7 Ways To Make Gingerbread Christmas Tree Ornaments

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the tradition of decorating our homes with festive ornaments. One of the most beloved and iconic Christmas decorations is the gingerbread Christmas tree ornament. These sweet treats are not only delicious but also make for a wonderful craft project that can be enjoyed by the whole family. In this article, we will explore 7 ways to make gingerbread Christmas tree ornaments that are sure to add a touch of magic to your holiday season.

Why Make Gingerbread Christmas Tree Ornaments?

Making gingerbread Christmas tree ornaments is a fun and rewarding activity that offers numerous benefits. For one, it allows you to spend quality time with your loved ones, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Additionally, making your own ornaments gives you the freedom to be creative and add a personal touch to your holiday decorations. Plus, gingerbread ornaments are a great way to add a delicious and inviting aroma to your home.

Benefits of Making Gingerbread Christmas Tree Ornaments

• Encourages creativity and self-expression • Provides a fun and interactive activity for the whole family • Allows for personalization and customization • Adds a delicious and inviting aroma to your home • Creates lasting memories and traditions

Method 1: Classic Gingerbread Christmas Tree Ornaments

This method involves making traditional gingerbread cookies and shaping them into Christmas tree ornaments. You will need:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Decorations of your choice (e.g., icing, sprinkles, candies)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut out Christmas tree shapes.
7. Place the trees on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
8. Allow the trees to cool completely on the baking sheet.
9. Decorate the trees with icing, sprinkles, or other decorations of your choice.

Method 2: 3D Gingerbread Christmas Tree Ornaments

This method involves making 3D gingerbread Christmas trees using a combination of cookie cutters and royal icing. You will need:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Royal icing
• Decorations of your choice (e.g., sprinkles, candies)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut out Christmas tree shapes.
7. Place the trees on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
8. Allow the trees to cool completely on the baking sheet.
9. Use royal icing to assemble the 3D trees, starting with the largest tree at the base and working your way up.
10. Decorate the trees with sprinkles, candies, or other decorations of your choice.

Method 3: Gingerbread Christmas Tree Ornaments with Royal Icing

This method involves making gingerbread Christmas tree ornaments using royal icing as the primary decoration. You will need:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Royal icing
• Decorations of your choice (e.g., sprinkles, candies)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut out Christmas tree shapes.
7. Place the trees on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
8. Allow the trees to cool completely on the baking sheet.
9. Use royal icing to decorate the trees, creating intricate designs and patterns.
10. Add decorations of your choice, such as sprinkles or candies.

Method 4: Gingerbread Christmas Tree Ornaments with Fondant

This method involves making gingerbread Christmas tree ornaments using fondant as the primary decoration. You will need:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Fondant
• Decorations of your choice (e.g., sprinkles, candies)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut out Christmas tree shapes.
7. Place the trees on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
8. Allow the trees to cool completely on the baking sheet.
9. Use fondant to decorate the trees, creating intricate designs and patterns.
10. Add decorations of your choice, such as sprinkles or candies.

Method 5: Mini Gingerbread Christmas Tree Ornaments

This method involves making mini gingerbread Christmas tree ornaments that are perfect for decorating your Christmas tree or using as gift tags. You will need:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• Decorations of your choice (e.g., sprinkles, candies)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut out mini Christmas tree shapes.
7. Place the trees on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
8. Allow the trees to cool completely on the baking sheet.
9. Decorate the trees with sprinkles, candies, or other decorations of your choice.

Method 6: Gingerbread Christmas Tree Ornaments with Candy

This method involves making gingerbread Christmas tree ornaments using candy as the primary decoration. You will need:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Candy of your choice (e.g., M&M's, Skittles, gummy bears)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut out Christmas tree shapes.
7. Place the trees on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
8. Allow the trees to cool completely on the baking sheet.
9. Decorate the trees with candy, using a small amount of royal icing or melted chocolate to attach the candy to the trees.

Method 7: Gingerbread Christmas Tree Ornaments with Glaze

This method involves making gingerbread Christmas tree ornaments using a glaze as the primary decoration. You will need:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Glaze of your choice (e.g., powdered sugar glaze, chocolate glaze)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut out Christmas tree shapes.
7. Place the trees on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
8. Allow the trees to cool completely on the baking sheet.
9. Drizzle the trees with glaze, using a spoon or a piping bag to create intricate designs and patterns.

We hope you have enjoyed this article on 7 ways to make gingerbread Christmas tree ornaments. Whether you choose to make classic gingerbread ornaments, 3D ornaments, or ornaments with royal icing, fondant, candy, or glaze, we are sure you will have a wonderful time creating these delicious and festive treats. Don't forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #gingerbreadchristmas, and happy baking!