These Christmas tree outline cookies are a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings. With a simple sugar cookie base, they can be decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles to bring the holiday spirit to your table.
This recipe is easy to follow and great for baking with kids. You can customize the decorations to match your holiday theme or personal preferences.
Creating Festive Christmas Tree Cookies
Christmas tree outline cookies bring a delightful touch to any holiday gathering. Their charming shape and vibrant decorations make them a favorite among both kids and adults.
These cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds; they also serve as a canvas for creativity. With a simple sugar cookie base, you can unleash your imagination with colorful icing and an array of sprinkles.
Ingredients for Holiday Cheer
To make these festive cookies, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. The foundation consists of all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and unsalted butter.
Adding sugar, an egg, and flavor extracts like vanilla and almond enhances the taste. For decoration, royal icing, colored sprinkles, and edible glitter will bring your Christmas trees to life.
Step-by-Step Baking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl while creaming the butter and sugar in a larger bowl. Once combined, gradually blend in the dry mixture until fully incorporated.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to create the iconic shape.
Place the cutouts on ungreased cookie sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Once they turn golden, let them cool on wire racks to prepare for decoration.
Decorating Your Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled, it’s time to get creative! Use royal icing to outline the trees, allowing for a neat and festive look.
Then, sprinkle colorful decorations and edible glitter to add a touch of sparkle. This is where you can personalize each cookie, making them unique and special.
Setting the Scene for Festivity
Arrange your beautifully decorated cookies on a festive red and green tablecloth. The vibrant colors of the cookies against the backdrop create an inviting atmosphere.
Enhance the holiday spirit by adding twinkling fairy lights in the background. This not only highlights your cookies but also sets a cheerful mood for any gathering.
Festive Christmas Tree Outline Cookies
These cookies are shaped like Christmas trees and are perfect for decorating with icing and edible glitter. The recipe yields about 24 cookies and takes approximately 1 hour from start to finish.
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
- Colored sprinkles and edible glitter for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- 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.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.
- Bake: Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let cool on wire racks.
- Decorate: Once cooled, use royal icing to outline the cookies and decorate with sprinkles and edible glitter as desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g