Christmas Tree Cookies: 10 Steps to Holiday Joy

By:

Christina R. Jones

December 13, 2025

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Ah, there’s just something magical about the holiday season, isn’t there? The twinkling lights, the cozy evenings, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods filling the house. One of my absolute favorite traditions is making *Christmas tree cookies* with my family. It’s become a delightful way to kick off our festive celebrations! I remember the first year my kids tried decorating these cookies; they were so excited to let their creativity shine with colorful icing and sprinkles. It turned into a fun competition to see who could create the most unique tree! Each year, we pull out the cookie cutters, and laughter fills the kitchen as we reminisce about past holiday memories. These cheerful little cookies not only taste delicious, but they also represent the joy of togetherness. So, let’s dive into this fun holiday treat that’s sure to bring smiles to your face and those of your loved ones!

Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cookies

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these delightful *Christmas tree cookies*! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cookies, giving them structure and a lovely texture.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps your cookies rise and gives them that perfect fluffy bite.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: A little extra lift for those festive shapes!
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
1 1/2 cups white sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that signature crispy edge.
1 egg: A binding agent that gives your cookies a rich texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that warm, sweet aroma that makes baking so delightful.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract: This adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the vanilla.
3 cups powdered sugar: Essential for the icing that makes your cookies sparkle.
3 tablespoons milk: To achieve the right consistency for your icing.
Green food coloring: Because what’s a Christmas tree without its vibrant color?
Decorative sprinkles: These add fun and flair to your beautifully iced cookies!

How to Prepare Christmas Tree Cookies

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to bring some holiday magic to life with these *Christmas tree cookies*! Here’s a step-by-step guide to make sure your cookies turn out absolutely delightful. Don’t worry if it feels a bit overwhelming at first; I’m here to walk you through it!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because you want those cookies to bake evenly and perfectly.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. This will ensure they’re well combined before adding to your wet mixture.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg and extracts: Beat in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should look creamy and delicious!
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually mix in your dry ingredients into the butter mixture. I like to do this in three parts, alternating with the dry mix to keep everything well blended without overworking the dough.
Roll out the dough: Once your dough is mixed, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. A tip here is to use two sheets of parchment paper on either side to prevent sticking – it makes cleanup a breeze!
Cut out your shapes: Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out your tree shapes. Place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie.
Bake: Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes. You want them to be lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary!
Cool completely: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important because icing warm cookies can cause the icing to melt and run.
Prepare the icing: While the cookies cool, mix together 3 cups of powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk, and a few drops of green food coloring to create your festive icing. Adjust the consistency as needed – you want it thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable!
Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, it’s time to let your creativity shine! Decorate with the green icing and sprinkle on some festive decorations. Enjoy the process, and don’t worry about making them perfect; the fun is in the doing!

And there you have it! Your kitchen will soon be filled with the sweet smell of your freshly baked *Christmas tree cookies*, ready to impress at your holiday gatherings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Appeal: These *Christmas tree cookies* are not just delicious; they’re a visual treat that will light up your holiday table!
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a breeze for bakers of all levels.
Fun for Family Activities: Decorating these cookies is an enjoyable family tradition, bringing everyone together for some holiday cheer.
Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in decorative boxes or tins, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will cherish.

Tips for Success with Christmas Tree Cookies

To ensure your *Christmas tree cookies* turn out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, make sure your butter is at room temperature; it helps create that smooth, fluffy texture when creaming with sugar. Don’t rush the rolling process—take your time to roll the dough evenly for consistent cookie shapes. If your dough feels sticky, add a little extra flour to your work surface. For decorating, use a piping bag for more control over your icing. And don’t be shy with the sprinkles; they add the fun holiday flair that makes these cookies pop! Trust me, a little extra love in the details goes a long way!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to cookies, it’s always nice to know what you’re indulging in! Please keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a general guide. Each *Christmas tree cookie* typically contains:

Calories: 120
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg

So, go ahead and treat yourself to a festive cookie or two during the holidays! Enjoy every delicious bite!

FAQ About Christmas Tree Cookies

Got questions about making the perfect *Christmas tree cookies*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that come up when baking these festive treats:

Can I use different flavors for the icing? Absolutely! While green is classic for Christmas trees, feel free to experiment with other colors and flavors. Try adding a bit of peppermint extract for a holiday twist!
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much? Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps maintain their shape while baking!
Can I freeze these cookies? Yes! After decorating, let the cookies cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and ready to impress whenever you need a festive treat!
What’s the best way to store them? Keep your *Christmas tree cookies* in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for several days, making them perfect for holiday snacking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your *Christmas tree cookies* fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightful for up to a week, perfect for holiday snacking! If you want to enjoy them a little longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just make sure they’re completely cooled and then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat these festive treats; they’re just as delicious cold, or you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat!

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Tree Cookies

When it comes to serving your delightful *Christmas tree cookies*, the possibilities are endless! For a festive display, arrange them on a beautiful holiday platter alongside a cozy mug of hot cocoa or spiced cider. You can even stack them in a clear glass jar tied with a ribbon for an eye-catching centerpiece. These cookies also make a charming addition to cookie trays for holiday parties, paired with other treats like peppermint bark or gingerbread cookies. And don’t forget to set out some colorful icing and sprinkles for guests to decorate their own cookies—it’s a fun activity that brings everyone together!