The holiday season is always a perfect excuse to get in the kitchen and bake something sweet and festive. These Christmas tree sugar cookies are an absolute favorite for bringing holiday joy to your home. They’re simple enough even for beginner bakers and will fill your kitchen with that classic buttery, vanilla aroma that screams Christmas.
When you bake these Christmas tree sugar cookies, you can customize them with your favorite icing colors and sprinkles to create a fun and festive treat that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking with kids or making a batch for a holiday party, this recipe is sure to impress without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Easy to shape with classic Christmas tree cookie cutters.
- Soft, buttery texture with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Perfect for decorating with colorful icing and sprinkles.
- Great for gifting or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Gather these easy-to-find ingredients to make your festive sugar cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- Green food coloring (optional, for icing)
- Assorted sprinkles for decorating
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (for icing)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
How to Make Best Easy Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies for a Festive Treat
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with milk, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough portion to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn just golden. Let the cookies cool completely on wire racks.
- For the icing, whisk powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk and a few drops of green food coloring until smooth. Add more milk if needed for desired consistency. Decorate the cooled cookies with icing and sprinkles as you like.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best cookie texture.
- Chill the dough well before rolling to prevent spreading during baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal and clean-up.
- Customize the icing thickness by adjusting milk amount to pipe details or spread smoothly.
- Let iced cookies dry completely before stacking or storing to avoid smudging.
Storage and Reheating
Store your Christmas tree sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the un-iced cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
To freshen cookies after freezing, let them thaw at room temperature. If you prefer warm cookies, heat them in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes, but avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cookie cutter shape?
Absolutely! While Christmas tree shapes are festive, you can use any holiday or seasonal cookie cutter you like. Stars, snowflakes, or candy canes all work well with this sugar cookie dough.
How do I make the cookies crispier?
If you prefer crispier cookies, bake them a minute or two longer until edges are golden brown, but watch carefully to avoid burning. Also, rolling the dough thinner helps create crispier results.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it wrapped in the fridge. Alternatively, freeze the dough for up to 3 months and thaw before rolling and baking.
What if I don’t have green food coloring for the icing?
No worries! You can leave the icing white or use other festive colors like red or gold. Natural alternatives like matcha powder or spinach juice can also tint icing green if desired.
