Name: Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter (softened); 1 cup sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup royal icing (for decorating); 1/2 cup sprinkles (for decoration)

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Welcome, friends! It’s that magical time of year again when the smell of gingerbread and cinnamon fills the air, and I can’t help but dive headfirst into my holiday baking! One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up are these delightful Christmas tree cookies decorated with vibrant royal icing and sprinkles. They’re not just cookies; they’re little edible masterpieces that bring joy to any gathering. I remember the first time I made them with my kids—flour everywhere, laughter ringing through the kitchen, and a few sprinkles sneaking into our mouths instead of onto the cookies! There’s something so special about shaping the dough into perfect little trees and then transforming them into a festive display with all the colors of the season. These cookies are ideal for sharing with friends and family or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa by the fire. Trust me, once you bake these Christmas tree cookies decorated, you won’t want to stop at just one! Get ready to make some sweet holiday memories!

Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated

Before we dive into the magic of baking, let’s gather all the essential ingredients for our Christmas tree cookies decorated. This recipe is simple yet requires a few key players to bring those delightful flavors to life. First up, we need 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar, which will create that sweet, creamy base that makes our cookies so irresistible.

Next, we’ll be adding 2 cups of all-purpose flour, the backbone of our cookie dough, giving it structure and a tender crumb. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that lovely, warm flavor that makes everything better!

And for the fun part—the decorations—we’ll need 1 cup of royal icing to transform our cookies into festive works of art, along with ½ cup of colorful sprinkles that will add that joyous crunch and sparkle. With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to create some holiday magic!

How to Prepare Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated

Now that we’ve got all our ingredients ready, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get baking! Making these Christmas tree cookies decorated is a fun and straightforward process, perfect for bringing the whole family together. Let’s jump right in!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a properly heated oven ensures even baking and helps our cookies rise to perfection. While you’re waiting for it to reach the right temperature, you can gather your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. It makes for easy cleanup and ensures that our cookies don’t stick!

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This process is so important—trust me! It introduces air into the dough, giving our cookies that lovely light texture. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer, but I’ve always loved the rhythm of doing it by hand with a wooden spoon.

Once your butter and sugar are beautifully combined, add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir it in until it’s well mixed. Next, gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the bowl. I like to do this in stages, mixing just until the flour is incorporated. This way, we avoid a flour cloud explosion, and the dough stays nice and soft!

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Now comes the exciting part—shaping our cookies! Flour your work surface lightly and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. I find that using a rolling pin helps achieve an even thickness, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect; it just adds character! Then, take your Christmas tree cookie cutter and cut out those adorable shapes. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, giving each cookie a little space to spread out while baking. The dough can be a bit soft, so if it feels too sticky, just pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up before cutting.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Time to bake! Slide your baking sheets into the preheated oven and let the cookies bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—when the edges start to turn lightly golden, it’s time to pull them out. Remember, they may look a little soft when you take them out, but don’t worry! They’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 5: Cool and Decorate

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is key; decorating on warm cookies can lead to messy icing! Once they’re cooled down, it’s time to unleash your creativity with the royal icing and sprinkles. Use a piping bag or a simple plastic bag with the corner snipped off to decorate your cookies. Get as fancy as you like—there’s no wrong way to make these festive little trees sparkle!

Tips for Success with Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated

To ensure your Christmas tree cookies decorated turn out perfect every time, I’ve got some tips just for you! First, make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start. This helps it cream with the sugar more effectively, creating that light, airy texture we love. If your dough feels too soft, don’t hesitate to chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. It makes rolling and cutting much easier!

Also, when it comes to decorating, a steady hand is key! If you’re new to royal icing, practice on a piece of parchment first to get the hang of it. And remember, don’t rush the decorating process. Enjoy it! Each cookie is a little canvas waiting for your artistic touch. Lastly, store your decorated cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh, and they’ll stay delightful for days. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying these delightful Christmas tree cookies decorated, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Each cookie packs approximately 150 calories, making them a sweet treat to enjoy during the holiday season. They contain about 7 grams of fat, which gives them that rich, buttery taste we all love. You’ll also find 1 gram of protein in each cookie, along with 20 grams of carbohydrates to satisfy your sweet cravings.

With 10 grams of sugar, these cookies strike a balance between sweetness and flavor. Don’t forget about the vitamins and minerals either—each cookie offers around 200 IU of vitamin A and a bit of calcium too! Just keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your precise ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy your festive baking with a little knowledge about what goes into these tasty treats!

FAQ About Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated

Can I use different flavors for the cookies?

Absolutely! While I adore the classic vanilla flavor in these Christmas tree cookies decorated, you can certainly mix things up. Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a delightful twist, or even some peppermint extract for a fresh holiday zing. You could also incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookies a warm, cozy flavor. Feel free to experiment—baking is all about having fun and finding what you love!

How can I store these cookies?

Storing your decorated cookies correctly is essential to keep them fresh and tasty. I recommend placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about a week, but trust me, they might not last that long with how delicious they are! If you want to keep them for longer, consider wrapping them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. This will help maintain their freshness and prevent them from sticking together.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

You bet! Freezing the cookie dough is a fantastic way to save time during the busy holiday season. Simply shape the dough into a log or flatten it into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once it’s soft enough to handle, roll it out and cut your Christmas tree shapes. It’s like having fresh cookie dough on demand—how cool is that?

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated

Festive Fun: These cookies are not just delicious; they’re a visual delight! Their vibrant colors and charming tree shapes instantly bring the holiday spirit to any gathering.
Easy to Make: The simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookies a perfect project for bakers of all skill levels. You can whip them up in no time, even if you’re a beginner!
Creative Outlet: Decorating these cookies is where the real magic happens! Let your creativity shine with royal icing and sprinkles, turning each cookie into a unique masterpiece.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re gifting them to friends or bringing them to a holiday party, these cookies are sure to spread joy and deliciousness wherever they go!
Delicious Taste: With their buttery flavor and sweet vanilla notes, each bite is a delightful treat that will have everyone coming back for more. Trust me, they’re irresistible!

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Tree Cookies Decorated

Now that you’ve created these delightful Christmas tree cookies decorated, let’s talk about how to serve them for maximum festive cheer! One of my favorite ways is to arrange them on a beautiful platter, showcasing their vibrant colors. You can even add some holiday-themed decorations like mini ornaments or pinecones around the cookies to create a stunning centerpiece for your table.

These cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of cocoa or spiced apple cider. Imagine the cozy scene of friends and family gathered around, sipping their drinks while nibbling on these sweet treats. For a fun twist, you could set up a cookie decorating station during holiday gatherings where guests can personalize their own cookies with icing and sprinkles. It’s a delightful way to engage everyone and make the experience even more memorable. No matter how you choose to serve them, these Christmas tree cookies decorated are sure to spread joy and sweetness this holiday season!