Get Ready for the Merriest Treats: Xmas Tree Cookies!
The holiday season is here, and what better way to spread cheer than with a batch of delicious Xmas tree cookies? These sweet treats are perfect for decorating the house, gift-giving, or simply snacking on while enjoying the festive atmosphere. In this article, we’ll show you 7 easy ways to make Xmas tree cookies that are sure to impress friends and family.
Method 1: Classic Sugar Cookie Cutouts
The simplest way to make Xmas tree cookies is to use classic sugar cookie dough and a tree-shaped cookie cutter. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1⁄4 inch thickness. Use your tree-shaped cookie cutter to create the desired shape. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
🎄 Note: To make the cookies more festive, you can use colored sugar or sprinkles to decorate them before baking.
Method 2: Shortbread Tree Cookies
For a more buttery and crumbly cookie, try making shortbread tree cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1⁄2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
- 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour, salt, and vanilla extract, and mix until a dough forms. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1⁄4 inch thickness. Use your tree-shaped cookie cutter to create the desired shape. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Method 3: Gingerbread Tree Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1⁄2 tsp ground ginger
- 1⁄2 tsp ground cloves
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3⁄4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1⁄4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Water as needed
- Royal icing for decorating
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and mix until a dough forms. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1⁄4 inch thickness. Use your tree-shaped cookie cutter to create the desired shape. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
🎄 Note: To make the cookies more festive, you can use royal icing to decorate them after they've cooled.
Method 4: Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut butter blossoms are a delicious and easy-to-make cookie that’s perfect for the holiday season. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- Hershey’s Kisses for decorating
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Cream the peanut butter and butter until smooth. Beat in the sugar and egg until well combined. Roll the dough into balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie immediately after baking.
Method 5: Linzer Tree Cookies
Linzer cookies are a classic Austrian cookie that’s perfect for the holiday season. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1⁄2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Raspberry jam for filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Whisk together the flour and confectioners’ sugar. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1⁄4 inch thickness. Use your tree-shaped cookie cutter to create the desired shape. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Fill with raspberry jam after the cookies have cooled.
Method 6: Chocolate Crinkle Tree Cookies
Chocolate crinkle cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make cookie that’s perfect for the holiday season. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3⁄4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the chocolate chips, eggs, and vanilla extract. Roll the dough into balls and then roll in confectioners’ sugar to coat. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Method 7: Snickerdoodle Tree Cookies
Snickerdoodle cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make cookie that’s perfect for the holiday season. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3⁄4 cups white granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 Tbsp cinnamon sugar
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Roll the dough into balls and then roll in cinnamon sugar to coat. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
In conclusion, making Xmas tree cookies is a fun and easy way to get into the holiday spirit. With these 7 easy methods, you can create delicious and festive cookies that are perfect for decorating, gift-giving, or simply snacking on. So go ahead, get baking, and spread some holiday cheer!
What is the best way to store Xmas tree cookies?
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Xmas tree cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature when needed.
Can I make Xmas tree cookies ahead of time?
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Yes, you can make Xmas tree cookies ahead of time. Simply bake and cool the cookies, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
What is the best way to decorate Xmas tree cookies?
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There are many ways to decorate Xmas tree cookies, including using royal icing, sprinkles, colored sugar, and more. You can also use a combination of these decorations to create a unique and festive look.
