These delightful Christmas Tree Cookies are sure to bring a burst of festive cheer to your holiday celebrations. Soft, buttery, and decorated with vibrant colors, they’re a joy to make and even more fun to eat. Whether you’re baking with family or crafting up treats for a festive gathering, these cookies are bound to spread holiday magic. Decorating these cookies is the best part! With mini M&Ms, sprinkles, and a dusting of powdered sugar, you can get creative and design your own beautiful Christmas trees. Not only do they taste delicious with their hint of vanilla and almond, but they also make a wonderful edible centerpiece for any holiday table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- Green food coloring
- Mini M&Ms, sprinkles, or sugar pearls for decoration
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft but not sticky. Add green food coloring until the desired shade of green is achieved.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Decorate with mini M&Ms, sprinkles, or sugar pearls as ornaments on the trees.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar to give a snowy effect.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal per cookie | Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
A Timeless Holiday Tradition
The holiday season is a time for creating cherished memories, and few things are as beloved as the tradition of baking Christmas cookies. Among the many varieties, Christmas Tree Cookies hold a special place. These delightful, evergreen-shaped treats are more than just a sweet bite; they embody the joy and festivity of the season. From their festive appearance to their rich, buttery flavor, Christmas Tree Cookies capture the magic of the holidays in a way that is both nostalgic and modern.
The tradition of baking cookies for Christmas is rooted in centuries-old customs. In medieval Europe, people began using ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, and dried fruits to make sweet treats for special occasions, especially during the holiday season. As the years went on, cookie-making became an important part of celebrating Christmas. Families would bake large batches to share with neighbors, friends, and even leave out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Christmas Tree Cookies, in particular, symbolize not just the season, but also the unity and warmth of family gatherings.
A Canvas for Creativity
One of the things that make Christmas Tree Cookies so appealing is their versatility. While the classic recipe features a simple sugar cookie dough, there are endless possibilities for customization. The dough can be flavored with vanilla, almond extract, or even spices like nutmeg and cinnamon for a festive twist. The use of green food coloring adds to their appeal, creating a vibrant and cheerful representation of Christmas trees. For those looking to experiment further, using natural dyes like matcha powder or spirulina can create a unique color palette while keeping the recipe all-natural.
The decorating process is where creativity really shines. Mini M&Ms, colored sugar, sprinkles, and sugar pearls can all be used to create unique, personalized designs that resemble beautifully adorned Christmas trees. Some may choose to pipe royal icing onto the cookies, mimicking strands of lights or tinsel, while others may opt for a simpler approach by dusting the tops with powdered sugar to mimic freshly fallen snow. The cookies can be as elaborate or as simple as you like, making them a fun and adaptable activity for all ages.
Tips for the Perfect Christmas Tree Cookies
To ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Chill the Dough: After mixing the dough, chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes is essential. This step prevents the dough from spreading too much while baking, helping to maintain the crisp tree shape. It also makes the dough easier to handle when rolling it out.
- Even Thickness: When rolling out the dough, aim for a uniform thickness. About ¼ inch is typically ideal for these cookies, ensuring they bake evenly without becoming too crisp or remaining underdone in the center.
- Non-Stick Surface: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to roll out the dough and to bake the cookies. This prevents sticking and ensures the cookies can be easily transferred to the baking sheet and later to a wire rack for cooling.
- Decoration Time: For a more vibrant and shiny finish, consider decorating the cookies before baking. This works well for sprinkles, sugar, and edible beads. If you prefer to add royal icing, wait until the cookies have completely cooled to avoid any melting or smearing.
- Storing and Sharing: Once baked and decorated, store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Christmas Tree Cookies make wonderful gifts, so consider wrapping them in clear cellophane bags with a festive ribbon, or layering them in a decorative tin for a homemade holiday gift that’s sure to delight.
Celebrating with Tradition
Christmas Tree Cookies are more than just a sweet treat – they’re a family tradition, a communal activity, and a piece of the holiday spirit that’s shared from one generation to the next. The process of making these cookies, from mixing the dough to decorating the finished product, is an activity that brings people together. Families gather around the kitchen counter, children take on the role of decorators, and everyone takes part in the joy of creating these festive little trees.
For many, baking these cookies marks the official start of the Christmas season. The smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the home, combined with the vibrant colors and festive decorations, sets the scene for a cozy and joyful holiday experience. The act of making Christmas Tree Cookies is also a wonderful way to teach children the value of tradition and the joy of giving, as they can be shared with friends, family, and neighbors.
Variations for Different Dietary Needs
One of the best things about Christmas Tree Cookies is that they can be adapted to suit different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or fun. For gluten-free versions, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Those looking for dairy-free options can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, and there are many egg substitutes available for those who are vegan. Adding different flavors such as citrus zest, peppermint extract, or even coconut flakes can also provide a refreshing take on this classic cookie.
A Family Activity That Spans Generations
The beauty of making Christmas Tree Cookies lies in their simplicity and the joy they bring to everyone involved. This recipe is easy enough for young bakers to participate, making it a wonderful way to spend quality time together. Parents and grandparents often share their family’s “secret” recipes, passing down cherished techniques and memories. As the tradition continues, new memories are made, and the ritual of baking Christmas Tree Cookies becomes an integral part of the holiday celebration.
Children especially love to play a part in the decorating process. Allowing them to choose the colors, sprinkles, and toppings for their cookies adds a sense of ownership and pride in their creations. Not to mention, the sheer delight on their faces when they see their beautifully decorated cookies come out of the oven is priceless.
The Perfect Edible Gift
In a world full of material gifts, there’s something uniquely special about gifting something homemade. Christmas Tree Cookies make for a thoughtful and personalized present, wrapped beautifully in festive packaging. They can be shared with loved ones, taken to holiday parties, or even left out for Santa on Christmas Eve. These cookies are not only a delight to receive but are also a gesture of love and warmth.
Conclusion:
Christmas Tree Cookies are more than just another holiday dessert; they are a symbol of joy, love, and togetherness. Their festive appearance and sweet flavor make them a favorite for all ages, and the process of making them is a wonderful way to celebrate the spirit of the season. Whether you’re baking them as a family tradition, crafting them for a holiday gift, or simply indulging in some festive fun, Christmas Tree Cookies are sure to add a touch of magic to your holiday season. With each bite, you’ll be reminded of the simple joys of Christmas, the warmth of family, and the sweet memories that make the holidays special.
