These delightful Christmas Tree Cookies are a festive treat perfect for the holiday season! Made with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth base and decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles, they bring holiday cheer to any gathering. Whether you’re baking with family or preparing treats for a party, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Fun: Perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or gifting.
Customizable: Decorate with your favorite colors, sprinkles, and designs.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for an easy and delicious dessert.
Kid-Friendly: A fun activity to enjoy with little helpers during the holidays.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Baking powder
Salt
Green food coloring
Royal icing or buttercream frosting
Assorted sprinkles or edible decorations

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Add green food coloring to the dough and knead until evenly colored.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing or buttercream frosting. Add sprinkles for a festive touch.
Allow the decorations to set before serving or storing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 24 cookies (depending on cutter size)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Flavored Dough: Add almond or peppermint extract for a festive twist.
Chocolate: Mix cocoa powder into the dough for chocolate Christmas trees.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
Vegan: Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a flax egg.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Decorated cookies are best enjoyed within 3-4 days.
Freezing: Freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Thaw, roll out, and bake as directed.
Reheating: Cookies are best served at room temperature. Warm slightly in the microwave for 5 seconds if desired.

FAQs

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling and cutting out shapes.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

What type of icing works best?

Royal icing works well for intricate designs, while buttercream is great for a softer, richer taste.

Can I use natural food coloring?

Absolutely! Powdered or gel-based natural food coloring works best for vibrant colors.

Can I decorate with melted chocolate?

Yes, melted white or dark chocolate is a tasty and beautiful option.

Do I need a specific cookie cutter?

While a tree-shaped cutter is traditional, you can use any shape and decorate accordingly.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but the flavor and texture may slightly differ.

How do I ensure even baking?

Roll the dough to an even thickness and bake on the middle rack of the oven.

What are the best sprinkles for decorating?

Choose festive holiday sprinkles or edible glitter for a sparkling touch.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure you chill the dough between batches to keep it firm.

Conclusion

Christmas Tree Cookies are a festive favorite that combines fun, flavor, and creativity. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delightful gift, these cookies are a joy to make and share. With simple ingredients and endless decorating possibilities, they’re a must-have treat for the season. Get baking and spread some holiday cheer!