Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies to Spark Joy This Holiday

Name: Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies to Spark Joy This Holiday
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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 to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; Food coloring (optional)

November 23, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, there’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh-baked Christmas tree sugar cookies wafting through the house during the holiday season! Every year, I look forward to this sweet tradition that brings my family together. We gather in the kitchen, rolling out dough, cutting it into adorable little tree shapes, and decorating them with all the colorful icing and sprinkles we can find. It’s a messy, joyous affair that always ends in laughter and a mountain of delicious cookies! Trust me, once you whip up a batch of these festive treats, you’ll want to make it a yearly ritual too. Let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure together!

Ingredients for Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Alright, here’s what you’ll need to create these festive delights! Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making your cookies taste amazing and look adorable. Make sure you gather everything before starting, so you’re ready to roll (literally!).

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – This is the foundation of your cookies, giving them that perfect texture!
1 teaspoon baking soda – This will help your cookies rise just the right amount.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder – A little extra leavening for that soft, chewy bite!
1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Trust me, using unsalted butter lets you control the sweetness and flavor. Plus, it makes the dough super creamy!
1 1/2 cups white sugar – This adds the sweetness that makes these cookies so delightful!
1 egg – This binds everything together and helps create that lovely texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Ah, the classic flavor that makes everything better!
1/2 teaspoon almond extract – A splash of this gives the cookies a lovely, subtle flavor twist.
3 to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar – This is for the icing! It’s what makes your cookies look festive and sweet.
1 tablespoon milk – Just a little to help your icing come together smoothly.
Food coloring (optional) – If you want to add some color to your icing (and who wouldn’t?), grab your favorite shades!

How to Prepare Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Alright, let’s get those ovens warmed up and those cookie shapes ready! Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a festive batch of delicious Christmas tree sugar cookies that everyone will love. Just take your time and enjoy the process!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, when your cookie dough is ready, the oven will be perfectly hot and waiting to bake those adorable cookies!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Whisk them together until it’s thoroughly mixed. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and powder, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Now, grab another bowl and cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. You want it to be light and airy, which helps create that lovely texture in your cookies!

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, add 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to your creamed mixture. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. The aroma is going to be so good—you’ll feel the holiday spirit kicking in!

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches, mixing well after each addition until everything is combined. Don’t worry if the dough seems a bit crumbly at first; keep mixing, and it will come together beautifully!

Step 6: Roll and Cut Dough

Now it’s time to roll out the dough! On a floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite tree-shaped cookie cutters to cut out those festive shapes. I usually like to sprinkle a little flour on the cookie cutters to prevent sticking. It makes things much easier!

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Place your cookie shapes on ungreased baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Keep an eye on them—every oven is a little different, and you don’t want to overbake!

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time is crucial because it allows the cookies to firm up a bit, making them easier to decorate. Once cooled, it’s time to let your creativity shine with icing and sprinkles!

Tips for Success with Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Alright, let me share some of my best tips to ensure your Christmas tree sugar cookies turn out absolutely perfect! These little nuggets of wisdom will help you navigate dough handling and decoration like a pro!

Chill the Dough: If you find the dough a bit sticky or hard to handle, don’t hesitate to pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to roll out and cut, plus it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking!
Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper! This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, your cookies will bake evenly.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on those cookies! They might look a little soft when you take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are golden for the best texture.
Get Creative with Icing: When decorating, feel free to experiment with different colors and designs! Using royal icing will give you a nice, hard finish, making the decorations last longer. Get your sprinkles ready for some fun!
Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. If you’re stacking them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

These little tips are game-changers! Trust me, they’ll help you whip up a batch of cookies that not only look festive but taste absolutely delightful. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information for Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Now, I know you’re probably wondering about the nutritional values of these festive treats. It’s always good to be aware, especially when you’re baking up a storm! Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional information for one of these delightful Christmas tree sugar cookies:

Calories: 120
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugar: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g

Keep in mind that these numbers can vary a bit based on how you decorate them and the specific ingredients you use. But hey, it’s the holidays! A little indulgence is totally worth it when it comes to these scrumptious cookies! Enjoy every bite!

FAQ about Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Can I use different shapes for the cookies?

Absolutely! While I love the classic Christmas tree shape, feel free to let your creativity shine. You can use any cookie cutter shapes you like—stars, snowflakes, or even gingerbread men! Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly if your shapes are larger or smaller than the trees. It’s all about having fun and making it your own!

How can I store the cookies?

To keep your delicious Christmas tree sugar cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about a week. If you plan on stacking them, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can also freeze them! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature!

What type of icing is best for decorating?

When it comes to decorating, I swear by royal icing! It’s perfect for creating intricate designs and holds its shape beautifully once dried. Plus, it dries hard, which makes your decorated cookies easy to stack and transport without ruining the designs. If you want to get fancy, consider adding food coloring to create vibrant hues that pop against the cookie’s base. It’s a fun way to bring your festive vision to life!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be whipping up these cookies in no time!
Festive Fun: The adorable tree shapes and colorful decorations bring the holiday spirit right into your kitchen!
Great for Gatherings: Perfect for sharing at holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just for family and friends!
Customizable: You can get creative with your icing and decorations—make each cookie uniquely yours!
Deliciously Sweet: These cookies are a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee.
Tradition in the Making: Baking these cookies can become a cherished holiday tradition for you and your loved ones!

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Now that you’ve baked up a delightful batch of Christmas tree sugar cookies, let’s talk about how to serve them! The right pairings can elevate your festive treats and make them even more enjoyable. Here are some of my favorite suggestions:

Hot Cocoa: There’s nothing like a warm cup of rich hot cocoa to dip your cookies into! The creamy chocolate pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cookies.
Eggnog: For a classic holiday drink, serve your cookies alongside a glass of eggnog. The spices in the eggnog complement the buttery cookies beautifully!
Milk: A timeless pairing! A cold glass of milk is always a hit, especially for kids and the young at heart.
Tea: Consider serving your cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai or peppermint tea for a cozy touch. The flavors blend wonderfully!
Fruit Salad: Add a refreshing twist by pairing your cookies with a light fruit salad. The tartness of the fruit balances the sweetness of the cookies.

These serving suggestions will not only enhance the cookie experience but also add a touch of warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings. So gather your loved ones, pour those drinks, and enjoy every festive bite together!

Call to Action

I hope you’ve enjoyed making these delightful Christmas tree sugar cookies as much as I do! Now it’s your turn to share the joy! If you tried this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts—did you put your own spin on the decorations? What flavors did you use? Leave a comment below and let me know how your baking adventure went!

Also, if you’re feeling social, snap a picture of your gorgeous cookies and share it on social media! Tag me so I can see your festive creations and spread the holiday cheer. And don’t forget to rate the recipe—it really helps me bring more delicious treats to you! Happy baking, friends!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.