Oh, the joy of baking during the holidays! There’s something magical about filling your kitchen with the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies. Every year, I look forward to making these delightful *Christmas tree cookies decorated* with my family. It’s become a cherished tradition that brings us all together, laughing and creating our little masterpieces. My kids love rolling out the dough and cutting the tree shapes, and I can’t help but smile watching their creativity shine through as they pile on the colorful icing and sprinkles. Trust me, these cookies not only taste amazing, but they also add a sprinkle of joy to our holiday gatherings!
Ingredients List
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 teaspoons almond extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- Food coloring (your choice of colors for decorating)
- Sprinkles (for that festive touch!)
How to Prepare Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy! While the oven is warming up, take a moment to line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This little trick makes for easy cleanup and prevents the cookies from sticking. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!
Mixing Ingredients
Now, let’s get mixing! In one bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This combination is what gives your cookies that lovely rise. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. The smell will be heavenly! Gradually blend in the dry ingredients from the first bowl until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky; if it feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour.
Shaping and Baking
Once your dough is ready, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies—this is the fun part! Place them on your prepared baking sheets, spaced apart so they have room to spread. Pop them in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden. Don’t worry if they seem a little soft; they’ll firm up as they cool!
Decorating the Cookies
After letting the cookies cool completely (this is super important, or your icing will melt!), it’s time to get creative! In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk until smooth to create your icing. Add food coloring to make it festive—choose bright greens, reds, or even glittery gold! Now, grab a piping bag or just a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off and start decorating your cookies. Let your imagination run wild with sprinkles to finish off these delightful treats. Wow, your holiday spirit will shine through in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re a fun and engaging activity for kids—perfect for holiday bonding!
- Simple to make, even for beginner bakers, and they pack a festive punch!
- Versatile designs allow for creativity—mix and match colors and sprinkles!
- Ideal for holiday gatherings, bringing joy and sweetness to any table.
- Great for gift-giving; who wouldn’t love a box of these cheerful cookies?
- Make-ahead friendly—prepare the dough in advance and bake when you’re ready!
- Each cookie is a little work of art, making them perfect for sharing and showcasing!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *Christmas tree cookies decorated* turn out perfectly every single time, I’ve got some handy tips to share!
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and manageable but not sticky. If it feels too wet, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, a splash of milk can help bring it together.
- Chill for Better Shape: If your dough is too soft to cut out shapes, don’t panic! Just wrap it in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
- Cooling Time: Patience is key! Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and prevents breakage. Make sure they’re completely cool before decorating; otherwise, your icing will melt and slide right off!
- Decorating Techniques: When it comes to icing, a piping bag gives you more control, but if you don’t have one, a zip-top bag works just as well! Snip a tiny corner off to create your own makeshift piping bag. And don’t be shy with the sprinkles—layer them on for that fabulous festive flair!
- Color Mixing: If you’re using food coloring, remember that a little goes a long way! Start with just a few drops and mix until you reach your desired shade. You can always add more, but it’s hard to lighten the color once it’s too dark!
- Involve the Family: Get everyone involved in the decorating process! It’s a wonderful way to bond and share laughs. Plus, you’ll end up with a variety of creative designs that reflect everyone’s personality!
With these tips in hand, you’re all set to create delightful Christmas tree cookies that not only look amazing but taste fantastic too. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious *Christmas tree cookies decorated*, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh for as long as possible! To store them, simply place the cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them from drying out and helps maintain their delightful texture. I recommend layering them with parchment paper if you’re stacking them, just to prevent any sticking. They’ll last at room temperature for about a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long!
If you find yourself with leftover cookies (which, let’s be honest, is a rarity), you can also freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. No need to reheat—these cookies are delightful at room temperature, and the flavors really shine through!
So, whether you’re saving some for later or sharing with friends, you’ll have perfectly preserved cookies waiting for you. Happy snacking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these festive *Christmas tree cookies decorated*, it’s always nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for one cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But whether you’re counting calories or just enjoying the deliciousness, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your holiday season!
FAQ Section
Can I use something other than almond extract?
Absolutely! If almond extract isn’t your thing, you can easily substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract or even a splash of coconut extract for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it’ll change the cookie’s taste, so choose what you love!
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
No problem! To make gluten-free *Christmas tree cookies decorated*, just swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Be sure to check that your baking powder and any other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep everything safe for those with sensitivities!
What can I use to decorate besides sprinkles?
Get creative! You can use mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or edible glitter for a festive touch. Dried fruit pieces, nuts, or even colored sugar can add a beautiful finish. Whatever you choose, just make sure it’s something you and your family enjoy!
Can I make the icing ahead of time?
Sure! You can prepare the icing in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it to ensure it’s smooth and spreadable. If it’s a bit thick after chilling, add a tiny splash of milk to loosen it up.
How do I fix cookies that spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread more than expected, it could be due to the dough being too warm or not enough flour. Try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out next time. This helps them hold their shape better while baking!
Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
Absolutely! Freezing the dough is a fantastic idea. Just roll it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then slice and bake as usual. Fresh cookies on demand—how great is that?
What’s the best way to store decorated cookies?
After decorating, let your cookies sit out for a bit to harden the icing. Then, layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. They should stay delicious for about a week at room temperature!
Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated: 7 Festive Tips to Try
- Gesamtzeit: 40 minutes
- Ertrag: 24 cookies 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious Christmas tree cookies decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles.
Zutaten
- 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
Anweisungen
- 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.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 10 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cookie
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 6g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 22g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterin: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas tree cookies, decorated cookies, holiday cookies
