Christmas Tree Cookies

When the holiday season rolls around, many of us find ourselves thinking about sweet treats baked in cozy kitchens. One delightful option is Christmas Tree Cookies. These festive bites not only taste amazing, but they also bring a sense of joy and cheer, perfect for getting everyone involved in the holiday spirit. Imagine the kids giggling as they decorate their own tree-shaped cookies, while adults sip hot cocoa nearby, reminiscing about their own childhood holiday memories. With rich chocolate flavors and colorful icing, these cookies will surely become a favorite in your home. So, grab your aprons, and let’s get to baking these beautiful Christmas Tree Cookies!

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Why This Recipe Works

The balance of rich cocoa and sweet cane sugar creates a decadent cookie base, perfect for holiday celebrations. The use of high-quality organic ingredients enhances the flavor profile, ensuring that each bite is both delicious and festive. The cookie dough’s resting period allows the flavors to meld, while the melting butter delivers an incredibly tender texture, ensuring that these Christmas Tree Cookies will be a hit at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Tree Cookies

These Christmas Tree Cookies are not just visually stunning; they are a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds! Perfectly decorated with vibrant icing and sprinkles, they embody the holiday spirit while delivering a rich chocolate flavor. The fun of decorating your own cookies makes them an engaging activity for families, ensuring they become a cherished tradition year after year.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1 TBSP Cornstarch
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 3/4 cup Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar from Wholesome
• 2 TBSP Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Light Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 1 Egg yolk, room temperature
• 1 cup Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Powdered Confectioners Sugar, sifted
• 1-2 TBSP Milk
• Green, brown, and yellow food dye

Making the Chocolate Cookies

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1 TBSP cornstarch. Set this mixture aside as it will be combined later.

Beat the Butter and Sugars

Now, in a separate bowl, use a mixer to beat 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of regenerative organic cane sugar, and 2 TBSP of light brown sugar on high speed for about 2 minutes until fluffy. The air whipped into the butter will create a light texture.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, add 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract and 1 egg yolk to the butter mixture. Mix on medium speed until everything is fully incorporated. That heavenly aroma of vanilla will fill your kitchen!

Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as we want our cookies to remain tender.

Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Allow the dough to rest for about 10 minutes, which helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Scoop and Roll the Cookies

Using a small cookie scoop, scoop up dough and roll each ball in additional cane sugar for a sweet outer layer. Place 12 cookie dough balls per cookie sheet for even baking.

Bake the Cookies

When your oven is ready, bake one sheet at a time for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. After baking, let the cookies cool on the hot pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. The smell of freshly baked cookies is simply irresistible!

Making the Vanilla Icing

Sift the Powdered Sugar

In a medium bowl, sift 1 cup of powdered sugar. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth icing without any lumps.

Mix the Icing Ingredients

Next, add 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract and 1 TBSP of milk to the powdered sugar. Whisk until you reach a thick consistency; this will be perfect for decorating your cookies.

Color the Icing

Divide the icing into three bowls, tinting each with green, brown, and yellow food dye. Pour the icing into piping bags, cutting the ends for easier decorating. Your colors will be vibrant and festive, ready to bring these cookies to life!

Decorating the Christmas Trees

Pipe the Tree Icing

Using the green icing, pipe the tree shape by moving in a gentle back-and-forth motion. This will create the classic evergreen look.

Add the Trunk and Star

Next, with the brown icing, create a tree trunk at the bottom. Use yellow icing to pipe a star right at the top of each tree. How cute are they turning out?

Optional Garnish

For an extra festive touch, you can top each tree with white nonpareil sprinkles. These tiny dots will mimic snow and add a fun crunch.

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas Tree Cookies can be served warm or at room temperature, making them the perfect treat for gatherings. Pair them with a glass of milk or a warm mug of cocoa for a cozy experience, making memories with loved ones while savoring every bite.

Tips for Success

• Allow the butter to cool before mixing to help maintain the right texture in your cookies.
• Sifting the powdered sugar avoids lumps in your icing, ensuring a smooth, professional look.
• Using fresh food dye will ensure vibrant colors that catch the eye.

Variations

• If you’d like a festive twist, try adding peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing flavor.
• For a different texture, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour. It adds a delightful nuttiness!

Storage Tips

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’re looking for longer preservation, freeze un-decorated cookies for up to three months; they will taste as good as fresh when you pull them out.

FAQs

1. Can I use different colors for the icing?
Yes! Feel free to customize your icing colors to match your holiday decor or personal taste.

2. Can I use a cookie cutter instead of scooping?
Absolutely! Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter for cute, even shapes.

3. Are these cookies suitable for gift-giving?
Definitely! Package them nicely in festive tins or bags; they make for sweet holiday gifts.

4. Can I use a substitute for the egg yolk?
Yes, you can use a flax egg or applesauce as a vegan alternative, which works perfectly.

5. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and you can enjoy these delicious cookies too!

These delightful Christmas Tree Cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate the season with loved ones. Gather the family, decorate these cute cookies, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s for a holiday party or a quiet evening at home, these cookies will bring joy to every bite!

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