15 Tree Cookie Decorating Ideas for a Sweet Nature-Inspired Treat
Festive sugar cookies shaped like Christmas trees, ready to decorate with colorful icing and sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 tablespoons milk
Royal icing (green, white, red)
Assorted sprinkles and decorations
Instructions
1. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a bowl.
2. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until combined, then add milk to bring the dough together.
4. Chill dough for 1 hour, then roll out on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Cut out Christmas tree shapes and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, then cool completely.
7. Prepare royal icing and pipe outlines, then flood cookies with green icing.
8. Add white details, ornaments, and sprinkles before icing dries.
9. Let decorated cookies set for at least 2 hours before serving or packaging.
Notes
For crisp edges, chill cut cookie shapes for 10 minutes before baking.
Royal icing colors deepen as they dry, so mix slightly lighter shades than desired.
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.