Name: Christmas Tree Cookies Platter Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 48
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 4 cups (454 grams) powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons meringue powder; 56 tablespoons (887 milliliters) water; Green gel food coloring; White icing for snow detailing; Assorted sprinkles, edible glitter, and sugar pearls for decoration

Festive bakers love crafting delightful christmas tree cookies that spark joy during holiday celebrations.

Sweet memories dance through kitchen spaces with each carefully decorated treat.

Colorful sprinkles and crisp sugar designs make these cookies irresistible to everyone.

Magical moments emerge when flour, butter, and seasonal cheer combine perfectly.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a delectable balance that delights dessert enthusiasts.

Holiday gatherings deserve something special that brings smiles and warmth.

Christmas Tree Cookies Platter – Ingredient Details

Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookie, providing structure and texture.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie texture.
Unsalted Butter: Creates rich flavor and helps bind the dough together, best when soft and room temperature.

Flavoring and Binding Ingredients:

Vanilla Extract: Gives warm, sweet flavor to the cookies, pure vanilla is recommended.
Large Eggs: Helps bind the dough and adds richness to the cookie texture.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

Decorating Ingredients:

Powdered Sugar: Key for making smooth, glossy royal icing that hardens perfectly.
Meringue Powder: Helps royal icing set and create stable decorative designs.
Water: Thins royal icing to desired consistency for piping and decorating.
Food Coloring: Allows creating festive green and other holiday colors for decorating cookies.

Step 1: Whip Up Sweet Cookie Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Gently blend in vanilla extract and egg.

In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually combine dry ingredients with the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Wrap the dough in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for about an hour to firm up.

Step 2: Roll and Shape Festive Treats

Preheat the oven to a cozy 350°F.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.

Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters like trees, stars, and snowflakes to create delightful shapes.

Carefully transfer the cut-outs to parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Watch for the edges to turn a light golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on wire racks.

This ensures they’ll be crisp and ready for decorating.

Step 4: Craft Magical Royal Icing

In a clean mixing bowl, whip egg whites until they become frothy.

Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until the icing becomes smooth and glossy.

Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint with food coloring to create festive green, white, and red hues.

Transfer each color to piping bags fitted with different tips.

Step 5: Transform Cookies into Winter Wonderland

Begin decorating your cooled cookies with royal icing.

Create intricate tree designs with green icing, add white snowflake details, and use red for delightful accents.

Let each layer of icing dry completely before adding additional details.

Sprinkle edible glitter or small sugar pearls for extra magic.

Step 6: Arrange a Spectacular Cookie Display

Select a large serving platter or wooden board.

Arrange the decorated cookies in a visually appealing pattern.

Create a tree-like formation with different sized and shaped cookies.

Add some whole cookies standing upright, while others can be laid flat.

Dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snow-like effect.

Use unsalted butter at room temperature for smoother, more consistent cookie dough that ensures better texture and flavor.
Refrigerate cookie dough for at least 1 hour before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain crisp tree shapes during baking.
Use powdered sugar instead of flour when rolling out dough to prevent tough, dry cookies and maintain delicate texture.
Hold royal icing piping bag at a 45-degree angle for smooth, controlled lines when decorating Christmas tree cookies.
Keep decorated cookies in a single layer between parchment paper in an airtight container to preserve intricate icing details and prevent breakage.

Store Christmas Tree Cookies Platter

Store decorated cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Wrap undecorated cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months.
Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent texture changes.
If cookies become slightly soft, crisp them up in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes before enjoying.

Pair with Festive Mulled Wine: Warm, spiced mulled wine complements the sweet sugar cookies perfectly, enhancing the Christmas spirit with its rich, aromatic flavors that dance alongside the delicate cookie design.
Serve with Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Creamy, minty hot chocolate creates a delightful contrast to the crisp sugar cookies, bringing out the holiday cheer with its smooth, comforting warmth.
Match with Cinnamon Chai Latte: Spicy chai latte adds a complex layer of flavor that beautifully highlights the sweet, buttery notes of the Christmas tree cookies, creating a memorable taste experience.
Accompany with Vanilla Bean Eggnog: Classic eggnog's creamy, nutmeg-infused profile provides a luxurious companion to the festive cookies, elevating the holiday dessert moment with its rich, nostalgic taste.

Gluten-Free Holiday Trees: Swap traditional flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the festive cookie's delicate texture.
Vegan Festive Shapes: Replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with aquafaba or flax eggs to create plant-based Christmas tree cookies that everyone can enjoy.
Low-Sugar Christmas Treats: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar, reducing calories while keeping the classic holiday cookie flavor.
Nut-Free Festive Cookies: Substitute almond extract with vanilla extract and avoid nut-based decorations to make the cookies safe for those with nut allergies.

FAQs

What equipment do I need to make these Christmas tree cookies?

You’ll need a stand mixer or hand mixer, rolling pin, tree-shaped cookie cutters, baking sheets, parchment paper, piping bags, and small round decorating tips.

How do I prevent my sugar cookie dough from spreading during baking?

Chill the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling and cutting. This helps the cookies maintain their crisp tree shape and prevents spreading in the oven.

Can I make the royal icing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare royal icing up to 1 week in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and re-mix before using. Just keep it covered to prevent it from hardening.

What's the best way to get clean, sharp edges when decorating the cookies?

Use a thin, consistent piping tip and apply steady pressure when outlining. Let the initial outline dry completely before flooding the cookie with icing to create crisp, clean lines on your Christmas tree design.

Whip Up Holiday Magic: Simple Festive Treats

Quick and Easy Baking: Prepare these adorable Christmas tree cookies in under 2 hours with basic kitchen ingredients, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Family Bonding Activity: Gather kids and adults to decorate cookies together, creating memorable moments and spreading holiday cheer through creative decorating.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These visually stunning cookies serve as a delightful centerpiece for holiday parties, potlucks, and family gatherings, guaranteed to impress guests with their festive charm.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake and decorate cookies days in advance, storing them in airtight containers, which reduces stress during busy holiday season preparations.

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices.

James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

Festive Christmas Tree Cookies Platter Recipe for Holiday Magic