There’s something magical about holiday baking that transforms simple ingredients into joyful, shareable treats. The Festive Green Christmas Tree Cookie with Sprinkles and Red Bow is a perfect example—its vibrant color, playful shape, and festive toppings make it an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to add a touch of cheer to your kitchen, this cookie is the ideal project. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a statement piece that captures the spirit of the season.
What makes this recipe special? It’s the balance of simplicity and creativity. The dough is easy to prepare and shape, the icing adds a snowy touch, and the red bow and sprinkles bring the cookie to life. Best of all, it’s a hand-held treat that’s perfect for serving at parties, gifting in festive tins, or even using as a centerpiece for a holiday dessert table.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to this cookie’s success lies in its thoughtful design and execution. The green dough mimics the look of a pine tree, while the white icing and red bow evoke a snowy, decorated holiday scene. The sprinkles add a playful pop of color, making the cookie feel like a tiny holiday ornament. Despite its festive appearance, the recipe is straightforward, requiring no special equipment or advanced techniques. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Quick to make: From mixing to baking, this recipe takes less than an hour.
- Versatile: Adjust the sprinkles or bow colors to match your holiday theme.
- Shareable: The tree shape and toppings make it visually appealing for guests.
What You’ll Need
Before diving into the recipe, gather your ingredients and tools. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll use:
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp green food coloring
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tbsp milk (for icing)
- ¼ cup red fondant (for bow)
- 1 tbsp colorful sprinkles
Tools & Equipment
- Baking sheets
- Cookie cutters (tree shape)
- Piping bags
- Mixing bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create your festive green Christmas tree cookies. Each step is designed to be simple and intuitive, even for beginners.
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, then mix in the flour, baking powder, salt, green food coloring, and vanilla. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and cut.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut shapes and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely.
- Make the Icing: Mix powdered sugar and milk to form a thick icing. Pipe it onto the cooled cookies to create snowy accents.
- Add Decorations: Press sprinkles into the wet icing. Shape red fondant into bows and attach them with a small dot of icing.
Tips for Success
Here are a few pro tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly:
- Use a tree-shaped cutter with clear edges for crisp details.
- If the dough feels too sticky, chill it a bit longer before rolling.
- For a more vibrant green, add a drop of food coloring to the icing.
- Let the icing dry completely before adding fondant bows to avoid smudging.
Variations & Twists
Want to experiment with this recipe? Try these variations:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Colorful Bows: Use fondant in different colors for themed events.
- Candy Coating: Dip the cookies in white chocolate for a glossy finish.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These cookies are best served with complementary holiday treats. Here are a few ideas:
- Pair with gingerbread cookies for a classic holiday combo.
- Serve alongside spiced apple cider or hot cocoa.
- Add a festive fruit tart as a sweet ending to a meal.
Storage & Leftovers
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Decorated cookies can be frozen for up to 2 weeks, but the icing may soften slightly.
Final Thoughts
The Festive Green Christmas Tree Cookie is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of the season. Its vibrant colors, playful shape, and festive toppings make it a standout at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is a joy to make and share. For best Pinterest visibility, post this cookie as part of a complete holiday baking series, pairing it with gingerbread, spiced cider, and a fruit tart to create a cohesive meal story.
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the magic of holiday baking begin. Your guests will adore these cookies, and you’ll love the satisfaction of creating something so festive and delicious.
