The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the magic of decorating the Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace, and indulging in sweet treats that bring joy to our hearts and bellies. Speaking of sweet treats, have you ever thought of creating Christmas tree desserts that are almost too beautiful to eat? Almost. In this article, we'll explore 7 Christmas tree desserts to make this season that are sure to impress your friends and family.
From classic sugar cookies to innovative matcha and white chocolate creations, these desserts are designed to capture the essence of the holiday season. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to inspire you to create something truly special.
1. Classic Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
There's something undeniably nostalgic about sugar cookies, especially during the holiday season. These classic Christmas tree sugar cookies are a staple for any holiday gathering, and for good reason. They're easy to make, customizable with your favorite frosting and decorations, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
To make these cookies, you'll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating
Simply combine the dry ingredients in one bowl, and the wet ingredients in another. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Roll out the dough, cut into tree shapes, and bake until golden. Allow to cool before decorating.
Tips for Decorating:
- Use royal icing or a simple powdered sugar glaze to create a smooth, even surface for decorating.
- Experiment with different piping techniques, such as stripes or dots, to create a unique design.
- Don't be afraid to get creative with your decorations – use sprinkles, nonpareils, or even edible glitter to make your cookies shine!
2. Matcha and White Chocolate Christmas Tree Mousse
If you're looking for a dessert that's a little more unexpected, this matcha and white chocolate Christmas tree mousse is sure to impress. The subtle bitterness of the matcha pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the white chocolate, creating a truly unique flavor combination.
To make this mousse, you'll need:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Simply whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, matcha powder, and white chocolate chips. Heat in the microwave until smooth, then stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Fold the whipped cream into the matcha mixture until combined, then spoon into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe onto a serving dish or individual cups to create a Christmas tree shape.
Tips for Piping:
- Use a large star tip to create a festive, tree-like design.
- Experiment with different piping techniques, such as rosettes or borders, to add texture and interest to your design.
- Don't be afraid to get creative with your piping – use different colors or flavors to create a unique design!
3. Chocolate Dipped Christmas Tree Pretzels
Who says Christmas tree desserts have to be sweet? These chocolate dipped Christmas tree pretzels are the perfect combination of salty and sweet, and are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
To make these pretzels, you'll need:
- 1 bag pretzel rods
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes or sprinkles for decorating
Simply melt the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, then stir in the peppermint extract. Dip each pretzel rod into the chocolate mixture, coating about 2/3 of the pretzel. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then refrigerate until set. Melt the white chocolate chips in a separate microwave-safe bowl, then drizzle over the pretzels to create a tree-like design. Decorate with crushed candy canes or sprinkles.
Tips for Decorating:
- Use crushed candy canes or sprinkles to create a festive, tree-like design.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate or flavor combinations to create a unique taste experience.
- Don't be afraid to get creative with your decorating – use edible glitter, nonpareils, or even chopped nuts to add texture and interest!
4. Coconut Macaroon Christmas Tree Cookies
These coconut macaroon Christmas tree cookies are a delicious and chewy treat that's perfect for the holiday season. The combination of sweet coconut and crunchy macaroon is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
To make these cookies, you'll need:
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating
Simply combine the coconut, sugar, and butter in a bowl, then mix until well combined. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, then stir in the colored sugar or sprinkles. Scoop into balls, then flatten slightly into a disk shape. Bake until lightly golden, then allow to cool.
Tips for Decorating:
- Use colored sugar or sprinkles to create a festive, tree-like design.
- Experiment with different types of coconut or flavor combinations to create a unique taste experience.
- Don't be afraid to get creative with your decorating – use edible glitter, nonpareils, or even chopped nuts to add texture and interest!
5. Peppermint Bark Christmas Tree
This peppermint bark Christmas tree is a simple yet elegant dessert that's perfect for the holiday season. The combination of dark chocolate, peppermint, and crushed candy canes is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
To make this bark, you'll need:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/4 cup chopped peppermint candies
Simply melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, then stir in the peppermint extract. Spread onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then refrigerate until set. Melt the white chocolate chips in a separate microwave-safe bowl, then drizzle over the dark chocolate to create a tree-like design. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes and chopped peppermint candies.
Tips for Decorating:
- Use crushed candy canes or sprinkles to create a festive, tree-like design.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate or flavor combinations to create a unique taste experience.
- Don't be afraid to get creative with your decorating – use edible glitter, nonpareils, or even chopped nuts to add texture and interest!
6. Candy Cane Christmas Tree Fudge
This candy cane Christmas tree fudge is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that's perfect for the holiday season. The combination of sweet cream cheese, melted chocolate, and crushed candy canes is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
To make this fudge, you'll need:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
Simply combine the cream cheese, sugar, and butter in a bowl, then mix until well combined. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, then stir in the crushed candy canes. Pour into a lined or greased 9x9 inch baking dish, then refrigerate until set. Cut into a Christmas tree shape, then serve.
Tips for Decorating:
- Use crushed candy canes or sprinkles to create a festive, tree-like design.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate or flavor combinations to create a unique taste experience.
- Don't be afraid to get creative with your decorating – use edible glitter, nonpareils, or even chopped nuts to add texture and interest!
7. Gingerbread Christmas Tree Trifle
This gingerbread Christmas tree trifle is a show-stopping dessert that's perfect for the holiday season. The combination of moist gingerbread cake, creamy whipped cream, and sweet caramel sauce is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
To make this trifle, you'll need:
- 1 package gingerbread cake mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Simply bake the gingerbread cake according to the package instructions, then allow to cool. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then set aside. Combine the sugar, butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl, then mix until well combined. Spoon the whipped cream over the gingerbread cake, then drizzle with caramel sauce. Create a Christmas tree shape using the gingerbread cake and whipped cream, then serve.
Tips for Assembling:
- Use a large serving dish or individual cups to create a festive, tree-like design.
- Experiment with different types of cake or flavor combinations to create a unique taste experience.
- Don't be afraid to get creative with your decorating – use edible glitter, nonpareils, or even chopped nuts to add texture and interest!
We hope these 7 Christmas tree desserts have inspired you to create something truly special this holiday season. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to bring joy and cheer to your loved ones. So go ahead, get creative, and make this holiday season one to remember!
What is the easiest Christmas tree dessert to make?
+The easiest Christmas tree dessert to make is probably the peppermint bark Christmas tree. It requires only a few ingredients, including dark chocolate, white chocolate, and crushed candy canes, and can be made in just a few minutes.
What is the most popular Christmas tree dessert?
+The most popular Christmas tree dessert is probably the gingerbread Christmas tree trifle. It's a classic holiday dessert that combines the flavors of gingerbread, whipped cream, and caramel sauce in a show-stopping display.
Can I make Christmas tree desserts ahead of time?
+Yes, many Christmas tree desserts can be made ahead of time. However, it's best to assemble the desserts just before serving to ensure that they remain fresh and flavorful. Some desserts, such as the peppermint bark Christmas tree, can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container.