Stunning Iced Christmas Cookies

Iced Christmas Trees: Festive Cookie Art

Sprinkle a touch of NYC magic on your holiday baking with these gorgeous Christmas tree cookies, hand-decorated by renowned artist Grace Gaylord. Explore creative shapes, colors, and royal icing finishes that make every cookie a showpiece—perfect for parties, gifts, or your next viral Pinterest post!

Prep Time: 35 min
Decorating Time: 60 min
Total Time: 1 hour 35 min

Ingredients

• 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Royal Icing

• 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar
• 2–3 Tablespoons meringue powder
• 5–6 Tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla or almond extract
• Gel food coloring (various holiday colors)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix Dough: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then blend in egg and extracts. Add dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
   • Pro Tip: Use cool, not warm, butter for best texture.
2. Shape & Bake: Roll dough 1/4-inch thick on floured parchment. Cut out tree shapes using cookie cutters. Arrange on baking sheets, bake at 350°F (177°C) for 11–12 minutes until just golden. Cool completely.
3. Prepare Icing: Combine confectioners’ sugar, meringue powder, water, and extracts. Mix to thick, pipeable consistency. Divide and color your icing in small bowls.
   • Pro Tip: Use gel colors for vibrant, Pinterest-ready hues!
4. Decorate Trees: Pipe outlines; flood the center with thinned icing. Add ornaments, garland, snowy tips, and creative patterns with different colors and piping tips. Use a scribe or toothpick for fine details. Let cookies dry 8–12 hours.
5. Display & Share: Arrange cookies on a platter, box for gifting, or photograph for Pinterest. Tag #gracegaylord or #thegracefulbaker for a chance to be featured!

Pro Tips

• Store cookies in airtight containers up to 7 days.
• Freeze decorated cookies up to 2 months, single-layered with parchment.
• Experiment with metallic sprinkles, edible glitter, and textured piping for the most striking designs.

Nutrition Info

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary. Consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Iced Christmas Trees

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• Author: carlosramirez
• Total Time: 95 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Festive cookie art that adds NYC magic to your holiday baking with gorgeous Christmas tree cookies, perfect for parties and gifts.

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Ingredients

• 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar (for royal icing)
• 2–3 Tablespoons meringue powder
• 5–6 Tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla or almond extract (for royal icing)
• Gel food coloring (various holiday colors)

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Instructions

1. Mix Dough: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then blend in egg and extracts. Add dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Shape & Bake: Roll dough 1/4-inch thick on floured parchment. Cut out tree shapes using cookie cutters. Arrange on baking sheets, bake at 350°F (177°C) for 11–12 minutes until just golden. Cool completely.
3. Prepare Icing: Combine confectioners’ sugar, meringue powder, water, and extracts. Mix to thick, pipeable consistency. Divide and color your icing in small bowls.
4. Decorate Trees: Pipe outlines; flood the center with thinned icing. Add ornaments, garland, snowy tips, and creative patterns with different colors and piping tips. Use a scribe or toothpick for fine details. Let cookies dry 8–12 hours.
5. Display & Share: Arrange cookies on a platter, box for gifting, or photograph for Pinterest.

Notes

Store cookies in airtight containers up to 7 days. Freeze decorated cookies up to 2 months, single-layered with parchment. Experiment with metallic sprinkles, edible glitter, and textured piping for striking designs.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American