Christmas Tree Cookies – Sweet Holiday Delight!

Christmas is a time of joy, lights, and best of all, homemade treats that bring families together! These adorable Christmas Tree Cookies are as delicious as they are festive, with buttery, crisp edges and vibrant decorations. If you’re searching for that perfect holiday cookie recipe that’s fun to make and beautiful to serve, look no further!

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Why You’ll Love These Christmas Tree Cookies

• Deliciously Buttery: The cookie base is rich and soft, with just the right amount of crunch.
• Festive & Customizable: The royal icing allows for creativity—decorate your trees with snowy details, ornaments, or even little stars.
• Easy to Make: With a simple ingredient list, these cookies are beginner-friendly and fun for all ages.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are ideal to wrap up in a box and share with friends and family, bringing joy to everyone you share them with.

Imagine biting into a slightly crisp yet tender cookie, with a touch of almond flavor, topped with sweet and smooth icing that’s fun to decorate. Each bite is a little piece of holiday cheer!

Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cookies

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, for a hint of extra flavor)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Royal Icing

• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2-3 tbsp meringue powder
• 4-5 tbsp water (adjust to reach desired consistency)
• Green, red, and white gel food coloring
• Holiday sprinkles (for ornaments)

Necessary Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Rolling pin
• Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter
• Piping bags with small round tips
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Decorative holiday plate (optional)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Christmas Tree Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low until combined. The dough will be soft but should not be sticky.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Chilling ensures the cookies maintain their shape when baking.

Step 4: Roll Out and Cut Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use the Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Step 6: Prepare the Royal Icing

In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Adjust the water as needed to reach a thick yet pipeable consistency. Divide the icing into separate bowls and add your food colorings—green for the tree, red for ornaments, and white for snow.

Step 7: Decorate

Using piping bags fitted with small round tips, decorate each cookie. Start with the green icing to fill in the tree shape, then add red and white accents for ornaments and snow. Add sprinkles for extra “ornaments” while the icing is still wet.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Keep the Dough Chilled: For the best cookie shapes, chill the dough well and keep it cool between batches.
• Substitute for Meringue Powder: If you don’t have meringue powder, you can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk, though this will take longer to set.
• Add Peppermint Flavor: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the royal icing for a refreshing, festive touch!

Decorating Tips for the Perfect Christmas Tree Look

• Layer Colors: Start with the green base, let it set slightly, then add red and white accents for dimension.
• Fine Details: Use a small piping tip or toothpick to create stars or dots for ornaments.
• Snowy Details: Pipe small white dots around the tree for a snowy effect or outline the edges with white icing for an extra wintry touch.
• Ornament Sprinkles: Sprinkle on red and white sprinkles to mimic hanging ornaments. Add these while the icing is still wet to secure them perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies look amazing on a decorative holiday plate and add a festive touch to any gathering. Pair them with hot chocolate or eggnog for the ultimate holiday treat, or wrap them in clear bags with ribbon for a thoughtful gift.

Storage Instructions

Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If layering, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to avoid smudging the decorations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and allow it to soften slightly before rolling out.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze the baked (undecorated) cookies for up to 2 months. Decorate after thawing for best results.

What if I don’t have a Christmas tree cookie cutter?
You can use any festive shape you like! Stars, bells, and candy canes are also fun holiday options.

Final Thoughts

These Christmas Tree Cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate the season with a classic, festive treat. They’re not only delicious but allow for endless creativity in decoration, making them perfect for family baking days or gift-giving. Plus, with their irresistible buttery flavor and beautiful royal icing designs, they’ll surely become a holiday favorite!

If you enjoyed making these cookies, explore more holiday recipes like Christmas Stocking Sugar Cookies, Gingerbread Cake, and Christmas Cake – A Festive Masterpiece to add even more joy to your holiday baking!

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