There’s something truly magical about baking Christmas tree cookies decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles! The whole house fills with that sweet, buttery aroma, instantly putting you and your loved ones in the holiday spirit. I love gathering my family around the kitchen table, rolling out dough, and cutting out those delightful tree shapes together. It’s such a fun tradition! Plus, the best part? Watching everyone unleash their creativity while decorating each cookie with their favorite colors and toppings. Trust me, these cookies won’t just be a treat for your taste buds; they’ll also create cherished memories that last a lifetime!
Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – This will give your cookies that perfect structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Essential for that lovely rise!
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Helps to make them nice and fluffy.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – I always use unsalted for better control over flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar – For that sweet, delicious taste we all love!
- 1 egg – It brings everything together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for that lovely, warm vanilla flavor.
- 3 teaspoons almond extract – This adds a delightful twist that pairs perfectly with the vanilla.
- 3 cups powdered sugar – For the icing, of course! It makes the cookies look festive.
- 1/4 cup milk – Just the right amount to achieve the perfect icing consistency.
- Food coloring – Get creative! Use your favorite colors to make these cookies pop.
- Sprinkles – Because what’s a decorated cookie without a little fun and sparkle?
How to Prepare Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated
Preheat the Oven and Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C)! This is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly. While the oven is warming up, grab a bowl and mix together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This step is crucial for getting those cookies to rise just right!
Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, in another bowl, it’s time to cream together the softened butter and sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this part, as it makes everything silky smooth. You’ll want to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, this step is key for a soft and delightful cookie texture!
Combine Ingredients and Shape Cookies
Once your butter and sugar are fluffy, it’s time to add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until everything is combined. Now, gradually blend in your dry ingredients from the first bowl until just combined; don’t over mix! Next, roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Then, using a tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut out your cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking the Cookies
Pop those delightful tree shapes into the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to be lightly golden, but the centers should still look soft. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Make sure they’re completely cool before you dive into the decorating part—it’ll be worth the wait!
Decorating Your Christmas Tree Cookies
Now comes the fun part—decorating your Christmas tree cookies! Start by making the icing. In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar and milk, mixing until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; if it’s too runny, just add a little more powdered sugar. Once your icing is ready, divide it into a few smaller bowls and add food coloring to create a rainbow of vibrant hues. How fun is that?!
Now grab your cooled cookies and a piping bag (or just a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off) to pipe the icing onto your trees. I love to outline the edges first and then fill in the center. Don’t forget to sprinkle on your favorite toppings while the icing is still wet—this is where you can really let your creativity shine! Whether it’s colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or tiny candies, each cookie will turn into a festive masterpiece!
Tips for Success with Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated
Now, let’s make sure your Christmas tree cookies turn out just as delightful as you envision! First, be careful not to overmix your dough after adding the dry ingredients—this can lead to tough cookies. Also, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, as this helps achieve that perfect creamy texture when creaming with sugar. When rolling out your dough, keep it evenly thick for consistent baking. And don’t rush the cooling process; letting them cool completely before decorating is essential for the icing to set properly. Trust me, a little patience goes a long way in cookie perfection!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated
Each of these delightful Christmas tree cookies decorated packs a tasty punch while still being a treat you can enjoy guilt-free! Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose to use. But no matter the numbers, the joy of decorating and sharing these cookies with family and friends is truly priceless!
FAQs About Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated
Can I use different extracts for flavor?
Absolutely! While vanilla and almond extracts are my favorites, feel free to experiment with other flavors like peppermint or lemon for a fun twist on these Christmas tree cookies decorated.
How do I store the decorated cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough before cutting it into shapes. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling it out.
What if my icing is too thick?
If your icing ends up being too thick, just add a tiny bit of milk until you reach that perfect spreadable consistency. It’s all about finding that sweet spot!
Are these cookies suitable for gift giving?
Definitely! These Christmas tree cookies decorated make for delightful gifts. Just package them up in festive boxes or tins, and they’ll surely bring smiles to anyone who receives them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a fun and festive activity to do with family and friends, creating lasting holiday memories.
- Simple ingredients mean you probably have everything you need right in your pantry!
- These Christmas tree cookies decorated are easy to customize, allowing for creative expression with different colors and toppings.
- They make your home smell amazing—nothing beats that buttery, sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen.
- Perfect for sharing at holiday parties, gifting, or just enjoying as a delicious treat during cozy nights in.
- They’re not just cookies; they’re edible works of art that can brighten anyone’s holiday spirit!
Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated for Magical Holiday Moments
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious Christmas tree cookies decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles.
Ingrédients
- 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
- 3 teaspoons almond extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- Food coloring
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll out the dough and cut it into tree shapes.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Cool completely before decorating.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to make icing.
- Add food coloring to the icing.
- Decorate cookies with icing and sprinkles.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different colors for a variety of designs.
- Make the dough a day ahead for convenience.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 6g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 22g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: Christmas tree cookies, decorated cookies, holiday cookies
