Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these delightful Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies! My niece, Lily, always helps me decorate these cookies, and we end up with more icing on ourselves than on the cookies. These festive treats are not only fun to make but also perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re easy to make and decorate, making them perfect for kids.
- The vibrant colors of the royal icing make them a festive centerpiece.
- You can customize them with your favorite toppings and designs.
- They taste deliciously sweet and buttery, perfect for any holiday gathering.
Pure Comfort
Baking these Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies fills the kitchen with a warm, sweet aroma that instantly brings back childhood memories of holiday fun. Each bite is a reminder of cozy family gatherings and joyful celebrations.
What You Need
- 2 3/4 cups 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (330 g) – Sifted for a lighter texture.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the cookies rise.
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226 g) – Make sure it’s at room temperature.
- 1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 g) – Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- 1 large 1 large egg – Room temperature for better mixing.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract – For a lovely flavor.
- 3 cups 3 cups powdered sugar (360 g) – For royal icing.
- 2 large 2 large egg whites – Fresh for best results.
- As needed Food coloring – Choose your favorite festive colors.
Time to Cook
Prep: 30 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 40 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, cookies can be made a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly, so your cookies rise nicely.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and airy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined. The batter should be smooth and creamy at this point.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft dough.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies, placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; they can go from perfect to overdone quickly!
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating with royal icing. This step is crucial, as warm cookies can cause the icing to melt.
Make It Perfect
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s manageable.
- For easy cleanup, use a silicone baking mat instead of parchment paper.
- You can make the royal icing ahead of time; just store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
- If you want to make it a fun family activity, set up a decorating station with various toppings like sprinkles and edible glitter.
Mix It Up
- Try using almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a festive twist.
- Use different cookie cutters to create a variety of shapes for your holiday cookie platter.
Perfect Partners
- Hot cocoa pairs perfectly with these cookies.
- Serve them alongside a festive fruit platter.
- They make a great gift when packaged in a decorative box.
💡 For more recipes, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before baking.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are completely cooled before freezing.
What can I use instead of egg whites in royal icing?
You can use meringue powder mixed with water as a substitute.
How can I make my royal icing dry faster?
Use a fan to circulate air around the decorated cookies to speed up the drying process.
Conclusion
These Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Easy Royal Icing are sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. With a little creativity, you can create beautiful designs that will impress everyone. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and get baking!
Festive Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Easy Royal Icing
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Wire rack
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- cookie cutter
Ingredients
Main
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Sifted for a lighter texture
- 1 tsp baking powder Helps the cookies rise
- 1/2 tsp salt Balances the sweetness
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar Adds sweetness and helps with browning
- 1 large egg Room temperature for better mixing
- 1 tsp vanilla extract For a lovely flavor
- 3 cups powdered sugar For royal icing
- 2 large egg whites Fresh for best results
- Food coloring Choose your favorite festive colors
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure even baking.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Roll out the chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut out cookies with a tree-shaped cutter.
- Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool cookies on a wire rack before decorating with royal icing.