Tired of the same old gingerbread men and snowmen cookies every Christmas? This year, ditch the predictable and learn how to make Christmas tree sugar cookies that are as festive as they are delicious! We’ll guide you through every step, from shaping the dough into perfect pine trees to decorating them with colorful icing and sprinkles. By the end, you’ll have a plate full of festive treats that will impress your friends and family, all while having a blast in the kitchen!
3 Easy Ways to Make Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
It’s that time of year again – the days are getting shorter, the air is getting crisper, and the smell of cinnamon and sugar is wafting through the air. What does that mean? Christmas is coming! And what would Christmas be without a plate full of delicious, homemade Christmas tree sugar cookies?
Before you get started, let’s gather your supplies. You’ll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Green, red, and white food coloring
- Sprinkles
After gathering your supplies, let’s get started! Here are three easy ways to make Christmas tree sugar cookies.
Method 1: The Classic Cutout
This method is the most traditional and allows for a lot of creativity – you can cut out any shape you like! But for this recipe, we’re focusing on those iconic Christmas trees.
1. Cream the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Incorporate the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Chill the dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out.
5. Roll out the dough and cut out your shapes. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out your shapes.
6. Bake your cookies. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place the cut-out cookies on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
7. Decorate your cookies. Let the cookies cool completely before decorating. You can use royal icing, sprinkles, or even edible markers to add a festive touch.
Method 2: The Rolled-Out Method
This method is a bit less traditional but still produces delicious results. It’s a great way to create more intricate designs if you don’t have cookie cutters – or if you simply want to try something different!
1. Prepare your dough. Follow steps 1-4 from Method 1.
2. Divide your dough. Divide the dough into three equal portions.
3. Tint your dough. Add green food coloring to one portion, red food coloring to another, and leave the third portion white. Knead the color into each portion until it’s evenly distributed.
4. Roll out your dough. Roll out each portion of dough into a long log that’s about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
5. Assemble the cookies. Carefully place the logs of colored dough side-by-side, making sure they are touching. Twist the logs together in a spiral pattern.
6. Slice and bake. Slice the twisted dough into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Place the slices on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
7. Decorate your cookies. Let the cookies cool completely and then decorate with sprinkles or edible markers.
Method 3: The Shortcut
This method is the easiest of them all and is perfect for busy families or for when you’re looking for a quick and simple dessert.
1. Gather your ingredients. You’ll need a box of sugar cookie mix, green and red food coloring, and sprinkles.
2. Prepare the dough. Follow the directions on the sugar cookie mix box.
3. Tint your dough. Divide the dough into three equal portions. Add green food coloring to one portion, red food coloring to another, and leave the third portion white. Knead the color into the dough until it’s evenly distributed..
4. Form your cookies. Shape the dough into small Christmas tree shapes. You can use your hands or a cookie cutter.
5. Sprinkle and bake Place your cookies on a baking sheet and sprinkle with sprinkles. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
No matter which method you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious homemade Christmas tree sugar cookies in no time!
The Bridge: Tips and Tricks for Perfect Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
Making your own Christmas tree sugar cookies doesn’t have to be stressful! With a few helpful tips, you can make beautiful and delicious cookies that anyone will love:
- Keep your dough cold. This is key to preventing the dough from becoming too soft and sticky. Chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.
- Use a rolling pin to even out your dough. Just make sure you keep the dough evenly flat!
- Don’t overbake your cookies. This can make them dry and crumbly.
- Use a toothpick to make holes in your cookies. This will allow the heat to circulate evenly and prevent them from becoming puffy.
- Let your cookies cool completely before decorating. This will ensure that the icing will set properly.
After: Enjoy Your Cookies
Now you have beautiful, homemade Christmas tree sugar cookies!
Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, giving them as gifts, or simply enjoying them with your family, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
With a little bit of effort, you can make a holiday tradition that everyone will cherish!
