Ah, Christmas! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the smell of fresh cookies, and the spirit of joy and togetherness wraps around us like a warm blanket. One of my absolute favorite traditions during the holidays is gathering with family and friends to decorate cookies. And let me tell you, nothing brings more festive cheer than a batch of *christmas tree cookies decorated*! These delightful little treats not only taste amazing but also offer endless opportunities for creativity. Picture this: bright green icing, sparkling sprinkles, and maybe even a dusting of edible glitter to make them shine! Seriously, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear as you whip up a batch and transform them into your very own winter wonderland. Trust me, these cookies are bound to become a beloved part of your holiday festivities!
Ingredients List
You’ll want to gather these simple yet essential ingredients to make your *christmas tree cookies decorated* truly spectacular:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – the base for your delicious cookie dough
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – for that perfect rise
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – to make your cookies light and fluffy
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – it should be nice and creamy, so it blends easily
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar – sweetens the deal and gives that lovely crisp
- 1 egg – binds everything together beautifully
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – because who doesn’t love that warm, sweet flavor?
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – adds a hint of nutty goodness
- 3 cups powdered sugar – for the most delightful icing you can drizzle
- 2 tablespoons milk – helps achieve the perfect icing consistency
- Green food coloring – to bring those tree shapes to life!
- Decorative sprinkles – for that festive flair and sparkle on top
With these ingredients in hand, you’re well on your way to creating a batch of cookies that not only taste wonderful but look absolutely enchanting too!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part! Making these *christmas tree cookies decorated* is a breeze when you follow these steps:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden!
- While that’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and white sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy. This is where the magic starts!
- Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until everything is combined and luscious.
- Now, gradually add the dry ingredients from the first bowl into the butter mixture. I like to do this in batches, mixing until just combined. Don’t overdo it; we want a nice, soft dough!
- Once your dough is ready, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Then, use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your festive shapes.
- Place your cookie cutouts on ungreased baking sheets, leaving a little space between them.
- Pop them in the oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the edges should just start to turn golden!
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on wire racks. This is the perfect time to whip up your icing!
And there you have it! With these steps, you’ll be one step closer to creating those delightful, decorated Christmas tree cookies that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I even begin? Making these *christmas tree cookies decorated* is an absolute joy, and here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time. Perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- Easy Decorating: The fun part is decorating! Whether you’re a novice or a pro, icing and sprinkles make it easy to create beautiful designs.
- Fun for Kids: Gather the little ones around! Decorating these cookies is a fantastic activity that brings everyone together and sparks creativity.
- Delicious Flavor: Trust me, these cookies taste as good as they look! The buttery, sweet flavor paired with that delightful icing is simply irresistible.
- Customizable: You can personalize them with different colors and sprinkles! Get creative and make each cookie a unique masterpiece.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack them up in a cute box and surprise friends and family with homemade holiday treats. Who wouldn’t love that?
These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a way to make memories. So, roll up your sleeves and let the festive fun begin!
Tips for Success
Want to take your *christmas tree cookies decorated* to the next level? I’ve got some great tips that’ll help you achieve cookie perfection!
- Chill the Dough: Before rolling out your dough, consider chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking and makes them easier to handle!
- Use Quality Ingredients: Trust me, using high-quality butter and fresh extracts makes a noticeable difference in flavor. It’s worth it for those delicious cookies!
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake! They should be just lightly golden around the edges. If you overbake, they can become dry. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool!
- Experiment with Icing: For decorating, try using different piping tips for varied icing effects. You can create beautiful swirls, borders, or even little ornaments on your trees!
- Add Texture: Consider adding edible glitter or crushed candy canes to your icing for extra sparkle and crunch. It’s a fun way to jazz up your decorated cookies!
- Get Creative with Sprinkles: Mix up your sprinkles! Use a combination of colors and shapes to make your cookies even more festive. Think stars, snowflakes, or even mini chocolate chips!
With these tips in your baking arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning and delicious *christmas tree cookies decorated* that everyone will rave about!
Variations
If you want to mix things up and make your *christmas tree cookies decorated* even more festive, here are some fun variations to consider:
- Colorful Icing: Instead of just green, why not use a rainbow of colors for icing? You can create pink, blue, or even multicolored trees! Just divide your icing and add different food colorings to each batch.
- Flavored Icing: Jazz up your icing by adding extracts like peppermint or orange for a zesty twist. It’ll add a delightful surprise to every bite!
- Chocolate Trees: For chocolate lovers, substitute a cup of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder to create a chocolate cookie base. Then decorate with mint green icing for a festive touch!
- Sprinkle Variety: Get creative with your sprinkles! Instead of the usual festive ones, try using crushed candy canes for a refreshing crunch or even edible glitter for a magical sparkle.
- Different Shapes: While tree shapes are adorable, you can also cut out stars, snowflakes, or even gingerbread men! Each shape can have its own unique decoration style.
- Stuffed Cookies: For an exciting twist, consider stuffing some of your cookie cutouts with a layer of chocolate chips or a dollop of your favorite jam before baking. It adds a delicious surprise inside!
These variations let you express your creativity while keeping the holiday spirit alive! So go ahead, have fun experimenting, and make these cookies uniquely yours!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve whipped up a batch of your delightful *christmas tree cookies decorated*, you’ll want to keep them fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Here’s how to store them properly:
- Airtight Container: Make sure to store your cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and prevents them from drying out. I like to layer parchment paper between the cookies to minimize sticking and preserve their designs!
- Room Temperature: Your cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for about a week. Just keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: If you want to keep them for even longer, you can freeze your cookies! Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to three months this way.
- Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm, you can gently reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, as they can become tough. Alternatively, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked goodness!
With these storage tips, you can enjoy your scrumptious *christmas tree cookies decorated* over and over again throughout the holiday season!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying your delicious *christmas tree cookies decorated*, it’s always nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s the estimated nutritional information for each cookie, based on the ingredients used:
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use or if you make any modifications to the recipe. But hey, a little indulgence during the holidays is totally worth it, right? Enjoy every festive bite of your cookies!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect *christmas tree cookies decorated*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries and my answers to help you out:
How do I achieve the best icing consistency?
For a smooth and pourable icing, you’ll want it to be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to drizzle easily. Start with your powdered sugar and add milk gradually, mixing until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, add a drop more milk. It’s all about finding that sweet spot!
Can I store the decorated cookies?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re in an airtight container. I usually let the icing set for a bit before stacking them, to avoid smudging those beautiful decorations. Stored this way, they’ll stay fresh for about a week at room temperature.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, yes, yes! You can make your dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before rolling it out. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. If you’re looking to make it even more in advance, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge the night before you plan to bake!
How can I fix runny icing?
If your icing ends up too runny, don’t fret! Just add a bit more powdered sugar until it thickens up. You can also try refrigerating it for a few minutes to help it firm up a bit. The key is to keep adjusting until you get that perfect drizzle!
What if I don’t have cookie cutters?
No cookie cutters? No problem! You can use a sharp knife to cut out shapes freehand or even use other round or fun shapes you might have in your kitchen, like glasses or jars. Get creative with whatever you have on hand!
Can I use store-bought icing?
Of course! If you’re short on time or just want to make things easier, store-bought icing works perfectly. Just make sure to choose a flavor that complements your cookies. It’ll save you time and still look great!
I hope these answers help you on your festive baking journey! Enjoy every moment of creating your *christmas tree cookies decorated* and have fun making memories!
Print
Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated: 7 Ways to Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas tree cookies are perfect for the holiday season. They are fun to decorate and delicious to eat.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Green food coloring
- Decorative sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll out dough and cut into tree shapes.
- Place cookies on baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Cool cookies on wire racks.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and food coloring for icing.
- Decorate cookies with icing and sprinkles.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different colors for icing to make them festive.
- Try adding edible glitter for extra sparkle.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas tree cookies, decorated cookies, holiday baking










