why make this recipe
Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. Their festive shape and delightful taste make them a favorite among families. You can enjoy making these together with loved ones, creating wonderful memories in the kitchen.
The charm of these cookies lies not only in their flavor but also in how they can be decorated. Use colorful icing, sprinkles, and candies to bring your trees to life. Each batch is an opportunity to unleash your creativity while making treats that everyone will adore.
equipment needed for Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
To get started with your Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies, gather the following equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (tree-shaped for this recipe)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
- Sifter
- Piping bags (optional for icing)
What You Need to Make Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tbsp meringue powder
- 6 tbsp water (plus more as needed for consistency)
- Green gel food coloring
- Yellow gel food coloring
- Sprinkles
- Edible glitter
- Round candies for decorations
How to Cook Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies Step by Step
Start by preparing the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these ingredients will help ensure an even distribution in the dough. Once done, set the bowl aside.
In a larger mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat them until they become light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies soft and tender.
Next, add the egg to the butter and sugar mixture. Follow this with the vanilla extract and almond extract if you are using it. Mix everything until combined smoothly. This adds a wonderful flavor to your cookies that makes them irresistible.
Now, gradually mix in the dry ingredients you prepared earlier. Do this slowly to avoid a flour explosion. Keep mixing until a soft dough forms. It should be smooth and easy to handle, but not sticky. Once your dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator. You can chill it for one hour or even leave it overnight for better flavor.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
After chilling the dough, it’s time to roll it out. Lightly flour your surface and take a portion of the dough. Roll it to about ¼ inch thick. Use tree-shaped cookie cutters to cut out your cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, allowing some space between each cookie as they will expand slightly while baking.
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when their edges turn golden but their centers remain soft. Once done, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
While your cookies are cooling, prepare the royal icing. In a mixing bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Whisk until your mixture is thick and glossy. It should be smooth, with no lumps and a consistency that holds its shape.
Next, add a few drops of green gel food coloring to half of your royal icing and mix well. This will create the vibrant tree color. You can do the same with the yellow gel food coloring for other decorations, like stars. If the icing is too thick, add a tiny bit of water until you reach the desired consistency.
Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s time for decoration. Using piping bags or a simple spoon, start applying the green icing to the cookies. Be as creative as you like! Add sprinkles, edible glitter, and round candies for ornaments or stars on top of the trees. Allow the decorated cookies to sit until the icing has fully set.
how to make Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
Making Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies is easy and fun. Start by gathering all of your ingredients and equipment, ensuring you have everything ready to go. This will streamline your baking process and make it more enjoyable.
Prepare the dough by combining your dry ingredients in one bowl and your wet ingredients in another. Cream the butter and sugar to get a light and fluffy texture, then incorporate the egg and extracts. Slowly mix in your dry ingredients until a dough forms before refrigerating it.
When chilled, roll out the dough and cut it into festive shapes. Once baked and cooled, transform your cookies with colorful royal icing and decorative toppings. The process invites creativity and family involvement, making it a joyful holiday activity.
how to serve Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are best served on a festive platter, making them an attractive centerpiece for any holiday gathering. You can stack them or arrange them in a way that resembles a Christmas tree, which adds a joyful touch.
These cookies are perfect for sharing. They make a wonderful treat for holiday parties or as gifts. Simply package a few in a decorative box or bag. They will surely bring smiles and cheer to everyone who receives them.
For an additional touch, you can serve them alongside hot cocoa or a cup of warm apple cider. The sweet, buttery flavors of the cookies pair beautifully with hot drinks, enhancing the overall festive experience.
what to serve with Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
To complement your Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies, consider serving a selection of festive beverages. Hot chocolate is a classic choice, bringing warmth and sweetness to the gathering. A sprinkle of marshmallows on top would delight both kids and adults alike.
Other great drink options include eggnog, peppermint tea, or even spiced cider. Each of these treats enhances the joy of the season and pairs perfectly with your sweet cookies.
Additionally, you could serve a fruit platter alongside your cookies. Fresh fruit offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, providing a balanced treat for your guests.
how to store Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
To store your Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies properly, wait until they have completely cooled and the icing has fully set. Once ready, place them in an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between them if stacking to prevent the icing from sticking.
Keep your cookies at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
tips to make Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
For the best results with your Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies, follow a few handy tips. First, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps it cream nicely with the sugar, leading to better-textured cookies.
When rolling out the dough, keep your surface lightly floured. This prevents sticking and makes it easier to cut out shapes. Also, don’t skip the chilling step; it helps the dough hold its shape during baking.
Be creative with the decorations! Different colored icing, sprinkles, and candies can transform your cookies into a winter wonderland. Let your imagination guide you in making each cookie unique.
variation
If you want to try a variation of Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies, consider using a different shape. You can cut out stars, snowflakes, or even gingerbread men for a fun twist. Each shape will allow for different decorating styles, giving you more options.
You could also experiment with flavors. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg gives a holiday flair to your cookies. You can substitute the vanilla extract with peppermint to create a minty taste that pairs wonderfully with the festive season.
Another variation to consider is using a flavored frosting. Instead of traditional royal icing, try creating a chocolate or cream cheese frosting for a richer taste. Each twist brings a new flavor experience.
best time to make Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
The best time to make Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies is during the holiday season. As Thanksgiving comes to an end, many families begin preparing for Christmas festivities. This is the perfect time to gather ingredients and start baking.
Baking these cookies can be a delightful weekend activity. Consider setting aside a day for baking and decorating with family or friends. This shared experience not only fills your home with sweet aromas but also creates lasting memories.
You might also consider making these cookies for holiday parties or gatherings. Having them ready a few days ahead of time allows you to focus on other preparations as the holiday approaches.
common mistakes to avoid
When making Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies, be mindful of a few common mistakes. One of the most frequent issues is not properly measuring ingredients. Accurate measurements ensure your dough has the correct consistency for shaping and baking.
Another mistake is skipping the chilling step. Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining its shape while baking. If you bake cookies with unchilled dough, you may end up with flatter cookies that lose their defined shapes.
Also, be cautious with baking time. Every oven can bake differently, so keep an eye on your cookies. Remove them from the oven once the edges are golden, but the centers should remain soft. This helps maintain a tender texture.
nutritional notes
While Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat, they are best enjoyed in moderation. One cookie contains generous amounts of sugar and butter, contributing to its delicious taste but also adding calories.
If you’re looking at alternative dietary options, consider using substitute ingredients. For instance, you can use coconut oil instead of butter, or experiment with whole wheat flour to increase fiber content. Additionally, there are sugar alternatives that you can work into your recipes.
Keep in mind that sugar cookies are generally considered a dessert. Thus, it’s best to balance them with a diet containing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for a healthy lifestyle.
FAQs
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling and baking.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading while baking?
Make sure to chill the dough before baking. Using cold dough helps maintain the shape of the cookies. Also, ensure you are using the correct proportions of butter and flour.
Can I make these cookies without almond extract?
Absolutely! The almond extract is optional. You can simply use more vanilla extract or leave it out entirely without affecting the overall cookie flavor.
conclusion
Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are not only delicious but also a fantastic way to celebrate the holiday spirit. Whether you decorate them with family or share them with friends, each cookie becomes part of cherished memories.
Their festive shapes and colors make them a hit during gatherings. With fun variations and the chance to get creative, they are a delightful addition to any holiday table. Grab your ingredients, invite some loved ones, and enjoy this sweet holiday tradition together!
