Delicious & Simple Christmas Tree Cookie Recipe
To make Christmas tree cookies, you’ll need 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 large room-temperature egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then incorporate the egg and vanilla. Separately whisk flour with baking powder and salt, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients. Chill dough for 1 hour before rolling. Cut into tree shapes and bake until edges are lightly golden, rotating sheets halfway through. Once cooled, decorate with royal icing tinted green and brown. Multiple variations and decorating techniques can transform these classic holiday cookies.
Overview
- Mix softened butter with sugar until fluffy, then add egg and vanilla before incorporating flour mixture to make cookie dough.
- Chill dough for 1 hour before rolling to ensure clean cuts and maintain tree shapes during baking.
- Use royal icing with green gel food coloring to decorate the tree shapes, adding optional sprinkles for ornament effects.
- Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking time to ensure even browning and consistent results.
- Consider chocolate-dipped variations or adding white sprinkles as “snow” for festive decoration options.
Ingredients and Kitchen Equipment
Base Cookie Ingredients
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Lemon zest (optional)
For Decorating
- Royal icing (recipe below)
- Gel food coloring (green, brown, accent colors)
- Sprinkles, edible glitter, dragées (optional)
Royal Icing
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5-6 tablespoons warm water
- ½ teaspoon clear vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
- Beat in egg, extracts, and zest until combined.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until dough forms.
- Divide dough, wrap, and chill for 2 hours minimum.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on floured surface.
- Cut tree shapes and place on parchment-lined sheets.
- Bake 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway through.
- Cool completely before decorating.
Professional Tips
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements
- Chill between batches
- Freeze cut-outs for 10 minutes pre-baking
- Add corn syrup to royal icing for shine
- Use a scribe tool for air bubbles
- Create marbled effects with multiple colors
Storage Guide
| Storage Method | Duration | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Airtight Container | 2 weeks | Room temp |
| Freezer (undecorated) | 3 months | Below 0°F |
| Refrigerated dough | 3 days | 40°F |
Nutritional Information
(per 2 cookies)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Total Fat | 4.5g |
| Carbs | 16g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Sugar | 9g |
Variations
- Chocolate-dipped with white nonpareils
- Spiced version with cinnamon and nutmeg
- Citrus-flavored with orange extract
- Sandwich style with filling
- Mini trees for bite-sized treats
FAQ
Can I freeze decorated cookies?
Yes, freeze uncovered until icing hardens, then wrap carefully. Keeps for 1 month.
Why did my cookies spread?
Usually due to warm dough or butter. Always chill properly and use cool baking sheets.
How far ahead can I make these?
Dough: 3 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen
Baked cookies: 2 weeks in airtight container
Best transport method?
Layer between wax paper in sturdy containers. Stack similar sizes together.
Can I use natural food coloring?
Yes, but you’ll need more for vibrant colors. Adjust liquid content accordingly.
Before You Go
You’ll need room temperature butter, sugar, flour, eggs, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and green food coloring. Essential equipment includes a stand mixer or hand mixer, rolling pin, tree-shaped cookie cutter, baking sheets, parchment paper, cooling racks, and decorating tools. Prepare your workspace with all ingredients measured precisely and equipment readily accessible. Maintain a clean, organized setup for best results.
