If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that brings both joy and vibrant cheer to your holiday table, these Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing are an absolute must-make. They boast crisp edges coupled with soft, tender centers that melt in your mouth, while their beautiful, colorful royal icing decorations instantly evoke the magic of Christmas. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just to brighten up a quiet winter afternoon, these cookies deliver a perfect balance of classic sweetness and playful holiday spirit that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients sets the groundwork for delicious, perfectly textured Christmas cookies. Each component plays a crucial role: from the creamy butter that creates that tender crumb to the vanilla that infuses warmth and depth into the dough.
- Unsalted butter (¾ cup, softened): The base of your cookie’s tender texture and buttery flavor, be sure it’s softened to blend smoothly.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds the perfect sweetness and helps achieve that crispy edge.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough together and contributes to its moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Imparts inviting warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The foundation for structure, so your cookies hold their shape beautifully.
- Baking powder (½ tsp): Provides a subtle lift, keeping cookies from becoming too dense.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
How to Make Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy—this process incorporates air that gives your cookies a beautiful texture. It’s worth taking a few extra minutes here to ensure a smooth mix before moving on.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and that irresistible holiday aroma. Make sure to mix thoroughly but avoid overbeating, which can toughen your dough.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to your butter mixture, mixing until everything just comes together — be careful not to overwork the dough to keep the cookies tender and light.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into those iconic Christmas tree shapes perfectly.
Step 5: Roll Out and Cut the Dough
Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to an even thickness, about ¼ inch. Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out festive shapes, and carefully transfer them onto a lined baking sheet, keeping a little space between cookies.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges turn a delicate golden color. Be mindful not to overbake — the centers should remain soft for that perfect chewiness.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate with Royal Icing
Allow your Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing to cool completely before decorating. Take your time piping or flooding the cookies with bright, festive royal icing—this is where the magic really happens and where your creativity shines.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing can elevate them from simple treats to dazzling showstoppers. Consider using edible glitter, colorful sprinkles, or tiny sugar pearls for a sparkling, festive effect that catches the eye and delights the palate.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with classic warm drinks like a creamy hot chocolate or fragrant mulled cider to complement the sweetness and create a cozy holiday experience. You could even serve them alongside a fresh fruit platter to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun when sharing Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing. Arrange them on decorative platters shaped like wreaths, stack them in clear jars tied with twine for gifting, or create a cookie tree centerpiece by carefully stacking decorated cookies on a cone-shaped stand.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing keep wonderfully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer them carefully between sheets of parchment paper to preserve the delicate icing designs.
Freezing
If you want to extend their shelf life, freeze un-iced cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and then decorate with fresh royal icing.
Reheating
Since these sugar cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, there’s no need for reheating. But if you prefer a slightly warm cookie, pop one in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds to bring out that melt-in-your-mouth softness without affecting the icing.
FAQs
Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla in Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing?
Absolutely! Almond extract adds a lovely nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the buttery cookie base. Just use it sparingly—about half the amount of vanilla extract—to avoid overpowering the flavor.
How thick should I roll out the dough for these cookies?
A thickness of about ¼ inch is ideal; it helps cookies bake evenly and hold their shape while staying tender in the center and crispy around the edges.
What if I don’t have a Christmas tree cookie cutter?
No worries! You can use any festive shape you like, or even create your own by cutting the dough freehand with a knife. Stars, bells, or snowflakes all work wonderfully for the holiday spirit.
Can I prepare the royal icing ahead of time?
Yes, royal icing can be made a day ahead and stored tightly covered in the refrigerator. Before using, give it a good stir and thin it slightly with water if needed for the best piping consistency.
Why does my royal icing get sticky after drying?
Sticky icing usually means it hasn’t dried completely, which can happen in humid conditions. To help it dry fully, allow extra air circulation and keep the cookies uncovered, or place them in a cool, dry area away from moisture.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing are more than just a delicious treat—they’re a joyful tradition in cookie form. With their perfect balance of crisp texture, tender centers, and festive icing, they’re sure to light up your holiday baking moments. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these charming cookies as much as I do; they truly bring that warm holiday spirit to every bite!
PrintChristmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
These Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies feature crisp edges and soft centers, making them the perfect festive treat for holiday cookie boxes. Topped with vibrant royal icing decorations, these cut-out cookies are easy to make and irresistible in flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Royal Icing (for decorating)
- Ingredients not specified – traditionally includes powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy to create a smooth base for your cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, which adds flavor and helps bind the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Chill Dough: Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cut-out cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating with royal icing. Use piping bags to create festive designs that represent Christmas tree decorations.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming.
- Do not overbake to maintain soft cookie centers.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Royal icing must dry completely before storing or stacking cookies.
- You may add food coloring to the royal icing for vibrant decorations.