare and bake in under 30 minutes, these cookies save you time without compromising on flavor or fun.
Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie Ingredients
• Gather the essentials for festive fun!
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter – room temperature for easy mixing and a rich flavor.
- 2 cups granulated sugar – adds sweetness and a delightful crunch.
- 4 large eggs – helps bind the ingredients for a perfect dough.
- 5 cups all-purpose flour – provides structure to your Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – ensures a light and fluffy cookie texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – infuses a warm and inviting aroma.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract – adds a subtle nutty flavor for a festive twist.
For the Icing
- 3 cups powdered sugar – creates a smooth texture for your vibrant decorations.
- 3 tablespoons milk – helps achieve the right consistency for spreading or piping.
- Food coloring (green) – gives the icing that classic Christmas tree hue.
- Sprinkles – for a final festive touch, making your cookies truly special.
These delightful ingredients come together and make magic for your cookie-making adventure!
How to Make Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This step creates the perfect environment for your cookies to bake evenly, ensuring a golden exterior and soft interior.
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Cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes; the mixture should look pale and airy.
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Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla and almond extracts for a delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen.
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Sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the cookies.
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Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to shape the dough into Christmas trees and place them on ungreased baking sheets.
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Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn lightly golden. The centers should still look a bit underbaked; they’ll firm up while cooling.
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This step ensures they set properly without crumbling.
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Prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and green food coloring until smooth. Spread or pipe the icing onto the cooled cookies and sprinkle for that festive touch!
Optional: Use different colored icing and sprinkles for a fun variety!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie Variations
Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on these delightful Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious alternative.
- Vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter, flax eggs in place of eggs, and non-dairy milk for the icing.
For a bit of a culinary magic, you could experiment with different plant-based butters. The flavors can be just as indulgent while aligning with your preferences.
- Peppermint Twist: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a fresh, festive flavor reminiscent of the holidays.
Imagine the aroma of peppermint wafting through your kitchen as you bake, inviting everyone to gather and share in the joy.
- Colorful Icing: Use various food coloring to create an array of icing colors, making a rainbow of tree designs!
The kids will absolutely love this colorful art project, and you’ll create a dessert buffet that’s as sweet as it is vibrant.
- Nutty Surprise: Fold in half a cup of finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
This addition brings a new texture that complements the buttery cookie base perfectly, delighting the taste buds of everyone at your table.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle over the iced cookies for a decadent finish.
The bittersweet chocolate adds a rich flavor layer that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the icing.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Before baking, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on the cookies for a warm, spiced flavor.
This twist gives a cozy vibe that makes each bite reminiscent of warm holiday memories.
- Fruit-infused Icing: Mix in raspberry or lemon juice into the icing for a tart twist that brightens up the cookie.
Let your creativity shine as each of these variations adds its own delightful twist to every batch of Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies!
What to Serve with Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies?
Create a festive spread that complements these charming cookies and enhances your holiday spirit!
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Warm Milk: Perfectly pairs with cookies, offering a comforting classic that brings out the sweet flavors.
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Hot Cocoa: The rich chocolate and marshmallow combination makes for a cozy match with these sugary delights.
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Eggnog: A festive favorite, its creamy texture and hints of nutmeg seamlessly complement the buttery sweetness of the cookies.
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Holiday Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits add a refreshing contrast to the cookies’ richness, bursting with seasonal flavors.
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Candied Nuts: Their crunchy texture and sweet-salty flavor create a delightful contrast to the soft cookies, making each bite special.
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Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices provide a warm embrace that pairs beautifully with the buttery cookies, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Celebrate the season by offering these scrumptious pairings alongside your beautiful Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and flavor.
Fridge: For slightly longer storage, place the cookies in the fridge in a sealed container where they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: If you’d like to warm them up, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, restoring their soft texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating. To maintain their delicious texture, ensure the dough is well-sealed to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the chilled dough, cut into tree shapes, and bake as directed. Additionally, the icing can be made up to 24 hours ahead; just store it in an airtight container to keep it nice and fresh. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have festive treats ready to decorate and enjoy with loved ones, stress-free!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies, make sure your butter is at room temperature to ensure it creams properly with the sugar.
- A common mistake is overmixing the dough after adding the flour, so mix until just combined for tender cookies.
- When rolling out the dough, keep your surface lightly floured and ensure it’s about ¼ inch thick for even baking.
- Bake your cookies until the edges are just turning golden for a chewy center, remembering they will continue to cook slightly while cooling.
Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best ingredients for my Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, make sure your butter is fresh and at room temperature. Look for eggs that are large and have bright, clean shells. Your all-purpose flour should be stored properly to ensure it’s not stale. Use granulated sugar that looks white and free of lumps for the best results.
How should I store my Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies?
Very! Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This helps maintain their delightful flavor and texture. If you want to store them longer, you can place them in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container.
Can I freeze my Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies?
Certainly! To freeze, wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want to restore some freshness, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find that your cookie dough is on the sticky side, don’t worry! Just sprinkle a bit more flour onto the surface and knead the dough gently until you reach a workable consistency. Be cautious not to add too much, as this could make your cookies dense. If time allows, chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can also help firm it up.
Are these cookies suitable for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you have guests with allergies or specific dietary needs, you can adapt this recipe. Consider using dairy-free butter for a vegan option and a gluten-free flour blend for gluten-sensitive individuals. Just make sure to double-check labels to avoid any hidden allergens.
Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick and cut into Christmas tree shapes.
- Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
- Prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and green food coloring until smooth, then decorate cooled cookies.
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