Imagine biting into a soft, sugary cookie that melts in your mouth, adorned with bright green icing and sparkling sprinkles. These Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are not just a treat; they are a delightful celebration of the holiday spirit that fills your home with warmth and joy. Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies The aroma wafting from the oven is like a warm hug on a chilly winter day, promising to bring smiles to the faces of all who gather around.
As I roll out the dough and cut it into festive shapes, memories flood back of decorating cookies with my family while holiday music plays in the background. Each cookie is a canvas for creativity, inviting you to unleash your inner artist in the most delicious way possible. Festive Cranberry Christmas Cake Elf Bait Snack Mix Whether at Christmas parties or cozy family gatherings, these cookies are the perfect centerpiece for spreading holiday cheer.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are easy to make and perfect for all skill levels
- With their vibrant colors and fun decorations, they’ll impress your guests
- Enjoy the sweet buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with a warm drink during the holidays
- They’re versatile enough to customize for any occasion or theme beyond just Christmas
Baking these cookies has always elicited happy squeals from my kids as they rush to decorate their creations.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Use fresh flour for better texture; it’s the backbone of your cookie dough.
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Granulated Sugar: Choose fine sugar for sweetness that blends seamlessly into the dough.
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Butter: Softened unsalted butter creates a rich flavor; feel free to use room temperature sticks.
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Eggs: One large egg is essential for binding ingredients and improving texture.
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Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise nicely without being overly fluffy.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth; don’t skimp on this flavorful ingredient.
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Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for vibrant icing; it won’t dilute your frosting’s consistency.
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Sprinkles: Festive sprinkles add color and fun; choose holiday-themed shapes for extra flair.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Dough: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you gather your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light.
Add Wet Ingredients: Crack one egg into the mix along with vanilla extract. Beat everything together until well combined, creating a smooth mixture that smells heavenly.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in all-purpose flour and baking powder while mixing gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep those cookies tender.
Chill the Dough: Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This step prevents spreading while baking and enhances flavor as it rests.
Shape Your Cookies: Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut out tree shapes using cookie cutters; feel free to get creative with different sizes!
Bake & Decorate!: Place cutouts onto lined baking sheets, leaving space between them. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft—let cool completely before icing them.
Enjoy these Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies fresh out of the oven or decorated later! Cherry Linzer Heart Cookies.
You Must Know
- These Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are not just festive; they are incredibly versatile
- You can decorate them with any toppings, from sprinkles to icing
- The aroma of vanilla and butter will fill your kitchen, making it feel like a warm holiday hug
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your dough evenly before cutting into tree shapes for uniform baking.
Add Your Touch
Try adding almond extract for a unique flavor twist, or use colored sugar for extra holiday cheer on your cookies.
Storing & Reheating
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Reheat briefly in the oven to maintain freshness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly shaped cookies, chill the dough before rolling it out; this prevents spreading
- Use fresh ingredients for better flavor and texture
- Don’t skip the cooling step post-baking; it ensures the perfect crunch!
Finding the right balance of sweetness in these cookies was a game-changer during our holiday bake-off last year; they became an instant family favorite!
FAQ
Can I freeze Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies?
For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving Cranberry Turkey Stuffing recipe.
Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months.
What kind of icing works best?
Royal icing holds its shape well and adds a beautiful finish.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your dough is chilled before baking to keep the shapes intact.
Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies. Soft, buttery, and adorned with vibrant icing and sprinkles, they are perfect for family gatherings or holiday parties. The aroma of vanilla and butter wafting from your kitchen will bring warmth and joy to your home, making these cookies a sweet centerpiece for celebrating the season.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (for icing)
- Holiday-themed sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually sift in flour and baking powder, mixing gently until just combined.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness; cut into tree shapes.
- Place cutouts on lined baking sheets, leaving space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating with icing and sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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