CHRISTMAS TREE COOKIES

These classic sugar cookies are shaped like cheerful trees and offer a blank canvas for your creativity. Whether you love simple frosting or want to go all-out with sprinkles and stars, these cookies bring joy and a touch of sparkle.

Perfect for cookie exchanges or family decorating parties, they’re soft yet sturdy enough to hold their shape when baked. With minimal ingredients and festive charm, you’ll find yourself making these year after year.

They also make great homemade gifts. Wrap them up in cellophane, tie them with a ribbon, and you’ve got a delicious and personal treat for friends and neighbors. The dough is easy to handle and ideal for rolling and cutting.

These cookies don’t just taste amazing—they add to the magical feeling of the holidays. Get the kids involved, turn on your favorite carols, and enjoy making sweet memories along the way.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

• Festive and Fun: These cookies add holiday cheer with every tree-shaped bite and are fun for kids and adults to decorate.

• Sturdy Yet Soft: They hold their shape perfectly but still have a tender, buttery texture that melts in your mouth.

• Easy to Decorate: The surface is perfect for royal icing, sprinkles, or even simple powdered sugar dusting.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough and baked cookies can both be made in advance, saving time during the busy season.

• Gift-Worthy Treats: Packaged in a box or bag, these cookies make beautiful homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or coworkers.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• Icing, sprinkles, or sanding sugar for decorating

DIRECTIONS:

• Step No.1: Mix the dry ingredients
  In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

• Step No.2: Cream the butter and sugar
  In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

• Step No.3: Add the egg and extracts
  Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully combined.

• Step No.4: Combine wet and dry
  Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together.

• Step No.5: Chill the dough
  Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

• Step No.6: Cut the cookies
  Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Use tree-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies.

• Step No.7: Bake the cookies
  Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. Let cool completely.

• Step No.8: Decorate
  Use icing and sprinkles to decorate your cooled cookies like festive Christmas trees. Let them dry before stacking or packaging.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

• Chill the Dough: Chilling ensures cookies keep their shape and are easier to roll and cut cleanly.

• Use Cold Baking Sheets: Rotate and cool sheets between batches to prevent cookies from spreading too much.

• Even Thickness: Roll dough evenly to ensure uniform baking and avoid burnt edges or undercooked centers.

• Don’t Overbake: Bake until edges are just set to keep cookies soft and tender—not brown.

• Let Cookies Cool: Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating for best icing results.

• Practice Icing First: If using royal icing, try a few test cookies before decorating the whole batch.

• Store Separately: Keep decorated cookies in a single layer until icing is fully set to avoid smudging.

VARIATIONS:

• Chocolate Tree Cookies: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the flour for a chocolate version of the classic sugar cookie.

• Lemon-Flavored Dough: Swap almond extract for lemon extract and add 1 teaspoon lemon zest for a bright citrus twist.

• Coloured Dough: Tint the dough green before baking for cookies that look like trees even before decoration.

• Add Spices: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday spice flavor.

• Use Edible Glitter: For extra sparkle, decorate with edible glitter or gold leaf for elegant cookie gifts.

• Mini Trees: Use smaller cutters to make bite-sized cookies for holiday snack platters.

• Dipped Trees: Dip half the cookie in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint for a gourmet finish.

SERVING AND STORAGE

Serving:

Serve these cookies on a holiday platter or wrap them individually as edible party favors for guests to take home.

Storage:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze undecorated cookies for 3 months.

FAQ

Christmas Tree Cookies bring so much fun and tradition to the holiday season.

Their crisp edges and buttery flavor make them a favorite for all ages.

They’re not only delicious but a festive experience to make and decorate.

This recipe makes enough for sharing, gifting, and snacking, which is perfect for the holidays.

From the first roll of dough to the final sprinkle of glitter, every step invites warmth and creativity.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying sugar cookies for the first time, this recipe is simple, reliable, and full of festive cheer.

So grab your cookie cutters and get ready to make sweet holiday memories!