As I sifted through a flurry of flour and cocoa, the vibrant colors of icing were calling my name. There’s something magical about transforming simple ingredients into delightful festive treats like these Christmas Tree Cookies. With each roll in sweet Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar, these chocolate wonders become irresistibly chewy and topped with a sugary crunch. They’re not only a festive showstopper for cookie exchanges but also a quick way to bring a warm holiday spirit to gatherings. The fun of decorating with colorful icing adds a personal touch, sure to spark joy in every bite. Ready to step into the kitchen and bring some holiday cheer to your table? Let’s dive into this deliciously fun adventure!
Why Are These Christmas Tree Cookies Special?
Delightful creativity: These cookies aren’t just treats; they’re a canvas for your holiday spirit, inviting you to unleash your inner artist!
Rich chocolate goodness: Made with cocoa powder, each bite reveals a fudgy, decadent flavor that will have everyone craving more.
Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cookies are perfect even for novice bakers.
Festive flair: The vibrant icing and playful shapes make them the ideal centerpiece for holiday cookie exchanges or family gatherings.
Sustainable sweetness: Enjoy a guilt-free indulgence made with Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar, promoting both your health and the environment.
Elevate your holiday baking with these festive chocolate delights, and be sure to check out my Christmas Mini Cookies for even more holiday fun!
Christmas Tree Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• All-purpose flour – Provides essential structure; spoon and level or weigh for accuracy.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – Delivers deep chocolate flavor; opt for Dutch-processed for a smoother taste.
• Salt – Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Baking soda – Helps cookies rise and maintain that soft, chewy texture.
• Cornstarch – Contributes extra chewiness to your cookies.
• Unsalted butter (melted and cooled) – Binds all the ingredients together while adding rich flavor.
• Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar – Acts as the primary sweetener from sustainable farms; can substitute with regular granulated sugar.
• Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Light Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and depth, creating a wonderfully rich taste.
• Pure vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile, drawing in warmth.
• Egg yolk (room temperature) – Provides richness and helps the dough hold together.
For the Icing
• Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Powdered Confectioners Sugar – Used for icing; remember to sift for a smooth finish.
• Milk – Necessary for achieving the perfect icing consistency; you can use any milk of choice.
• Food dye (green, brown, yellow) – For vibrant decorations; gel dyes work best for bright colors.
Decorate your holiday with these fun and festive Christmas Tree Cookies that make baking a delightful adventure!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Christmas Tree Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This essential step ensures that all dry ingredients are well combined and helps to avoid clumps. Set the bowl aside, allowing the ingredients to mingle and absorb each other’s flavors.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, ½ cup of Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar, and ½ cup of Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Light Brown Sugar on high for about 2 minutes until fluffy. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1 room temperature egg yolk, mixing until the mixture is smooth and well combined for those delightful Christmas Tree Cookies.
Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the prepared dry ingredients to the wet mixture in the stand mixer on low speed. Mix just until the dough comes together, about 30 seconds, ensuring it’s fully blended. At this point, the texture should be thick and slightly sticky. Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 10 minutes to enhance its flavor and texture.
Step 4: Preheat Oven
While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This preparation is key for ensuring that your cookies bake evenly. Once the oven is ready, you can start forming the delightful Christmas Tree Cookies, setting the stage for a festive treat.
Step 5: Form Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out the cookie dough and roll each portion in a bowl of Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar until coated. Place 12 dough balls on each prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These festive shapes will expand while baking, so give them room to grow into beautiful Christmas trees.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the cookie sheets in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, watching for the edges to set while the centers remain soft. This creates that wonderful chewy texture characteristic of Christmas Tree Cookies. Once done, remove the sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool slightly in the pan for about 5 minutes.
Step 7: Cool Completely
After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial as it prevents the icing from melting when you decorate your holiday cookies later. Enjoy the warm, chocolaty aroma that fills your kitchen as your Christmas Tree Cookies cool down.
Step 8: Prepare Icing
In a mixing bowl, sift 1 cup of Wholesome Organic Fair Trade Powdered Confectioners Sugar to remove any clumps. Gradually mix in 1-2 tablespoons of milk along with ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, stirring until you achieve a smooth, thick icing consistency. Divide the icing into smaller bowls if you wish to color them for decorating your Christmas Tree Cookies.
Step 9: Decorate
Using piping bags, fill them with the colored icing and let your creativity shine as you decorate the cooled cookies. Draw festive tree shapes, trunks, and stars, making each cookie a cheerful masterpiece. The final vibrant touch will make these Christmas Tree Cookies not just tasty but visually stunning for all your holiday gatherings.
What to Serve with Christmas Tree Cookies
A festive dessert like these chocolate cookies deserves some delightful companions to complete the meal!
-
Milk:
The classic pairing of a tall glass of cold milk offers balance, enriching the sweet, chocolatey goodness. -
Hot Chocolate:
Warm and indulgent, hot chocolate elevates the sweetness while harmonizing with the cookies’ rich flavor. -
Peppermint Bark:
This crunchy, minty treat adds a delightful crunch and seasonal cheer, creating a perfect holiday combination. -
Sugar Cookies:
Lightly frosted sugar cookies provide a contrasting texture, making for a fun and festive platter of goodies. -
Fruit Salad:
A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits lightens the table, offering vibrant flavors and colors next to the chocolate treats. -
Spiced Apple Cider:
The warmth of spiced apple cider adds a cozy feel, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the cookies. -
Gingerbread Cookies:
These spiced delights add a nostalgic nod to the holidays, creating a delightful variety for your cookie spread. -
Eggnog:
This rich, creamy beverage offers a traditional touch for the holidays, making each bite of cookie even more festive.
Embrace the joy of the season with these pairings that create a memorable and delicious holiday experience!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Christmas Tree Cookies are perfect for meal prep, especially during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by shaping the dough into balls, rolling them in the Regenerative Organic Certified® Cane Sugar, and placing them on a baking sheet. Simply cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. For even longer storage, freeze the dough balls for up to 30 days. When you’re ready to enjoy these treats, bake them straight from the fridge or freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll have warm, freshly baked Christmas Tree Cookies on hand with minimal effort, keeping your festive spirit alive!
Christmas Tree Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and make these Christmas Tree Cookies your own with a few fun twists!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a safe alternative.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute instead of unsalted butter for a plant-based twist.
- Nutty Surprise: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Minty Fresh: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the icing for a refreshing seasonal flavor that’s sure to impress.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy edge that contrasts beautifully with the sweet icing.
- Large Cookies: For bakery-style cookies, scoop larger portions of dough and extend baking time by a couple of minutes, ensuring they’re still soft in the center.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the iced cookies for an extra luxurious touch.
- Alternative Icing: Swap out traditional icing with royal icing or chocolate ganache for different decorative effects—perfect for a unique holiday table!
Explore even more festive creations by checking out my delicious Christmas Truffles Melt or bake up a batch of delightful Christmas Mini Cookies to spread cheer this holiday season!
Expert Tips for Christmas Tree Cookies
• Cool Before Decorating: Allow cookies to cool completely before icing; this prevents the icing from melting and losing its shape.
• Use Quality Cocoa: For the best chocolate flavor in your Christmas Tree Cookies, opt for Dutch-processed cocoa powder, which creates a smoother taste.
• Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated. An oven thermometer can help achieve the exact baking temperature for perfect cookie texture.
• Avoid Overmixing: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until blended. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so take care!
• Creative Icing Techniques: Try using different piping tips or even a toothpick for intricate designs on your cookies, adding a personal touch to every festive cookie.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Tree Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their chewy texture and flavor.
Freezer: Baked Christmas Tree Cookies can be frozen for up to 30 days. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best taste and texture.
Cookie Dough Storage: If you make extra dough, save it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 30 days. Just scoop, roll, and bake directly from the freezer when cravings hit!
Christmas Tree Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chocolate for my Christmas Tree Cookies?
Absolutely! When it comes to cocoa powder, I recommend opting for Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother and deeper chocolate flavor. Look for high-quality brands to ensure your cookies have that rich taste everyone loves. Unsweetened cocoa works well, but avoid sweetened varieties to maintain the balance of sweetness in the cookies.
How should I store my Christmas Tree Cookies to keep them fresh?
To keep your cookies at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need to keep them longer, simply freeze them! Place the baked cookies in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to 30 days in the freezer. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying their delightful chocolate goodness!
Can I freeze the cookie dough for my Christmas Tree Cookies?
Very! You can save time by storing the cookie dough in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 30 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop out the desired amount, roll it in cane sugar, and bake straight from the freezer! Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time if needed. It’s a great way to always have fresh cookies on hand for unexpected guests.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your Christmas Tree Cookies spread too much, it might be due to the dough being too soft. This can happen if the butter was too warm or if you didn’t chill the dough long enough. To fix this, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking, which helps maintain their shape. Also, ensure your oven is set to the right temperature, as an oven that’s too cool can cause spreading.
Are these Christmas Tree Cookies safe for those with dietary restrictions?
When considering dietary restrictions, these Christmas Tree Cookies contain wheat, eggs, and dairy, so they may not be suitable for those with gluten or dairy allergies. However, you can easily adapt the recipe! For gluten-free cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. To make them vegan, swap the egg yolk for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free butter. These tweaks will help everyone enjoy these festive treats!
Christmas Tree Cookies: Chewy Chocolate Delights for the Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer, beat together melted butter, cane sugar, and brown sugar for about 2 minutes until fluffy. Add vanilla and egg yolk, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture on low speed until combined. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop cookie dough and roll in cane sugar. Place on baking sheets 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges set. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Sift powdered sugar for icing and mix with milk and vanilla until smooth.
- Decorate cooled cookies with colored icing using piping bags.
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