Elegant Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies

There’s something magical about the holidays, and what better way to celebrate than with Elegant Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies? These beautifully decorated sugar cookies are not only delicious but also a stunning addition to any holiday table. The soft, buttery cookie dough is shaped into elegant Christmas tree shapes, decorated with vibrant green icing and sparkling sugar, making them the perfect treat to share with friends and family or to give as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Sugar cookies are a holiday classic, but these elegant Christmas tree versions take them to the next level. The combination of crisp edges, a soft center, and a rich vanilla flavor makes each bite a festive indulgence. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, baking with the kids, or simply adding a bit of holiday cheer to your kitchen, these cookies are sure to become a favorite part of your seasonal traditions.

With their beautiful decorations and delicious flavor, these Elegant Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are the perfect way to spread joy and sweetness this holiday season. Get ready to bake up some holiday magic!

Elegant Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery sugar cookies shaped into festive Christmas trees and decorated with colorful icing and sparkling sugar. These cookies are easy to make but have an elegant presentation, making them perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with your loved ones.

The sugar cookies themselves are light and tender, with a rich vanilla flavor, while the decorations add a beautiful touch of holiday cheer. The vibrant green icing and sparkling sugar make these cookies as pretty as they are delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these cookies are a fun and festive treat to make with friends and family.

Exciting Story:

I first made these Elegant Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies a few years ago when I wanted to bake something special for my family’s Christmas gathering. I loved the idea of sugar cookies, but I wanted to elevate them and make them a bit more festive. That’s when I decided to shape them into Christmas trees and decorate them with bright green icing and glittering sugar—simple but so elegant!

When I shared them with my family, they were amazed not only by how pretty the cookies were but also by how delicious they tasted. The cookies were soft and buttery, with just the right amount of sweetness, and the decorations added that extra touch of holiday magic. Since then, they’ve become a Christmas tradition in our house, and we make them every year. It’s one of those recipes that bring people together and fills the house with the warmth of the holiday season.

I love how these cookies allow me to get creative with the decorations, and they’re always a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party or making them as a gift, these Elegant Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies will surely add a touch of festive elegance to any occasion.

Why This Elegant Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies:

• Festive and Beautiful: The Christmas tree shape and bright icing decorations make these cookies a stunning holiday treat.
• Delicious and Soft: The cookies are soft, buttery, and packed with rich vanilla flavor, making them a perfect holiday indulgence.
• Easy to Make: While they look fancy, the cookies themselves are simple to make and don’t require any complicated techniques.
• Fun for All Ages: Decorating these cookies is a fun activity for kids and adults alike, making it a great holiday tradition.
• Perfect for Gifting or Parties: These cookies are the ideal homemade gift or party treat, adding a touch of elegance to any event.

What You Need For Elegant Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies:

For the cookies:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)

For the decoration:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green food coloring
• Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional, for decoration)

How to Make Elegant Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies:

1. Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla (and almond extract, if using) and mix until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
2. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out and help the cookies hold their shape.
3. Roll out and cut the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out tree shapes, and place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets.
4. Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the icing: While the cookies are cooling, make the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add a few drops of green food coloring to achieve a vibrant green color for the tree icing.
6. Decorate the cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, use a small offset spatula or piping bag to decorate the cookies with the green icing, filling in the shape of the tree. You can use additional icing for tree details, or sprinkle edible glitter or sprinkles on top to make them look like they’re decorated with lights and ornaments.
7. Serve and enjoy: Allow the icing to set for a few minutes before serving, or pack the cookies up as festive gifts. Enjoy these delicious, elegant holiday treats!

Tips for Elegant Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies:

• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is essential for shaping the cookies and helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Decorating: Use piping bags or squeeze bottles for more detailed and precise decoration, especially for intricate tree designs or ornaments.
• Sprinkles: To make your Christmas tree cookies extra festive, top them with colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or mini candy decorations.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free butter and non-dairy milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Other Cookie Shapes: While Christmas tree shapes are perfect for the holidays, you can use any festive cookie cutter you like—stars, snowflakes, or reindeer are fun alternatives!

Make a Healthier Version:

• Lower-Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the dough and icing, or use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit.
• Whole Wheat: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a more wholesome, fiber-rich version of these cookies.
• Lighter Icing: For a lighter icing, use Greek yogurt or a lighter powdered sugar substitute for a reduced-calorie version.

Closing for Elegant Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies:

And there you have it! These Elegant Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are the perfect way to add a little holiday cheer to your festivities. With their buttery, soft texture and beautiful decorations, they’re sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re sharing them with family, giving them as gifts, or enjoying them yourself, these cookies will bring a smile to everyone’s face. Let us know how they turn out, and be sure to check out more of our festive dessert recipes for even more holiday inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions For Elegant Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies:

1. How long will these cookies last?
   These cookies will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
2. Can I freeze these cookies?
   Yes! You can freeze the cookies after baking and cooling. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Decorate them once they are thawed.
3. Can I use a different shape besides a Christmas tree?
   Absolutely! You can use any holiday-themed cookie cutter, such as stars, snowflakes, or gingerbread shapes.
4. Can I use store-bought icing?
   Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought icing, but homemade icing will give the cookies a more authentic flavor.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
6. Can I add sprinkles to the icing?
   Yes, sprinkles, edible glitter, or mini candies are a great way to make these cookies more festive and fun.
7. How do I make sure my cookies keep their shape while baking?
   Make sure to chill the dough before baking, and use a sturdy cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
8. What other decorations can I use on the Christmas trees?
   You can use mini candy canes, small chocolate chips, or colorful candy-coated chocolates for the ornaments on your tree cookies.
9. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve or gift them.
10. Can I use a piping bag for the icing?
    Yes, using a piping bag allows for more detailed and precise decoration, especially when creating tree branches or other fine details.
11. Can I make these cookies vegan?
    Yes, substitute vegan butter and dairy-free milk, and use an egg replacer to make these cookies vegan.
12. Can I add different flavor extracts to the dough?
    Yes, you can add almond, lemon, or orange extracts for a unique flavor twist.

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These Elegant Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are the perfect holiday treat—beautiful, delicious, and fun to make! Enjoy spreading the holiday cheer with every bite!