Description
Festive cookie art that adds NYC magic to your holiday baking with gorgeous Christmas tree cookies, perfect for parties and gifts.
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Icing: Combine confectioners’ sugar, meringue powder, water, and extracts. Mix to thick, pipeable consistency. Divide and color your icing in small bowls.
- 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.
- 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