These delightful Christmas Tree House cookies are a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings. Shaped like little houses and decorated with colorful icing and candies, they bring joy to both baking and sharing.
This recipe is simple and fun, making it a great activity for families during the holiday season. You can customize the decorations to match your holiday theme or personal preferences.
Creating a Festive Atmosphere
The holiday season brings a unique charm, and what better way to celebrate than with a delightful display of Christmas Tree House cookies? These cookies not only taste great but also add a festive touch to any gathering.
Imagine a beautifully arranged plate filled with cookies shaped like little houses, each adorned with colorful icing and candy. The twinkling lights and pine branches in the backdrop enhance the cheerful vibe, making it an inviting centerpiece for your holiday festivities.
Cookie Design and Decoration
Each cookie is a canvas waiting for your creative touch. The buttery dough holds its shape perfectly, allowing for intricate designs. Once baked, the fun begins with decorating!
Royal icing serves as the perfect medium for attaching assorted candies, transforming simple cookies into charming little houses. From gumdrop windows to icing roofs, the possibilities for customization are endless, making this a wonderful activity for families.
Gathering Ingredients
To create these festive treats, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. The combination of all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, and sugar forms the base of the cookie dough. Adding vanilla and almond extracts gives a delightful flavor that complements the sweetness of the decorations.
Don’t forget the royal icing and assorted candies, which are key to bringing your cookie houses to life. Gather these ingredients ahead of time to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Step-by-Step Baking Process
The process of making Christmas Tree House cookies is straightforward and enjoyable. Start by preheating your oven and mixing the dry ingredients. Creaming the butter and sugar together creates a smooth mixture, which is essential for the perfect cookie texture.
Once the dough is ready, roll it out and use cookie cutters to shape your houses. Baking them until golden brown ensures a delightful crunch, while cooling them on wire racks prepares them for decoration.
Perfect for Sharing and Gifting
These cookies yield about 24 pieces, making them ideal for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a thoughtful gift, these decorated cookies are sure to bring smiles.
Consider packaging them in festive boxes or tins to spread the holiday cheer. The combination of taste and visual appeal makes them a cherished treat during the festive season.
Creating Lasting Memories
Beyond the deliciousness, baking Christmas Tree House cookies is an opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones. Gather your family and friends for a fun baking session, where everyone can contribute to the decorating process.
As you enjoy the fruits of your labor, take a moment to appreciate the joy and warmth that these cookies bring to your holiday celebrations. They are not just treats; they are a celebration of togetherness and creativity.
Festive Christmas Tree House Cookies Recipe
These cookies are made from a buttery dough that holds its shape well when baked. The recipe yields about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing or gifting during the holidays.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Royal icing for decoration
- Assorted candies for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until fully incorporated.
- Shape Cookies: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out tree house shapes.
- Bake: Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
- Decorate: Once cooled, use royal icing to decorate the cookies and add assorted candies for a festive touch.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 22g