The festive season is upon us, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by creating some delightful Christmas tree ornaments with cookies? Not only will your tree look more appealing, but you'll also have a delicious treat to enjoy later. In this article, we'll explore five ways to make cookie Christmas tree ornaments that are sure to impress your friends and family.
Cookies have been a staple of holiday celebrations for centuries, and making them into ornaments is a great way to add a personal touch to your Christmas tree. Plus, it's a fun activity that you can do with your loved ones, making it a great way to spend quality time together.
Here are five ways to make cookie Christmas tree ornaments that you can try at home:
Method 1: Sugar Cookie Ornaments with Royal Icing
This classic method involves making sugar cookies and decorating them with royal icing. To make the 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
To make the royal icing, you'll need:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp meringue powder
- 2 Tbsp water
- Food coloring (optional)
Once you've made the cookies and royal icing, you can decorate the cookies with festive designs and attach a string or ribbon to hang them on the tree.
Tips and Variations
- Use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes, such as stars, trees, or bells.
- Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for a festive flavor.
- Use a piping bag and tip to create intricate designs with the royal icing.
Method 2: Gingerbread Cookie Ornaments with Glaze
Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat that can be made into beautiful ornaments with a simple glaze. To make the cookies, you'll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
To make the glaze, you'll need:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Once you've made the cookies and glaze, you can decorate the cookies with festive designs and attach a string or ribbon to hang them on the tree.
Tips and Variations
- Use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes, such as trees, stars, or animals.
- Add a few drops of lemon extract to the dough for a bright flavor.
- Use a piping bag and tip to create intricate designs with the glaze.
Method 3: Shortbread Cookie Ornaments with Sanding Sugar
Shortbread cookies are a simple and delicious way to make ornaments for your Christmas tree. To make the cookies, you'll need:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
To decorate the cookies, you'll need:
- Sanding sugar in various colors
- A small paintbrush or a spatula
Once you've made the cookies, you can decorate them with sanding sugar and attach a string or ribbon to hang them on the tree.
Tips and Variations
- Use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes, such as trees, stars, or animals.
- Add a few drops of almond extract to the dough for a nutty flavor.
- Use a variety of sanding sugar colors to create a festive design.
Method 4: Peanut Butter Blossom Ornaments with Hershey's Kisses
Peanut butter blossom cookies are a classic holiday treat that can be made into beautiful ornaments with Hershey's Kisses. To make the cookies, you'll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- Hershey's Kisses in various colors
Once you've made the cookies, you can press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie to create a beautiful blossom design. Attach a string or ribbon to hang them on the tree.
Tips and Variations
- Use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes, such as trees, stars, or animals.
- Add a few drops of vanilla extract to the dough for a creamy flavor.
- Use a variety of Hershey's Kisses colors to create a festive design.
Method 5: Snickerdoodle Cookie Ornaments with Cinnamon Sugar
Snickerdoodle cookies are a delicious and easy way to make ornaments for your Christmas tree. To make the cookies, you'll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups white granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 Tbsp cinnamon sugar
Once you've made the cookies, you can decorate them with cinnamon sugar and attach a string or ribbon to hang them on the tree.
Tips and Variations
- Use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes, such as trees, stars, or animals.
- Add a few drops of nutmeg extract to the dough for a warm flavor.
- Use a variety of cinnamon sugar colors to create a festive design.
We hope these five methods have inspired you to create some delicious and beautiful cookie Christmas tree ornaments. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, these recipes are sure to bring some festive fun to your holiday season.
We'd love to hear from you! What's your favorite type of cookie to make during the holidays? Do you have a special ornament-making tradition with your family? Share your stories and photos with us in the comments below!
What type of cookie is best for making ornaments?
+The best type of cookie for making ornaments is a sugar cookie or a gingerbread cookie. These types of cookies are sturdy enough to hold their shape and can be decorated with royal icing or glaze.
How do I attach a string or ribbon to my cookie ornament?
+To attach a string or ribbon to your cookie ornament, you can use a small amount of royal icing or glue. Simply apply a small dot of icing or glue to the top of the cookie and attach the string or ribbon.
Can I make cookie ornaments ahead of time?
+Yes, you can make cookie ornaments ahead of time. Simply bake the cookies and decorate them as desired. Store the cookies in an airtight container until you're ready to hang them on the tree.