Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies: 10 Tips for Festive Success

Name: Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies: 10 Tips for Festive Success
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 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 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; Green food coloring; Sprinkles for decoration

November 23, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, there’s just something magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? The smell of cookies wafting through the house, the laughter of family and friends gathered in the kitchen, and of course, the joy of decorating those sweet treats! One of my absolute favorite holiday traditions is making *Christmas tree sugar cookies*. I remember the first time I baked them with my little niece; we had flour everywhere, and I think most of the sprinkles ended up on the floor instead of the cookies! But that’s part of the fun, right? These cookies are not only deliciously sweet and buttery, but they’re also so versatile when it comes to decorating. You can let your imagination run wild with icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter, making each batch uniquely yours. Trust me, these Christmas tree sugar cookies will not only fill your tummy but also your heart with holiday cheer!

Ingredients for Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base for our cookies, so make sure it’s measured accurately for the best texture!
1 teaspoon baking soda – This helps our cookies rise, giving them that nice fluffy texture we all love.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Just a little bit more lift to make these cookies perfect!
1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Trust me, using softened butter makes for a creamier dough that mixes beautifully.
1 1/2 cups white sugar – This sweetens the dough and gives our cookies that delightful crispness.
1 egg – This binds everything together and adds richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract – This is optional, but it adds a lovely nutty touch that complements the vanilla perfectly.
3 cups powdered sugar – We’ll use this for icing, creating that sweet, smooth finish that’s oh-so-fun to decorate with!
2 tablespoons milk – This helps thin out the icing for that perfect drizzling consistency.
Green food coloring – We want our Christmas trees to be vibrant and festive, don’t we?
Sprinkles for decoration – Because what’s a Christmas cookie without a little sparkle?

How to Prepare Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because you want your cookies to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown!
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This helps to ensure that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. It should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing – just enough time to daydream about how delicious these cookies will be!
Next, beat in the egg, along with the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix just until everything is combined; overmixing can make your cookies tough, and we definitely don’t want that!
Now, gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. I usually do this in thirds, mixing just enough between each addition until everything is nicely combined.
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to roll it out! Dust your counter with a little flour and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. This is where the magic happens, so make sure it’s not too thick!
Using a cookie cutter, cut out your tree shapes. I love using a fun cookie cutter that really captures the holiday spirit! Place the cut-out cookies onto baking sheets, making sure to leave some space between them.
Pop those cookies into your preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep an eye on them because ovens can vary!
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps them firm up a bit before we go all out with the decorating!
While the cookies are cooling, let’s make that icing! In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the milk and green food coloring until you achieve a smooth consistency. You want it to be thick enough to hold its shape but still easy to drizzle.
Once everything is cool and ready, get creative! Decorate your cookies with the icing and add sprinkles for that festive flair. Trust me, this is the best part, and you can let your creativity shine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Sweet: These Christmas tree sugar cookies are perfectly sweet with a buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. Trust me, every bite is a festive delight!
Festive Fun: The tree shape and vibrant green icing make these cookies a stunning addition to any holiday spread. They’re sure to be the star of your dessert table!
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll feel like a pro!
Customizable: You can get as creative as you want with the decorations! Mix up the icing colors, add different sprinkles, or even incorporate fun edible glitter for that extra sparkle!
Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are a fantastic treat to bring to holiday gatherings, school events, or to gift to friends and family. Everyone loves a homemade cookie!
Memorable Tradition: Baking these cookies can become a cherished holiday tradition with your family, creating sweet memories that you’ll look back on fondly for years to come.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your *Christmas tree sugar cookies* turn out absolutely fabulous! Here are my top tips to help you achieve cookie perfection:

Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so make sure to measure your flour correctly! Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cookies.
Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft to roll out, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading while baking.
Watch Your Bake Time: Every oven is different, so keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be set and just starting to turn golden at the edges. If you let them bake too long, they can become hard, and we want them to be soft and chewy!
Let Them Cool: It’s tempting to decorate right away, but be patient! Letting the cookies cool completely on wire racks ensures the icing doesn’t melt and gets that perfect finish.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to switch up the extracts! Try using coconut or peppermint extract for a fun twist that can add a whole new layer of flavor to your cookies.
Get Creative with Icing: For a fun presentation, try using piping bags to decorate your cookies. You can create designs, write names, or even make little ornaments on the trees!
Have Fun with Sprinkles: Mix and match different types of sprinkles for that extra festive flair. Use edible glitter, colored sugar, or even small candies to make your cookies truly unique!
Keep Extras Handy: If you have leftover dough, you can freeze it for up to a month! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and when you’re ready for more cookies, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

So, roll up your sleeves, put on some holiday music, and enjoy the process! With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delightful Christmas tree sugar cookies ever.

Variations on Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your *Christmas tree sugar cookies*! Here are some fun ideas to help you get creative and make your cookies truly personal:

Colorful Icing: Instead of just green, try using a rainbow of colors! You can create blue, red, or even pink trees! Just divide your icing into different bowls and add food coloring to make each one unique.
Flavored Icing: Want to switch things up? Mix in some different extracts like peppermint or orange to your icing for a delightful flavor burst. Imagine biting into a cookie and getting a hint of peppermint—yum!
Different Shapes: Who says Christmas trees have to be the only shape? Use your favorite holiday cookie cutters to make stars, candy canes, or snowflakes! Each shape can be decorated with its own theme!
Chocolate Drizzle: If you’re a chocolate lover like me, try drizzling some melted chocolate over your cooled cookies. It adds a luxurious touch and pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the sugar cookie!
Sprinkle Variety: Use a mix of sprinkles, edible glitter, or even crushed candies to decorate. You can even use themed sprinkles like snowflakes or Christmas ornaments to make your cookies extra festive!
Nutty Twist: Add some finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookie.
Stuffed Cookies: For a surprise element, try stuffing your cookies with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or even a dollop of fruit preserves before baking. The gooey center will be such a treat!
Gluten-Free Version: If you need a gluten-free option, just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. There are some great ones out there that work beautifully in cookie recipes!

Let your imagination run wild and experiment with these variations. Each batch can be a new adventure, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve baked your delightful *Christmas tree sugar cookies*, you’ll want to keep them fresh for as long as possible! Here’s how to store them and even reheat them if you want that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience again:

Storage: Once your cookies are completely cool, place them in an airtight container. I usually layer them with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. This way, they stay fresh and keep their lovely shape!
Room Temperature: Stored properly, your cookies can last about a week at room temperature. Just make sure they’re in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You want to keep that festive flavor intact!
Freezing: If you want to make your cookies last even longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm and soft, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5 minutes. This little touch brings back that delicious, just-baked goodness!

So there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your *Christmas tree sugar cookies* for days, or even weeks, to come. Happy baking and snacking!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider these estimates as a guideline rather than exact figures. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one delightful *Christmas tree sugar cookie*:

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 2g

So there you have it! Enjoy indulging in these festive treats while keeping an eye on those numbers. Happy baking!

FAQ About Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

I know you might have a few questions bubbling up as you get ready to bake these delicious *Christmas tree sugar cookies*! Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered with some common queries and handy tips to make your baking adventure a breeze.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While I always prefer unsalted butter for that rich flavor, you can use margarine in a pinch. Just be aware that it might alter the texture slightly, so choose a good quality brand for the best results.

What if I don’t have almond extract?
No problem! You can simply omit it or replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract. If you have other extracts like coconut or hazelnut, those can add a fun twist too!

How do I store leftover icing?
If you have extra icing, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it again, and you might need to add a splash of milk to get it back to that perfect drizzling consistency.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough a day or two in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before rolling it out.

How do I get the icing to dry?
To help the icing dry nicely, let the decorated cookies sit at room temperature for a few hours. If you want to speed up the process, you can also place them in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes.

What’s the best way to transport decorated cookies?
If you’re sharing your cookies, use a sturdy container and separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. It’s also a great idea to keep them in a cool place to maintain that lovely icing finish.

Can I freeze the decorated cookies?
Yes, you can! Just make sure the icing is completely dry before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread, it could be due to soft dough or warm butter. To prevent this, make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out, and if it feels too warm, pop it in the fridge for a bit before cutting them out.

Can I use different cookie cutters?
Absolutely! While I love the Christmas tree shape, feel free to use any festive cookie cutter you have. Just adjust the baking time slightly if the shapes are larger or smaller than the trees.

With these FAQs in hand, you’re all set to make the most delightful *Christmas tree sugar cookies*! Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to get a little creative along the way!

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Über mich

Hallo, ich bin Julia, das Herz hinter Vihaad Rezepte und eine leidenschaftliche Feinschmeckerin. Meine Liebe zum Kochen begann in meiner Kindheit, inspiriert von den herzhaften Mahlzeiten meiner Großmutter. Heute teile ich schmackhafte Rezepte, die Menschen durch gutes Essen zusammenbringen.