Christmas 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
Scale
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.