Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting: Your Ultimate Holiday Baking Guide
Get ready to infuse your home with the joyful aroma of the holiday season with these enchanting **Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies**! Topped with a rich, velvety cream cheese frosting, these cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a delightful celebration of Christmas. Whether you’re planning a festive cookie exchange, enjoying a fun family baking session, or simply craving a delicious homemade dessert, this recipe simplifies the process, allowing you to create impressive, bakery-quality cookies right in your own kitchen.

Crafting this homemade sugar cookie recipe is surprisingly straightforward, even for those new to holiday baking. We provide clear, easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions that ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking journey. The true highlight, complementing the perfectly soft and buttery sugar cookie base, is the luxurious and tangy cream cheese icing. Its decadent flavor and smooth texture not only taste incredible but also offer an ideal canvas for all your creative holiday decorating ideas, ensuring each cookie looks as stunning as it tastes.
While the finished, decorated cookies boast a gourmet bakery aesthetic, the actual process for making these charming Christmas Tree Cookies is remarkably simple. These adorable little Christmas trees are guaranteed to be a cherished favorite among guests of all ages. They serve as an ideal addition to any holiday celebration, infusing every moment with homemade warmth and irresistible sweetness. In addition to these classic sugar cookies, we highly recommend exploring other festive delights such as our whimsical Meringue Christmas Trees and the creatively designed Christmas Tree Cupcake Cake for an extra dose of holiday cheer.
This holiday season, take the opportunity to broaden your festive baking skills. You might also find joy in preparing festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes or indulging in rich Christmas Tree Brownies. My children and I particularly enjoy our time together in the kitchen, experimenting with a variety of easy Christmas cookie recipes and other holiday treats, including the fun Grinch Puppy Chow. There’s truly an unmatched magic in the scent of freshly baked cookies filling your home during the festive season.
Table of Contents: Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Why These Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies Are a Must-Make This Holiday Season
- Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
- Creative Variations and Customization Tips for Your Holiday Sugar Cookies
- How to Make Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide
- Pro Baking Tips for Flawless Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
- Storage and Freshness Tips for Your Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Sugar Cookies
- More Festive Christmas Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
- Full Recipe Card: Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
Why These Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies Are a Must-Make This Holiday Season
These specifically shaped Christmas tree sugar cookies are far more than just a seasonal sweet; they’re an invitation to create new holiday traditions. Here are compelling reasons why this recipe is destined to become a beloved staple in your Christmas baking repertoire:
- Unquestionably Pretty and Festive: The iconic Christmas tree shapes, lovingly adorned with vibrant green frosting and an array of colorful sprinkles, are immensely enjoyable to decorate and even more captivating to behold. They effortlessly infuse any holiday platter or carefully curated gift box with an immediate sense of magic and cheer.
- Remarkably Simple Instructions: Do not be deterred by their professional-looking finish! Our meticulously detailed, step-by-step instructions are designed to guarantee a smooth and enjoyable baking process from the very beginning to the delightful end. You will undoubtedly be astonished by the ease with which you can achieve such visually appealing results.
- Incredibly Soft and Utterly Delicious: Bid farewell to dry, crumbly sugar cookies of holidays past. This particular recipe consistently yields a cookie that is wonderfully soft, tender, and richly buttery, practically dissolving in your mouth with every bite. When exquisitely paired with our perfectly balanced tangy and sweet cream cheese frosting, the resulting flavor combination is genuinely irresistible and unforgettable.
- Perfect for Engaging Family Fun: The act of baking these cookies transforms into a fantastic and memorable activity for individuals of all ages. Children, in particular, will revel in the excitement of cutting out the various shapes and, perhaps most of all, the creative freedom of decorating their very own miniature Christmas trees with frosting and a medley of sprinkles. It is a truly heartwarming method for forging cherished and lasting holiday memories.
- Highly Customizable for Any Occasion: While this recipe is thoughtfully designed for the Christmas festivities, the underlying sugar cookie base is extraordinarily versatile. You can easily adapt it by simply changing the cookie cutter shape and the color of the frosting to suit any celebration throughout the entire year, from birthdays to springtime gatherings.
- An Ideal Choice for Thoughtful Gifting & Sharing: These charming cookies serve as impeccable homemade gifts for friends, kind neighbors, dedicated teachers, and beloved family members. Arranging them artfully in an elegant box or presenting them on a festive platter creates a thoughtful and profoundly delicious present that will be deeply appreciated by everyone fortunate enough to receive them.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
The foundation of any truly exceptional cookie lies in the quality of its ingredients. Below, we delve into precisely what you’ll need and underscore the importance of each component in achieving the ultimate flavor and exquisite texture for your homemade Christmas tree sugar cookies and their sumptuously creamy cream cheese frosting.

For the Soft & Buttery Sugar Cookies
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the essential structure of our delectable cookies. For precise measurements and to prevent an undesirable dense texture, it is imperative to spoon the flour gently into your measuring cup and then meticulously level it off with a flat edge, rather than directly scooping from the bag. This technique effectively prevents over-packing the flour.
- Unsalted Butter: It is crucial that your butter is softened to a true room temperature. This condition is fundamental for properly creaming it with sugar, a process that incorporates vital air and ultimately results in a cookie that is noticeably lighter and more tender. The use of unsalted butter grants you complete control over the overall saltiness profile of the recipe.
- Granulated Sugar: This provides the necessary sweetness and actively contributes to the cookie’s inherently tender texture. When impeccably creamed with the butter, it assists in forming that coveted light and fluffy base.
- Large Eggs: Always opt for large eggs and ensure they are at room temperature. Room temperature eggs facilitate superior emulsification with the butter and sugar mixture, leading to a consistently smoother, more uniform dough, and consequently, a cookie with an improved texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is an indispensable component for authentic classic sugar cookies. It profoundly enhances all the other flavors present and imparts a wonderfully warm, inviting aroma. Investing in good quality here will truly elevate your cookies.
- Baking Powder & Salt: These crucial leavening agents and flavor enhancers are indispensable for providing the cookies with a delicate lift and for expertly balancing the sweetness, ensuring a well-rounded taste.
For the Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream Cheese: Softened thoroughly at room temperature. This is the absolute cornerstone for achieving a frosting that is exquisitely smooth, entirely lump-free, and delightfully creamy. Attempting to use cold cream cheese will inevitably result in a frustratingly clumpy frosting.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This finely milled sugar is what imparts the frosting with its signature smooth texture and perfect level of sweetness. Sifting it diligently before incorporating it into the mix is highly recommended as a preventative measure against any undesirable lumps.
- Green Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring consistently outperforms liquid drops because it delivers a significantly more vibrant, intensely concentrated color without the unwelcome addition of excess moisture to your frosting. This attribute allows you to effortlessly achieve that quintessential Christmas tree green!
- Sprinkles: An absolute essential for decorating! Employ your favorite festive Christmas sprinkles to artfully mimic ornaments, twinkling lights, or freshly fallen snow on your delightful edible Christmas trees. Whether you choose nonpareils, jimmies, or even shimmering edible glitter, the result will be beautifully festive.
For a comprehensive list detailing all ingredient quantities and precise recipe instructions, please effortlessly scroll down to locate the full recipe card provided below. You will discover everything required to confidently bake these truly amazing Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies!
Creative Variations and Customization Tips for Your Holiday Sugar Cookies
One of the most appealing aspects of baking homemade sugar cookies is their incredible adaptability! While our cherished classic Christmas tree design, complete with its rich cream cheese frosting, is always a winning choice, we wholeheartedly encourage you to unleash your creativity and personalize them to your heart’s content. Here are some fantastic and inspiring ideas to help you customize your festive treats:
- Explore Alternate Frostings:
- Royal Icing: For cookies destined for stacking, long-distance travel, or if you simply prefer a firmer, exquisitely decorative finish, royal icing presents an outstanding alternative to cream cheese frosting. It dries to a solid state and permits the creation of highly intricate and detailed designs.
- Classic Buttercream Frosting: A traditional American buttercream is perennially a delicious and comforting option. You can effortlessly infuse it with a variety of flavors, such as a delicate almond extract, a refreshing hint of peppermint, or even a touch of rich cocoa powder to create decadent chocolate trees!
- Chocolate Frosting: Venture into creating “chocolate trees” by utilizing a rich and indulgent chocolate buttercream. This offers a delightful flavor twist and introduces a distinct taste profile that many will adore.
- Enhance Cookie Flavors:
- Lemon Extract: Introduce a bright burst of citrusy zest to your sugar cookie dough by incorporating a teaspoon of lemon extract. Its vibrant flavor harmonizes beautifully with sweet frostings.
- Almond Extract: For a subtly different, delightfully nutty essence, consider substituting half of the vanilla extract with almond extract. This imparts a distinctive aroma and a nuanced flavor to the cookies.
- Warm Spices: A delicate pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon can lend a wonderfully warm and cozy undertone to the dough, a particularly welcome addition during the festive holiday season.
- Time-Saving Dough Options:
- Store-Bought Sugar Cookie Dough: Facing a time crunch? Not to worry! Simply pick up a roll of convenient pre-made sugar cookie dough from your local grocery store. Roll it out, skillfully cut it into tree shapes, and then bake it according to the package directions (or adhere to our recommended baking times for optimal softness). This clever shortcut makes holiday baking more accessible than ever!
- Gluten-Free Flour: For those with specific dietary needs, experimenting with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend can yield excellent results. While the texture might vary slightly, many blends are highly suitable for crafting delicious sugar cookies.
- Unleash Endless Decorating Possibilities:
- Diverse Sprinkles: Why limit yourself to just green? Employ a vibrant assortment of festive sprinkles—including reds, golds, silvers, and iridescent varieties—to make your Christmas trees truly sparkle and shimmer. Tiny chocolate chips or miniature candy stars can also serve as charming “ornaments.”
- Creative Icing Colors: While green remains the quintessential color for traditional Christmas trees, you have complete freedom to design your cookies to complement any desired theme or color palette. Envision elegant snowy white trees, dazzling glittery silver trees, or even abstract, multi-colored trees for a modern and artistic flair.
- Edible Glitters & Dusts: For an extra layer of ethereal sparkle, gently brush edible glitter or pearl dust onto your freshly frosted cookies before the frosting has a chance to set, creating a magical shimmer.
- Candy Adornments: Small candies, such as colorful M&M’s, gumdrops meticulously cut into tiny pieces, or even miniature pretzels, can be ingeniously utilized to fashion unique “ornaments” or eye-catching tree toppers.
How to Make Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies is an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable process. With our clear and concise instructions, you’ll be confidently frosting your beautiful cookies and delighting your family and friends in no time. Follow these meticulously outlined steps to achieve perfect, mouth-watering results every single time!

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, take your whisk and thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This vigorous whisking action is crucial as it ensures these vital dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout, which is fundamental for achieving a consistent and appealing cookie texture. Once fully combined, set this dry mixture aside, ready for later use.

Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients. In a separate, generously sized bowl (ideally using a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, or alternatively, a reliable hand mixer), thoroughly beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy, fluffy, and notably pale color. This meticulous creaming process is paramount as it effectively incorporates air, which is absolutely essential for producing cookies with a tender crumb. Subsequently, incorporate the large eggs one at a time, ensuring you mix thoroughly after each addition until each egg is fully integrated. Finally, stir in the pure vanilla extract. Once the wet ingredients are perfectly combined, gradually introduce the prepared dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing carefully on a low speed until the ingredients are just barely combined. Exercise caution to avoid overmixing at this stage, as excessive mixing can sadly result in tough and unappealing cookies.

Step 3: Roll & Cut Dough. Divide your freshly prepared sugar cookie dough into 2-3 portions that are easy to manage. On a lightly floured work surface, meticulously roll out each portion of dough to a consistent thickness of approximately ¼ inch. Using your cherished Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutters, carefully cut out the individual cookie shapes. With a gentle touch, transfer these delicate cutouts to a baking sheet that has been diligently lined with parchment paper. This vital step effectively prevents sticking and guarantees a remarkably easy cleanup. Continue this process until all your dough has been skillfully utilized, re-rolling any leftover scraps as necessary to maximize your cookie yield.

Step 4: Bake & Cool Cookies. Preheat your oven accurately to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for a precise duration of 7-8 minutes, or until you observe their edges just beginning to turn a light golden color. It is imperative to monitor them closely to prevent any over-baking, which could render them dry and crumbly. Once expertly baked, allow the cookies to rest and cool on the hot baking sheet for approximately 5 minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack. Here, they must cool completely, a crucial step to ensure the frosting does not melt upon application.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Base. While your freshly baked cookies are in their cooling phase, begin the delightful task of preparing the rich cream cheese frosting. In a spacious mixing bowl, meticulously beat together the softened cream cheese and the softened butter until the mixture achieves an incredibly smooth, luxuriously creamy consistency, entirely devoid of any lumps. This particular step is paramount for cultivating that desirable silky-smooth frosting texture.

Step 6: Add Sweetness & Flavor. Gradually, and with precision, incorporate the sifted powdered sugar and the remaining vanilla extract into the cream cheese and butter mixture. Begin by mixing on a low speed to judiciously avoid generating an undesirable “sugar cloud,” then progressively increase the speed and continue beating until the frosting is impeccably smooth, desirably thick, and perfectly creamy. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to guarantee that all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, ensuring a uniform and delightful frosting.

Step 7: Color Your Frosting. Add a few measured drops of green gel food coloring to your smooth frosting. Continue mixing until you have flawlessly achieved your preferred shade of vibrant Christmas green. It is important to remember that gel colors are highly concentrated, so it is always wise to start with a modest amount and increment ally add more until the perfect hue is reached. This transformative step is precisely where your Christmas trees truly burst into vivid life!

Step 8: Decorate Your Trees! Carefully transfer the vibrant green frosting into a piping bag, ensuring it is fitted with your chosen decorative tip (a star tip such as Wilton 1M or 21, a ribbon tip, or a leaf/petal tip will all work wonderfully to emulate realistic “tree” textures). Expertly pipe the frosting onto each thoroughly cooled Christmas tree cookie, creating a stunning tree-like effect. While the frosting remains pliable, generously scatter your favorite festive sprinkles on top. These will resemble twinkling ornaments, festive lights, or delicate snow. Allow the frosting to set slightly before gracefully serving. Now, your utterly gorgeous and supremely delicious Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are officially ready to be admired and, most importantly, savored!
Pro Baking Tips for Flawless Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
Achieving consistently perfect sugar cookies requires a few clever tricks and careful attention to detail. Keep these expert tips firmly in mind to guarantee that your Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are always wonderfully soft, exquisitely flavorful, and impeccably decorated:
- Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: This is arguably the most critical piece of advice! Before commencing your baking, verify that your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are all genuinely at room temperature. Butter at this temperature creams smoothly with sugar, effectively incorporating more air for a significantly lighter cookie. Similarly, room temperature cream cheese is essential for producing a silky, entirely lump-free frosting. Simply allow these ingredients to rest on your kitchen counter for a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour prior to initiating your baking process.
- Avoid Overmixing the Dough: Once the flour has been added to the wet ingredients, it is paramount to mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing vigorously develops the gluten present in the flour, which can regrettably lead to cookies that are tough, dense, and overly chewy, rather than the coveted soft, tender texture. Stop mixing immediately as soon as no dry streaks of flour are visible.
- Measure Flour with Precision: For the utmost accuracy in your measurements, adopt the technique of spooning flour gently into your measuring cup and then carefully leveling it off with a straight edge (such as a butter knife). Actively resist the urge to scoop flour directly with the measuring cup, as this method compresses the flour and often results in using an excessive amount, which in turn can lead to unpleasantly dry cookies.
- Utilize Quality Vanilla Extract: The delicate yet impactful flavor of vanilla assumes a starring role in classic sugar cookies. Always opt for pure vanilla extract over synthetic imitation vanilla for a significantly richer, more authentic taste that truly distinguishes your cookies. The investment in high-quality ingredients will yield a noticeably superior final product.
- Chill the Cookie Dough (Optional, but Highly Recommended): While not strictly mandatory for this particular recipe, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or ideally up to an hour) before rolling and cutting greatly enhances its manageability. Chilled dough is notably less sticky and assists the cookies in maintaining their intended shape more effectively during the baking process, thereby preventing unwanted spreading.
- Line Baking Sheets with Parchment Paper: Make it a steadfast rule to always use parchment paper! It serves multiple beneficial purposes: it comprehensively prevents cookies from sticking, promotes wonderfully even baking across the entire sheet, and makes the subsequent cleanup an absolute breeze. Furthermore, it contributes significantly to the underside of your cookies achieving that perfect light golden hue without any signs of over-browning.
- Exercise Caution Against Overbaking: Sugar cookies possess a characteristic of baking quite rapidly. Maintain a vigilant eye on them and promptly remove them from the oven as soon as their edges turn lightly golden, while their centers still appear slightly pale. They will continue to firm up and set as they cool on the residual heat of the baking sheet. Overbaking is the quickest and most common culprit for producing hard, dry cookies.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience truly is a virtue in this final stage! Ensure your cookies are entirely cool to the touch before attempting to apply any frosting. Applying frosting to warm cookies will inevitably cause the frosting to melt, resulting in an aesthetically messy rather than a beautifully finished result.
Storage and Freshness Tips for Your Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
To preserve the exquisite flavor and delightful freshness of your festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies, ensuring they taste as good as the moment they emerged from the oven, proper storage techniques are absolutely crucial. Here’s how to meticulously store them to maintain their perfection for an extended period:
- Refrigeration for Cream Cheese Frosting: Given that these delectable cookies are sumptuously topped with a cream cheese frosting, it is imperative that any leftover cookies are stored in the refrigerator. Place them diligently in an airtight container to effectively prevent them from drying out or, worse, absorbing any undesirable odors from other foods. When stored correctly, they will retain their freshness and delightful taste for a generous period of up to 4 days.
- Prevent Sticking with Wax Paper: To safeguard your exquisitely frosted cookies from adhering to one another, particularly if you plan to stack them, strategically place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper between each individual layer of cookies within your airtight container. This simple yet effective measure provides crucial protection for the delicate frosting and ensures that your cookies remain visually appealing upon serving.
- Ensure Frosting is Fully Set: Before committing your cookies to storage, it is essential to confirm that the frosting has completely set and dried to a firm touch. This setting period might necessitate a little extra time after decorating, especially if your kitchen environment is particularly humid. A frosting that is adequately firm will prevent any smudging or sticking when the cookies are stacked.
- Freezing Unfrosted Cookies for Extended Storage: For options extending beyond immediate enjoyment, both unfrosted sugar cookie dough and baked, unfrosted cookies can be successfully frozen for longer preservation.
- Freezing Cookie Dough: For future baking sessions, wrap the raw cookie dough tightly in multiple layers of plastic wrap, followed by a secure layer of aluminum foil. This well-wrapped dough can be safely frozen for an impressive duration of up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight before rolling and cutting.
- Freezing Baked Cookies (Unfrosted): Once your cookies are baked and have cooled down completely to room temperature, arrange the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until they are solid. Subsequently, transfer these frozen cookies to an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag, diligently separating each layer with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Always allow them to thaw thoroughly at room temperature before proceeding with frosting.
- Optimal Serving Temperature: While stored in the refrigerator, it is common for cream cheese frosting to firm up considerably. For the most delightful taste and tender texture, we highly recommend allowing the cookies to gradually return to room temperature for approximately 15-30 minutes before serving them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Q: Can I use different cookie cutter shapes for this recipe?
- A: Absolutely! While Christmas tree shapes are wonderfully festive for the holiday season, this highly versatile sugar cookie dough performs perfectly with virtually any cookie cutter shape you might desire. Stars, bells, classic gingerbread men, or even simple circles would yield equally delightful results. Just remember to make slight adjustments to the baking time for larger or smaller shapes to ensure optimal doneness.
- Q: Why are my sugar cookies spreading excessively during baking?
- A: Several common factors can contribute to cookies spreading more than desired. Firstly, ensure your butter is not overly soft (it should still feel cool to the touch but yield a slight indentation with gentle pressure). Secondly, chilling your dough for a minimum of 30 minutes, or ideally up to an hour, before rolling and baking is highly recommended, as cold dough is significantly better at retaining its shape. Thirdly, verify that your oven temperature is accurate – an oven that is too cool can unfortunately cause cookies to spread prematurely. Lastly, always avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- Q: How can I achieve a perfectly smooth and lump-free cream cheese frosting?
- A: The paramount secret to a smooth, lump-free frosting lies in starting with truly softened (room temperature) cream cheese and butter. Beat them together meticulously until they are completely smooth and uniform before incorporating any powdered sugar. Additionally, thoroughly sifting your powdered sugar is crucial for removing any potential lumps before it’s mixed in. If, despite these efforts, your frosting still appears lumpy, continue beating it for an extended period, or very gently warm it over a double boiler for just a few seconds (being extremely careful not to melt it).
- Q: Is it possible to prepare the cookie dough in advance?
- A: Yes, absolutely! You can conveniently prepare the cookie dough up to 2-3 days ahead of time. Simply wrap it very tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to proceed with baking, allow it to sit at room temperature for approximately 15-20 minutes to soften slightly, making it much easier to roll out.
- Q: What is the most effective method for piping frosting onto the cookies?
- A: For achieving clean, consistent, and professional-looking designs, the best approach is to utilize a piping bag fitted with a suitable tip. A star tip (such as Wilton 1M or 21) is excellent for creating beautiful swirls that elegantly mimic tree branches. A round tip can be effectively employed for smooth, even coverage, while a leaf tip can produce charming ruffled edges that add texture. If you’re new to piping, it’s always a good idea to practice on a piece of parchment paper first to get accustomed to the pressure and movement required.
More Festive Christmas Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
If your enthusiasm for holiday baking remains strong after creating these delightful Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies, we are thrilled to offer an abundance of other scrumptious ideas to generously fill your cookie platters and thoroughly satisfy your sweet tooth throughout the festive season:
- Christmas Pinwheel Cookies: These are fun, visually appealing swirled cookies that are equally beautiful and delicious, making them a festive treat.
- Christmas Cowboy Cookies: Hearty and incredibly satisfying, these cookies are generously packed with wholesome oats, rich chocolate chips, and other festive flavors, perfect for a cozy holiday treat.
- Classic Christmas Cut-Out Sugar Cookies: A timeless and traditional favorite, these cookies are specifically designed to be perfect for all your creative decorating endeavors.
- Easy Grinch Cookies Recipe: These vibrant green cookies are sure to charm everyone and, perhaps, even make their hearts grow three sizes, just like the Grinch!
- Delightful Eggnog Cookies: Expertly infused with the rich, creamy, and distinct flavor of classic holiday eggnog, these cookies are a true seasonal indulgence.
- Charming Christmas Light Cookies: Ingeniously creative and wonderfully colorful, these unique cookies are guaranteed to literally light up any dessert table or holiday spread.
We sincerely hope you thoroughly enjoy the process of making these absolutely delightful Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies, complete with their creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting. Now, it’s truly your turn to embark on creating some unforgettable magic in your kitchen this holiday season! Once you have had the pleasure of trying out this recipe, we warmly invite you to return and graciously leave a star rating and share your wonderful experience in a comment. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with sweetness and joy!
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Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
FOR THE COOKIES:
- 2 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
- 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
- 1/4 cup Butter softened
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Green Gel Food Coloring
- Sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
FOR THE COOKIES:
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Then set aside.
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In a separate bowl, beat together the butter with the sugar until creamy and light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time until combined. Then add in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing.
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Slowly add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to over mix.
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Divide the cookie dough into 2-3 balls.
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Roll out each of the dough balls onto a lightly floured surface until the dough is approximately ¼ inch thick. Then use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Continue this process until all the dough is formed into the cookies.
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Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a metal spatula move the cut cookies to the parchment lined cookie sheet.
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Bake for 7-8 minutes until the cookies are lightly browned around the edges (just a slight change of color).
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Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes and then carefully move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. (About 10 minutes).
FOR THE FROSTING:
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In a large mixing bowl beat together the cream cheese and butter until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Then add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until all the ingredients are combined.
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Then increase the speed and beat until the frosting is smoothed. Add in the green gel food coloring and mix until the frosting is the color of green that you prefer.
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Place the frosting in a piping bag fitted with either a star tip, ribbon tip or leaf/petal tip.
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Decorate each of the tree cookies with the green frosting and top with the sprinkles to resemble ornaments on the trees.
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Then the cookies are ready to serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Make sure that all the ingredients are at room temperature before preparing the cookies.
Be careful not to over mix the cookie dough as this could cause tough and dense cookies.