During the holiday season, few things evoke the warmth and cheer of Christmas quite like the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air. Among the many delightful treats that grace our kitchens this time of year, the Christmas tree sugar cookie stands out as a classic favorite, a tradition that has been passed down through generations, bringing families and friends together in the spirit of celebration.
The allure of the Christmas tree sugar cookie lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its charming appearance. Shaped like a festive evergreen, these cookies are a visual delight, adding a touch of holiday magic to any table. Whether adorned with colorful icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter, they are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
One of the things that makes this recipe so special is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create these mouthwatering cookies in the comfort of your own home. The dough is easy to work with, and the shaping process is a fun and creative activity that the whole family can enjoy. Plus, the recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences, allowing you to add your own personal touch to each batch.
To start, gather your ingredients. You will need all - purpose flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, an egg, and vanilla extract. The combination of these simple ingredients creates a tender and buttery cookie base that is perfect for holding up to the decorations. Begin by creaming the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter texture.
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to over - mix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Once the dough is ready, divide it in half and flatten each half into a disk. Wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour or until firm. This chilling step is important as it makes the dough easier to roll out and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
When the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks to about 1/4 - inch thickness. Use a Christmas tree - shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch of space between each cookie.
Bake the cookies for 8 - 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now comes the fun part - decorating! You can use a variety of icing and toppings to make your Christmas tree sugar cookies look as festive as possible. Royal icing is a popular choice, as it dries hard and is perfect for creating detailed designs. You can also use buttercream icing, which is softer and creamier. Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or candy to add some extra sparkle and flavor.
These Christmas tree sugar cookies are not just a delicious treat; they are a symbol of the holiday season. They bring back memories of Christmases past and create new ones for the future. Whether you are sharing them with loved ones, giving them as gifts, or simply enjoying them on your own, they are sure to add a touch of sweetness to your holiday celebrations.
So, this Christmas, why not try your hand at making these classic Christmas tree sugar cookies? It's a fun and rewarding activity that the whole family can enjoy. And who knows, you might just start a new tradition that will be passed down through your family for generations to come.