There’s something magical about Christmas that makes even the Grinch want to bake cookies. Imagine a tray filled with delightful Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies, each layer adorned with colorful icing and sprinkles. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone abandon their holiday shopping just to grab a bite!
These cookies are not just festive in appearance; they pack a flavor punch that will have you dreaming of sugarplums long after the last cookie is gone. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights by the fire, or when you need a sweet pick-me-up during those chilly winter months.
Why You'll Love This Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
- This incredible Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies:
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any cookie recipe! Sift it well for light and fluffy cookies.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create that perfect chewy texture we all love.
- Baking Powder: This little leavening agent ensures your cookies rise beautifully like a well-decorated Christmas tree.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
- Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing and that rich buttery flavor!
- Eggs: These bind everything together and add moisture; use large eggs for the best results.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to your cookie dough—don’t skimp on this!
- Food Coloring: Use green food coloring for that classic tree look; feel free to get creative with other colors too!
- Royal Icing: Essential for decorating your stacked cookies; it hardens quickly and gives that stunning finish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick like an unwanted holiday guest.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside as if it’s waiting for its big debut!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy—about three minutes of vigorous mixing should do the trick. Add in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Mix until combined, but don’t overdo it! You want tender cookies, not tough ones.
Step 5: Color Your Dough
Split your dough into separate bowls depending on how many colors you wish to use. Add food coloring to each bowl until you reach your desired shade of holiday cheer!
Step 6: Shape Your Trees
Roll out each colored dough between two sheets of parchment paper until about a quarter-inch thick. Use tree-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookie shapes. Place them on your prepared baking sheets.
Transfer them carefully to the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them—they can go from perfectly baked to overdone faster than you can say “Jingle Bells!”
Finally, let them cool completely before decorating with royal icing and sprinkles galore! Stack them high like a true Christmas tree masterpiece.
Now gather friends and family around for some serious cookie stacking fun! And remember—no one said you have to share… but sharing is caring (especially when it comes to cookie joy). Enjoy your festive creations amidst laughter, stories, and maybe even a few crumbs along the way!
You Must Know About Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
- This showstopping Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Cooking Process
Start by baking the cookies first, allowing them to cool completely. While they cool, prepare your frosting for decorating. Assemble the cookies in a tree shape, securing each layer with frosting as you go along.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to swap out vanilla extract for almond or peppermint for a festive twist! You can also add sprinkles or edible glitter between layers, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal. Get creative with your favorite cookie flavors too!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you need to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds to regain that warm, soft texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
- This professional-quality Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Baking these cookies reminds me of a holiday gathering where my niece insisted on “helping.” Let’s just say flour flew everywhere, but her giggles made it worth every mess!
FAQs
What are Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies?
Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies are delightful festive treats that resemble a decorated Christmas tree. These cookies are typically made from sugar cookie dough, which is shaped into layered circles to create the tree effect. Once baked, they are stacked and often adorned with colorful icing and edible decorations for a cheerful presentation. These cookies not only taste delicious but also make wonderful holiday gifts or party favors. Perfect for family gatherings or cookie exchanges, Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies bring joy and sweetness to any festive occasion.
How do you make Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies?
To make Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies, start by preparing your favorite sugar cookie dough. Roll out the dough and use various sized round cookie cutters to create layers for your tree. Bake these cookies until golden brown and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, stack the cookies in decreasing size, from largest at the bottom to smallest at the top. Decorate each layer with frosting, sprinkles, or edible glitter to enhance their festive look. The process is simple yet fun, making it an enjoyable activity for all ages during the holiday season.
Can I customize my Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies?
Absolutely! Customizing your Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies is part of the fun. You can experiment with different flavors by adding vanilla, almond extract, or even chocolate chips to your dough. For decoration, use colored icing, different types of sprinkles, or even edible glitter to give each tree a unique appearance. Consider adding themed toppers like stars or candy canes for an extra festive touch. By personalizing these cookies, you can create something special that reflects your style while sharing the holiday spirit.
How long do Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies stay fresh?
Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies can stay fresh for about one week when stored properly. To maintain their flavor and texture, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them without the decorations; this way, you can frost them later before serving. When stored in the freezer, these cookies can last up to three months! Just remember to thaw them thoroughly before decorating and enjoying them during your holiday celebrations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. They are easy to make and offer endless opportunities for customization, making them perfect for family gatherings or gifting. These charming cookies not only taste great but also bring a festive spirit to your table with their vibrant decorations. Whether you’re baking alone or with loved ones, creating Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies will surely become a cherished tradition during the holiday season. Enjoy making these sweet treats and sharing them with friends and family!
Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Bring festive cheer to your holiday celebrations with Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies! These vibrant, layered cookies not only look stunning but also deliver a delightful taste of sweetness and buttery goodness. Perfect for decorating with family and friends, they are an ideal treat for gatherings, cookie exchanges, or gifting. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these cookies will surely become a cherished holiday tradition!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Green food coloring (as needed)
- Royal icing (for decorating)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until combined; do not overmix.
- Divide dough into portions, adding green food coloring to one portion. Roll out dough between parchment paper and cut out tree shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place on prepared sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely before decorating with royal icing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
