Oh, my sweet-toothed friend, have I got a treat for you! Picture this: a platter that looks like it’s been plucked straight out of Santa’s workshop, bursting with festive charm and holiday cheer. These Christmas Tree Cookies are not just cookies—they’re tiny edible works of art that will make your dessert table the star of any holiday gathering. Trust me, everyone will be talking about them long after the last crumb has been devoured. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy family evening by the fire or as a showstopper for your holiday party, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. Ready to bring some magic to your kitchen? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Christmas Tree Cookies Platter

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking with your kids, preparing for a holiday party, or simply indulging in the festive spirit, these cookies are guaranteed to spread joy. Here’s why they’re a must-bake:

Festive and Fun: These cookies are a true celebration of the holiday season. Shaped and decorated like adorable little Christmas trees, they’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Perfect for Gifting: Who wouldn’t love receiving a platter of these beauties? They make for the sweetest homemade gifts, wrapped up in a bit of holiday magic.
Kid-Friendly: A perfect recipe for family fun. Get your little ones involved—they’ll love rolling, cutting, and decorating these cookies.
Customizable: Go wild with decorations! From colorful sprinkles to edible glitter, you can make these cookies as simple or as extravagant as you like.
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are always a hit at holiday gatherings. Watch them disappear in minutes as everyone oohs and aahs over their festive charm.

Ingredients in Christmas Tree Cookies Platter

Here’s what makes these cookies so special and oh-so-delicious. Each ingredient plays a part in creating a platter of festive magic:

Butter: The base for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Softened butter ensures your dough is smooth and easy to handle.

Sugar: The classic sweetener that gives these cookies their irresistible sweetness. Granulated sugar works best for that perfect balance.

Flour: The foundation of the dough. All-purpose flour keeps the cookies tender and sturdy enough to hold their shape.

Vanilla Extract: Just a hint of vanilla adds a warm, inviting flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery goodness.

Decorations: The fun part! Think colorful icing, sprinkles, edible glitter, and anything else that’ll make your cookies sparkle like a Christmas tree.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this festive masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking, giving your cookies that perfect golden edge.

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a smooth dough forms.

Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step makes it easier to roll out and ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutters to cut out your cookies. Gather any scraps, re-roll, and cut again.

Bake to Perfection: Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Decorate: Here’s where the real fun begins! Use icing to outline and fill the cookies, then go wild with sprinkles, edible glitter, or whatever decorations your heart desires.

Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter and watch the magic happen. These are best enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled cider.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Cookies Platter

These cookies are a joy to share and serve. Here are a few ideas to make them even more special:

Holiday Dessert Table: Add them to your dessert spread for a pop of festive color and charm. They’ll be the first to disappear!

Edible Centerpiece: Arrange them on a tiered tray or festive platter to double as both a treat and a centerpiece.

Gift-Worthy: Pack them in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Pair with Drinks: Serve alongside hot cocoa, eggnog, or a Christmas cocktail for a perfect holiday pairing.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you bake these cookies like a pro:

Prep Ahead: Make the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. It’s a great way to save time during the busy holiday season.

Experiment with Flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

Dietary Adjustments: Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free alternative or use dairy-free butter for a vegan version.

Storage Tips: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Undecorated cookies can be frozen for up to a month.

Double the Batch: These cookies are so popular, you’ll wish you made more! Consider doubling the recipe to have extras on hand.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought icing for decorating?

A1: Absolutely! Store-bought icing is a great shortcut, especially if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s the right consistency for decorating.

Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A2: Yes! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just let it soften slightly before rolling.

Q3: How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling?

A3: Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. If the dough starts sticking, sprinkle a bit more flour.

Q4: Can I use different cookie cutter shapes?

A4: Of course! While Christmas trees are festive, you can use any holiday-themed cutters you like.

Q5: How do I ensure the cookies hold their shape?

A5: Chilling the dough before rolling and again after cutting the shapes helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Q6: Can I freeze the cookies?

A6: Yes! Undecorated cookies freeze beautifully. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container.

Q7: What’s the best way to store decorated cookies?

A7: Store them in a single layer in an airtight container to avoid smudging the decorations.

Q8: Can I add food coloring to the dough?

A8: Sure! Divide the dough into portions and knead in food coloring for a fun, colorful twist.

Q9: Can I use royal icing for decorating?

A9: Yes, royal icing is a great choice for detailed decorations and dries to a beautiful, glossy finish.

Q10: Can kids help with this recipe?

A10: Definitely! This is a fantastic recipe for kids. They’ll love rolling out the dough, cutting out shapes, and decorating the cookies.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your go-to recipe for creating a Christmas Tree Cookies Platter that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. These cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of the holiday spirit, a chance to create lasting memories with loved ones, and a sweet way to spread a little joy. So, grab your apron, crank up the holiday tunes, and let’s bake up some magic. Trust me, these cookies are going to be the highlight of your holiday season!