Bring a touch of magic to your holiday celebrations with these enchanting Stacked Sugar Cookie Christmas Trees. Each tree is crafted from buttery sugar cookies, delicately decorated with green royal icing and festive sprinkles. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, they look just like snow-dusted trees straight out of a winter wonderland.
Not only are these cookies a treat for the taste buds, but they also make a beautiful centerpiece for your dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a cozy baking day with family, these festive cookie trees are sure to add a sparkle of joy to the season.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Green royal icing
- Sprinkles or edible glitter for decoration
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to form a soft dough.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use star-shaped cookie cutters in various sizes to cut out cookies.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely.
- Use green royal icing to layer and stack the cookies from largest to smallest, creating a Christmas tree shape.
- Decorate the trees with sprinkles or edible glitter. Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 160 kcal (per cookie tree) | Servings: 12 cookie trees
History and Inspiration
Stacked sugar cookie Christmas trees are inspired by the classic tradition of holiday baking, where cookies often double as decorative and edible delights. These festive treats originated from the concept of creating layered desserts that resemble miniature Christmas trees, a centerpiece symbolizing holiday joy and togetherness. The use of royal icing to “glue” the layers together reflects traditional cookie decorating methods, making this recipe both timeless and creative.
Cooking Tips
- Dough Consistency: Ensure your cookie dough is firm but pliable. If it feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 20–30 minutes before rolling. This will make it easier to cut clean shapes with cookie cutters.
- Uniform Thickness: Roll out the dough evenly to ensure all cookies bake at the same rate. Use rolling pin rings or guides if needed.
- Royal Icing Texture: For stacking, the icing should be thick but spreadable to act as glue. Avoid runny icing, as it won’t hold the layers securely.
Variations
- Flavor Twists: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the cookie dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Colorful Trees: Experiment with different shades of green or other festive colors for the royal icing.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix to make these treats suitable for more guests.
Serving Suggestions
- These cookie trees are not only a dessert but also a decorative element for your holiday table. Serve them on a festive platter with sprigs of pine or red berries for added visual appeal.
- Pair them with a glass of warm milk, hot chocolate, or mulled wine for a complete holiday treat.
Storage Instructions
- Store fully assembled cookie trees in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- If you plan to prepare them ahead, bake the cookies and prepare the icing separately, then assemble the trees closer to the event for optimal freshness.
Fun Facts
- Sugar cookies are believed to have originated in the 1700s in Pennsylvania, USA, where German settlers created simple, sweet biscuits that evolved into the modern sugar cookie.
- Christmas trees themselves date back to 16th-century Germany, making this cookie design a delightful nod to historical traditions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These stacked sugar cookie Christmas trees are the perfect combination of fun, festive, and delicious. Not only do they taste incredible with their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, but they’re also a creative holiday activity that’s perfect for all ages. Whether you’re making these for a Christmas party, as a holiday gift, or just to enjoy at home, they’re bound to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Key Ingredients Explained
- Butter: The unsalted butter gives these cookies their signature rich flavor. Make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
- Almond Extract: A subtle almond note enhances the holiday feel of these cookies, but you can skip this or replace it with lemon extract for a citrusy twist.
- Royal Icing: This acts as both glue and decoration. Adjust the consistency as needed – thicker icing works best for assembling the cookie trees.
- Sprinkles and Edible Glitter: These add the magical, festive touch. Choose stars, snowflakes, or metallic pearls for added elegance.
Step-by-Step Decorating Tips
- Create the Perfect Tree Shape: Use at least three to four different-sized star cutters for a more defined tree shape. Start stacking with the largest at the bottom, angling each layer slightly for a fuller effect.
- Icing Piping Precision: Use a piping bag with a small round tip to add decorative details like garlands or dots to resemble ornaments.
- Snowy Finish: Dust the assembled trees with powdered sugar for a snow-dusted effect that enhances the holiday charm.
Make It Your Own
- Add Chocolate: Dip the base of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Themed Variations: Switch the green icing for red or blue and create themed trees, such as Candy Cane Forest (red and white) or Winter Wonderland (blue and silver).
- Personalized Edibles: Write family members’ names or festive greetings on the cookies using edible ink pens or piped royal icing.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
- Cookies Spreading While Baking: Ensure the dough is chilled for at least 15 minutes before cutting and baking. Warm dough can lead to misshapen cookies.
- Icing Too Runny: Add more powdered sugar to thicken royal icing if it doesn’t hold its shape.
- Cracked Cookies: Roll the dough evenly and avoid over-flouring the rolling surface, as this can dry out the dough.
Occasions to Serve
These Stacked Sugar Cookie Christmas Trees are ideal for:
- Holiday Gatherings: A stunning centerpiece for your dessert table.
- Christmas Gifts: Packaged individually in clear bags with festive ribbons.
- Baking Parties: An enjoyable group activity with kids, friends, or family.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie Tree)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
Cultural Significance
The tradition of baking sugar cookies during Christmas is deeply rooted in North America, where cookies have been used as both treats and ornaments. Stacking cookies to resemble a Christmas tree brings together the festive spirit of baking and decorating, creating a dessert that’s as much a work of art as it is a delicious treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cookies up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container. Assemble and decorate the trees closer to serving for the best presentation.
Q: How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Absolutely! Freeze the baked cookies (undecorated) for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
Conclusion
Stacked Sugar Cookie Christmas Trees are not just a delightful holiday dessert but also a wonderful way to bring people together during the festive season. Their buttery, sweet flavor and whimsical presentation make them an irresistible treat for all ages. Whether you’re creating them for a holiday party, gifting them to loved ones, or enjoying a cozy baking session with family, these cookies add a magical touch to the season.
With their simple ingredients, customizable decorations, and timeless appeal, these cookie trees are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition. Try them this year and experience the joy of turning a classic sugar cookie into a festive masterpiece!