Christmas Cookie Tree: 7 Steps to Holiday Delight

Name: Christmas Cookie Tree: 7 Steps to Holiday Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup icing sugar; 2 tbsp milk; Colored sprinkles for decoration

By:

Christina R. Jones

December 2, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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There’s something magical about baking a *christmas cookie tree* that instantly fills the kitchen with warmth and joy. The aroma of sweet butter and vanilla mingling in the air just can’t be beaten! I still remember the first time I attempted to make one with my mom. We’d gather around the table, laughter echoing as we cut out tree shapes and decorated them with colorful icing and sprinkles. It felt like creating little edible masterpieces! Not only are these cookies a delight to the taste buds, but they also bring a festive flair to any holiday gathering. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness, and the vibrant decorations make them look like they belong on a holiday postcard. Trust me, you’ll want to make this cookie tree a delicious centerpiece for your next holiday celebration! Let’s dive into the ingredients and get you started on this festive baking adventure!

Ingredients List

To create your stunning *christmas cookie tree*, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup icing sugar
2 tbsp milk
Colored sprinkles for decoration

Make sure your butter is nice and soft for easy mixing, and don’t skimp on those colorful sprinkles—they’re what make these cookies shine! Gather everything, and let’s get ready to bake something magical!

How to Prepare Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Before diving into the mixing, let’s get that oven fired up! Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. If you skip this step, your dough might not rise correctly, and who wants flat trees? Trust me, this little detail makes a world of difference in the final result!

Mix the Ingredients

Now, onto the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes should do it. You want it to look pale and airy, like a cloud of sweetness. Next, crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. This mixture is the heart of your cookies, so take your time and get it just right!

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is key to ensuring your cookies have the right texture. Once they’re well blended, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; you don’t want to overmix, or your cookies might end up tough instead of tender and delicious!

Shape and Bake the Cookies

Time to shape those trees! Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create festive tree shapes—this is where the magic happens! Place the cutouts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to spread. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep an eye on them; you want them firm but not too crispy!

Cool and Decorate

Once they’re baked to perfection, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial if you want your icing to stay put! While they’re cooling, mix the icing sugar with milk until you reach a smooth consistency. Grab your colorful sprinkles, and get ready to unleash your creativity! Once the cookies are cool, decorate them with your icing and sprinkles for a fun, festive look. Your *christmas cookie tree* is now complete and ready to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This *christmas cookie tree* recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite for so many reasons:

Visually Appealing: These cookies look stunning on any holiday table, bringing a smile to everyone’s face!
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up with confidence.
Festive Flavors: The combination of buttery sweetness and vanilla is a holiday treat that everyone will love.
Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for gifting or bringing to holiday parties, spreading joy wherever they go.

Trust me, making this cookie tree will fill your home with holiday cheer and create lasting memories!

Tips for Success

To ensure your *christmas cookie tree* comes out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by:

Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. If you prefer a softer cookie, take them out at 10 minutes. For a crisper texture, let them go a minute or two longer.
Experiment with Icing: Don’t be afraid to mix things up with your icing colors! Different shades can really make your tree pop, and you can even try adding flavors like peppermint or almond extract to the icing for a twist.
Cool Completely: Make sure your cookies are completely cool before decorating. This helps the icing set nicely and prevents it from melting into a sugary puddle!

Follow these tips, and you’ll have a festive cookie tree that’s not only delicious but also a showstopper at any holiday gathering!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your *christmas cookie tree* fresh and delightful, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the cookies. Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked goodness!

Nutritional Information

It’s always good to know what’s in your treats! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect per cookie:

Calories: 120
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g

These festive cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the season, so enjoy them in moderation as you spread holiday cheer!

FAQ Section

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! Making the dough ahead of time is a great way to save some stress during the busy holiday season. Simply prepare the dough as instructed, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough. Just make sure to label it with the date, and it can last in the freezer for about a month. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out and cutting your festive tree shapes!

What if I don’t have colored sprinkles?

No worries at all! If colored sprinkles aren’t on hand, you can get creative with your decorations. Try using crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist, or drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a delicious contrast. Chopped nuts or coconut flakes also make lovely toppings. The goal is to have fun and make your *christmas cookie tree* uniquely yours!

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

If you’re looking to make a gluten-free version of these cookies, it’s super easy! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur’s Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free, too. This way, you can enjoy all the festive flavors without any gluten!

How long do the cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, your *christmas cookie tree* cookies will stay fresh for about a week. If you want them to last even longer, consider freezing them. They’re still delicious after a few weeks in the freezer, letting you savor the holiday spirit anytime you crave a sweet treat!

Can I freeze the cookies?

You can definitely freeze your cookies! To do this, make sure they’re fully cooled, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. For that fresh-baked feel, warm them in the microwave for a few seconds!