The aroma of freshly baked Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies wafts through the air, bringing a warm, festive feel to any holiday gathering. These delightful treats, adorned with colorful icing and sprinkles, are not just visually appealing; they promise a burst of buttery sweetness that dances on your taste buds. cookie variations for festive occasions sweet treats for the holidays perfect accompaniment for cookies.
Picture this: It’s Christmas Eve, and the family is gathered around the kitchen, laughter echoing as we decorate our tree-shaped cookies. Each bite transports us back to cherished memories of childhood holidays filled with joy and sugar-induced giggles.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are easy to prepare, making them perfect for holiday baking marathons
- Their sweet and buttery flavor will bring smiles to everyone
- The vibrant colors and festive shapes make them a stunning addition to any dessert table
- They are versatile enough to be customized with your favorite toppings or flavors
One year, my niece took one bite of these cookies and declared them the best thing she had ever eaten—she’s five years old, but still, I’ll take it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your cookies; use a good quality flour for best results.
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Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened at room temperature for easy blending with sugar.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness; don’t forget to save some for dusting!
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Eggs: Use large eggs for perfect texture; they help bind everything together beautifully.
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Baking Powder: This will give your cookies that lovely lift and soft texture we all adore.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla adds depth of flavor; skip artificial extracts for optimal taste.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
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Royal Icing: Essential for decorating; it hardens quickly and can be colored vibrantly for a festive look.
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Sprinkles or Edible Glitter: Because who doesn’t love a little sparkle during the holidays?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Mix the Dough: Start by creaming the softened butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. You want to see no dry flour left but avoid overmixing to keep those cookies tender.
Chill the Dough: Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least an hour. This step helps prevent spreading while baking—trust me on this one!
Shape and Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface until about 1/4-inch thick. Cut out tree shapes using cookie cutters and place them on prepared baking sheets.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. The smell will be heavenly—try not to eat them right off the tray!
Decorate Your Cookies!: Once cooled completely, use royal icing to decorate your trees with all sorts of fun designs. Don’t forget to sprinkle on some edible glitter for that extra holiday magic!
Enjoy these delightful Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies as you gather with loved ones around the tree or simply indulge yourself! They embody everything joyful about the season—family, fun, and fantastic flavors! delicious dessert pairing ideas.
You Must Know
- Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings joy to any gathering
- These cookies are not only beautiful but also surprisingly easy to make, perfect for decorating with family and friends
- The sweet aroma fills your kitchen, making it feel festive and warm
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming butter and sugar for a fluffy base. Chill the dough before rolling out for easier handling and cleaner shapes. Bake until edges are lightly golden for the best texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap vanilla extract with almond for a unique flavor twist. Add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter to your icing for extra holiday cheer. Experiment with various shapes beyond trees to surprise your guests.
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To refresh them, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Achieving the perfect Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies requires attention to detail
- Use high-quality butter for richer flavor and always chill your dough before rolling out
- Be patient while baking; underbaked cookies won’t hold their shape well when decorating!
When I first baked Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies, my nephew decorated them like Picasso on a sugar high—sprinkles everywhere! We still laugh about it every year during our cookie-making marathon. For more inspiration, check out this bacon brown sugar chicken tenders recipe.
FAQ
What is the secret to soft sugar cookies?
Chilling the dough helps keep cookies soft and chewy after baking.
Can I freeze these Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough for later enjoyment.
How can I decorate these cookies?
Use royal icing or fondant to create beautiful decorations on your cookies.
Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Experience the joy of the holiday season with these delightful Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies. Soft, buttery, and adorned with colorful royal icing and sprinkles, they are perfect for festive gatherings and family traditions. Easy to make and customize, each cookie captures the essence of Christmas cheer and sweet nostalgia.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Royal icing (for decoration)
- Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to prevent spreading.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into tree shapes using cookie cutters and transfer to prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely before decorating.
- Use royal icing for designs and add sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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