Magical Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies Recipe for Holiday Joy

Festive holiday magic meets sweet delight in these charming christmas tree sugar cookies that sparkle with seasonal cheer.

Decorative sprinkles and vibrant green frosting create a whimsical treat perfect for any celebration.

Baking these delightful cookies brings warmth and joy to your kitchen.

Crisp edges and soft centers make each bite a delectable experience.

Kids and adults alike will adore transforming simple sugar cookie dough into miniature edible evergreens.

Sugary decorations and creative icing techniques turn these treats into edible works of art.

Spread holiday happiness one delicious cookie at a time.

Sugar Cookies That Bake Up Festive Tree-Shaped Joy

• Tackle with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, these Christmas tree sugar cookies require simple ingredients and basic techniques that anyone can master.
• Quick Family Fun: Gather loved ones for a delightful baking and decorating session that creates lasting memories and spreads holiday cheer without complicated steps.
• Festive Crowd-Pleaser: These adorable green-frosted cookies are ideal for holiday parties, potlucks, and gift-giving, bringing a touch of seasonal magic to any celebration.
• Customize Your Creativity: Personalize each cookie with different sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored icing to make unique designs that showcase your artistic flair.

Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies Ingredients

• Butter: Soft and creamy base for cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create crisp edges.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Main structural component of cookies.
• Baking Powder: Provides gentle rising and lightness.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.

• Powdered Sugar, Meringue Powder, Water: Create smooth royal icing base.
• Green Food Coloring: Transforms icing into festive Christmas tree color.
• Edible Decorations: Adds sparkle and holiday charm.

Decorating and Baking Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Mix Delightful Cookie Dough

Grab a mixing bowl and cream together softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes super smooth and fluffy. Pour in the egg and vanilla extract, blending everything until perfectly combined. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, creating a soft, delectable dough.

Step 2: Chill and Prep Cookie Shapes

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour. When ready, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Use a festive Christmas tree cookie cutter to create adorable cookie shapes. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat the oven to 350°F. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. Watch for those edges to turn a beautiful light golden color. Once done, remove and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Whip Up Magical Green Icing

• Powdered sugar
• Meringue powder
• Water

Blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Adjust water to achieve your desired icing consistency. Add green food coloring to create that perfect Christmas tree shade.

Step 5: Decorate with Holiday Cheer

Grab a piping bag and carefully apply the green icing to mimic tree branches. While the icing is still wet, sprinkle on festive edible decorations. Allow the icing to set completely before serving or storing your delightful Christmas tree sugar cookies.

Sugar Cookie Tips That Shape the Perfect Trees

• Chill Dough for Perfect Texture: Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and ensure crisp, clean cookie shapes during baking.
• Roll with Precision: Use powdered sugar instead of flour when rolling to prevent the dough from becoming tough and maintain a delicate cookie texture.
• Icing Consistency Matters: Test royal icing thickness by running a knife through it – it should smooth out within 5-10 seconds for ideal decorating results.
• Control Baking Time: Watch cookies carefully and remove from oven when edges are just lightly golden to prevent over-browning and maintain a soft, tender cookie.
• Decorate with Creativity: Use different piping tips to create varied branch textures and add sprinkles or small candies while icing is wet for festive, professional-looking Christmas tree cookies.

Save Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies Soft

• Store decorated cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent icing from getting soft.
• Wrap undecorated or decorated cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
• Place completely cooled cookies in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep at room temperature for 3-4 days, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Warm cookies gently in the oven at 275°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cookies soggy and ruin the delicate royal icing design.

Christmas Tree Cookies Treat Matches

• Festive Flavor Companions
• Pair Warm Spiced Chai Latte: The creamy, spicy chai perfectly complements the sweet sugar cookies, enhancing the holiday warmth with its cinnamon and cardamom notes.
• Match Rich Hot Chocolate: Decadent chocolate drink balances the sugar cookie's sweetness, creating a luxurious winter treat that melts in your mouth.
• Serve Alongside Peppermint Mocha: The classic holiday drink's cool mint and robust coffee flavor cuts through the cookie's sweetness, offering a refreshing contrast.
• Enjoy with Vanilla Bean Eggnog: Creamy, smooth eggnog provides a traditional Christmas beverage pairing that highlights the cookie's delicate vanilla undertones.

Christmas Tree Cookie Holiday Styles

• Gluten-Free Holiday Helpers: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic cookie texture.
• Vegan Christmas Treats: Swap butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of regular egg to create plant-based cookies that everyone can enjoy.
• Low-Sugar Christmas Charmers: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the festive spirit intact.
• Allergen-Friendly Options: Use sunflower seed flour for nut-free baking and opt for egg replacer to make these cookies safe for those with common food allergies.

FAQs

• Why do I need to chill the cookie dough before rolling it out?

Chilling helps the dough firm up, preventing it from sticking and spreading during baking. It also allows the flour to hydrate, resulting in a more tender and flavorful cookie.

• Can I make the sugar cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator. This makes holiday baking more convenient and allows the flavors to develop.

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, chill the dough thoroughly, and use a sharp cookie cutter that cuts cleanly through the dough. These steps help maintain the cookie’s shape during baking.

• What's the best way to get smooth, even royal icing for decorating?

Start with room temperature ingredients, mix slowly to avoid creating air bubbles, and adjust the consistency by adding water or powdered sugar gradually. Use a squeeze bottle or piping bag for precise application.

Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet holiday magic comes alive with Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies, delightful festive treats perfect for spreading seasonal cheer. Crisp, buttery cookies decorated with green frosting and sparkling sprinkles invite family and friends to celebrate winter’s most joyful moments.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

Binding Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Whip softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until achieving a pillowy, light texture. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, thoroughly blending the wet ingredients into a uniform mixture.
2. Separately sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, kneading until a cohesive, pliable dough emerges.
3. Encase the dough in plastic wrap, then refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes to firm up the texture. Dust a clean surface with flour and roll the chilled dough to approximately 1/4-inch thickness.
4. Select a festive Christmas tree cookie cutter and carefully stamp out cookie shapes. Transfer delicate cutouts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring even spacing.
5. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the cookie sheet in the center rack and bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for subtle golden edges as an indicator of doneness.
6. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature completely before decorating.
7. Prepare royal icing by whisking powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency. Adjust liquid ratios for desired thickness and incorporate green food coloring.
8. Using a piping bag with a fine tip, artfully apply green icing to mimic tree branches and texture. Embellish with edible decorations while icing remains wet.
9. Allow decorated cookies to set undisturbed until icing hardens completely, ensuring a pristine final presentation.

Notes

• Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie shapes during baking.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother, more even mixing that creates a delicate cookie texture.
• Adjust royal icing consistency by adding tiny water amounts gradually to achieve perfect drizzling or piping thickness.
• Store decorated cookies in single layers between parchment paper to preserve detailed icing design and prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg