The scent of fresh-baked cookies wafts through my home, instantly whisking me into the holiday spirit. There’s a special kind of joy in creating Decorated Christmas Tree Cookies, an activity that transforms any ordinary day into a festive celebration. I first tried my hand at these delightful treats during a chilly December evening, when the thought of indulging in something homemade seemed the perfect remedy for the winter blues.
Not only are these cookies a feast for the eyes with their vibrant colors and festive shapes, but they’re also surprisingly simple to whip up. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can craft cookies that will impress family and friends alike. Imagine serving these cheery, sweet conifers at your next holiday gathering—they’re bound to become a favorite tradition! Join me in bringing a touch of magic to your kitchen with these easy-to-make Decorated Christmas Tree Cookies that are as fun to bake as they are to eat!
Why are decorated Christmas tree cookies so special?
Joyful Decor: These cookies are not just delicious—they’re a festive centerpiece for your holiday celebrations. Simplicity in Preparation: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master this recipe. Creative Outlet: Let your imagination run wild with decorations; every cookie can have its unique flair! Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for family gatherings or cookie swaps, they’re sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Nostalgic Tradition: Baking these cookies can become a cherished holiday ritual, creating memories to last a lifetime. For more delightful holiday treats, check out our collection of Christmas desserts.
Decorated Christmas Tree Cookies Ingredients
Get ready to indulge in festive baking!
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – 2 ¾ cups; the foundation for perfect cookie texture.
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon; helps the cookies rise and stay fluffy.
- Salt – ½ teaspoon; enhances the flavor, making the sweetness pop.
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup, softened; gives the cookies their rich, buttery flavor.
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup; sweetens and helps create that lovely golden edge.
- Large egg – 1; binds the ingredients together for a smooth dough.
- Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons; infuses a warm, comforting flavor.
- Almond extract – ½ teaspoon; adds a subtle nutty aroma that complements the holiday spirit.
For Decoration (optional)
- Royal icing – for creating intricate designs and binding decorations.
- Food coloring – to bring your decorated Christmas tree cookies to life!
- Sprinkles or edible glitter – because every cookie can use a little sparkle.
Get ready to bake these decorated Christmas tree cookies, and let your creativity shine through each sweet masterpiece!
How to Make Decorated Christmas Tree Cookies
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Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk gently until well mixed, and then set aside. This step ensures a light cookie texture.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes, achieving a lovely pale color.
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Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix this in until fully combined; the aroma will make your holiday spirit soar!
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to retain that soft cookie dough consistency.
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Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for easy rolling and helps the cookies maintain their shape.
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the right temperature for baking a perfect batch.
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Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. This thickness will create perfectly chewy decorated cookies.
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Cut into Shapes: Use a cookie cutter to make Christmas tree shapes from the rolled dough. Gently transfer them to a lined baking sheet.
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Bake Cookies: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake!
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Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before you unleash your creative side with decorations!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of edible glitter for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Decorated Christmas Tree Cookies?
Imagine a cozy holiday gathering filled with laughter and warmth, perfectly complemented by delightful treats from your kitchen.
- Hot Cocoa: Rich and velvety cocoa enhances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a comforting touch to your festive celebrations.
- Peppermint Bark: The cool mint flavor of this treat contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful flavor balance that guests will love.
- Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea provide a cozy warmth that pairs excellently with the buttery richness of the cookies.
- Chewy Gingerbread Cookies: For a traditional twist, these spiced cookies not only taste great but also add a nice textural contrast alongside your decorated Christmas tree cookies.
For something extra special, consider adding a platter of holiday-themed fruits, such as pomegranate seeds and clementine slices, to bring a burst of freshness to your dessert table.
- Eggnog: This classic holiday drink, with its creamy texture and hints of nutmeg, pairs perfectly with the festive cookies for a nostalgic touch.
- Decorative Platter: Showcase your cookies on a beautiful platter, alongside festive decorations like sprigs of holly or cinnamon sticks, to elevate your holiday presentation.
- Sugar Cookies: Serve alongside soft sugar cookies for guests who prefer a more understated sweetness; they make a lovely contrast to your visually stunning Christmas tree cookies.
Make Ahead Options
These decorated Christmas tree cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the mixing steps until the dough is formed, then wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating. This chilling method not only helps the dough firm up but also enhances the flavor! When you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the chilled dough, cut into shapes, and bake as instructed. For even more convenience, you can freeze the baked cookies (up to 3 months) and decorate them just before serving, ensuring they’ll taste just as delightful!
Storage Tips for Decorated Christmas Tree Cookies
Room Temperature: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh and ready for holiday munching.
Refrigerator: If you live in a warm climate, keep the cookies in the fridge for better preservation, but note they may dry out slightly. Consume within 5 days for optimal texture.
Freezer: Freeze undecorated cookies in a single layer for up to 3 months. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag—thaw them before decorating!
Reheating: If cookies lose their softness, briefly warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to revive their fresh-baked goodness. Enjoy your decorated Christmas tree cookies any time!
Expert Tips for Decorated Christmas Tree Cookies
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Chill Time Matters: Properly chilling the dough for at least an hour prevents spreading, ensuring your decorated Christmas tree cookies hold their shape beautifully.
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Optimal Rolling: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Thinner cookies will crisp up; too thick, and they won’t bake evenly.
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Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They should be lightly golden at the edges; overbaking can lead to dry cookies!
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Creative Decoration: Use royal icing for intricate designs and get creative! Consider using various colors to make your cookies truly festive.
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Storage Tips: Store your decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy within a week for the best flavor and freshness!
Decorated Christmas Tree Cookies Variations
Unleash your creativity and delight in custom flavors and textures!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for equally festive results. Many blends work splendidly and maintain that delightful chewiness.
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Dairy-Free: Swap out the unsalted butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. This change gives your cookies a gentle coconut flavor while being perfect for dairy-free friends.
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Chocolate Lovers: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist that creates an irresistible contrast with the sweet icing. Chocolate and holidays? A harmonious pairing.
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Nutty infused: Substitute the almond extract with hazelnut or pecan extract for a unique, nutty taste that adds elegance to each bite. A hint of pecan brings additional warmth to your festive cookie table.
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Festive Spices: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warm, spicy kick reminiscent of holiday cheer. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with joy!
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Colorful Options: Use flavored extracts like peppermint or lemon instead of vanilla to create a refreshing take on the classic cookie flavor profile. A hint of citrus can lighten the festive load.
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Texture Twist: Mix in chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even crushed candy canes to add crunch and surprise in every bite, enhancing the festive spirit. These elements bring an unexpected delight and can become a fun conversation starter.
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Heat Things Up: For a little zing, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough. It creates a delicious, subtle heat that perfectly contrasts the sweetness of the icing. This twist is sure to be a standout during holiday gatherings!
Decorated Christmas Tree Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for the cookie dough?
I recommend using unsalted butter for this recipe. It allows you to control the salt levels in your cookies, helping the flavors to shine through. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature; this will make it easier to cream with the sugar and create that lovely light, fluffy texture.
How should I store decorated Christmas tree cookies?
Store your decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For ultimate freshness, ensure the container is completely sealed. If you’re in a warm climate, consider refrigerating them, but be aware that this may dry them out slightly. Aim to consume them within 5 days for the best flavor!
Can I freeze the cookie dough or baked cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze undecorated cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies in the fridge and decorate as you like. If you’d prefer to freeze the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the fridge, then roll and cut as usual.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it’s likely due to the dough not being chilled long enough before baking. Be sure to chill your dough for at least 1 hour; this keeps them from losing shape. Preheating the oven fully before baking is also essential! If you face this issue again, chilling the baked cookies for an additional 15 minutes can help.
Are there any dietary considerations for the ingredients?
Yes! This recipe contains common allergens such as gluten (from flour) and dairy (from butter). For gluten-free options, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Instead of regular butter, you can use a dairy-free substitute like coconut oil or a vegan butter. As always, go through ingredient labels if there are any specific allergies. Enjoy making these beautiful decorated Christmas tree cookies!
Festive Decorated Christmas Tree Cookies to Brighten Your Holiday
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk gently until well mixed, and then set aside.
- In another bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix this in until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use a cookie cutter to make Christmas tree shapes from the rolled dough. Gently transfer them to a lined baking sheet.
- Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.