The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the spirit than with a classic Christmas treat: stacked cookies shaped like mini Christmas trees! These adorable cookies are perfect for decorating your holiday table, exchanging as gifts, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of hot cocoa.
Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this Christmas tree stacked cookies recipe is sure to delight. With a few simple ingredients and some creative decorating ideas, you'll be on your way to creating a festive holiday treat that's almost too cute to eat.
Christmas Tree Stacked Cookies Recipe
To make these Christmas tree stacked cookies, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut out triangles of various sizes. You'll need three triangles of different sizes to create each tree.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they're lightly golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assembling the Christmas Tree Stacked Cookies
Once the cookies are cool, it's time to assemble the trees. Start with the largest triangle as the base, then stack the middle-sized triangle on top, and finally the smallest triangle.
To "glue" the cookies together, you can use a small amount of royal icing or melted chocolate. If you're feeling extra fancy, you can also use a dab of frosting to attach a small star or sprinkle to the top of each tree.
Christmas Tree Stacked Cookies Decorating Ideas
The fun part of making Christmas tree stacked cookies is decorating them! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Use colored sugar or sprinkles to create a festive holiday look.
- Make a batch of royal icing and decorate the cookies with intricate designs or patterns.
- Use small candies or edible decorations to create a garland effect.
- Add a small star or angel to the top of each tree for a finishing touch.
Some other ideas to consider:
- Use a small cookie cutter to create a " trunk" for the tree, and attach it to the base of the cookie.
- Create a "snowy" effect by dusting the cookies with powdered sugar.
- Use a small paintbrush and some food-grade paint to add details like ornaments or a tree skirt.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind when making your Christmas tree stacked cookies:
- To make the cookies more sturdy, you can use a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
- If you're having trouble getting the cookies to stack, try using a small amount of royal icing or melted chocolate to "glue" them together.
- Consider using a variety of cookie cutters to create different shapes and sizes for your trees.
- If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can try making a giant Christmas tree stacked cookie using a large cookie cutter or a knife.
Christmas Tree Stacked Cookies FAQ
Here are a few frequently asked questions about Christmas tree stacked cookies:
- Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Q: How do I store the cookies? A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months.
- Q: Can I use a different type of sugar? A: Yes, you can use a variety of sugars, such as brown sugar or confectioner's sugar, to create a different flavor and texture.
We hope you've enjoyed this Christmas tree stacked cookies recipe and decorating ideas! Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, these adorable cookies are sure to delight. Don't forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #ChristmasTreeStackedCookies.
What is the best way to store Christmas tree stacked cookies?
+Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months.
Can I make Christmas tree stacked cookies ahead of time?
+
What type of sugar is best for Christmas tree stacked cookies?
+You can use a variety of sugars, such as brown sugar or confectioner's sugar, to create a different flavor and texture.