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🌲 Ornamental Tree-Shaped Cookies with Sprinkles – Festive & Easy Holiday Treat! [Pin Now!]
Transform your holiday cookie platter with these elegant tree-shaped cookies that sparkle with festive sprinkles!
These ornamental tree-shaped cookies are the perfect balance of holiday charm and kitchen efficiency. With a buttery shortbread base cut into classic fir-tree silhouettes and topped with colorful sprinkles, they add instant festive cheer to any holiday spread. Best of all, they pair beautifully with Royal Icing Snowflake Cookies for a layered, Instagram-worthy display. Whether you're a seasoned decorator or a last-minute baker, these cookies deliver elegance with minimal effort.
Holiday baking doesn't have to be complicated. These cookies are ideal for busy evenings when you need a quick, show-stopping treat. The crisp shortbread holds its shape perfectly, and the sprinkles add a playful pop of color. Perfect for cookie exchanges, gift baskets, or simply enjoying with a spiced latte.
The recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have: butter, flour, sugar, and a touch of vanilla. No special equipment needed beyond a tree-shaped cookie cutter and a sprinkle jar. For extra sparkle, use edible glitter or colored sugar. These cookies freeze beautifully, so you can make a double batch and save some for later.
Pro tip: Pair these with Royal Icing Snowflake Cookies for a cohesive holiday display. The delicate snowflakes and bold trees create a stunning contrast that's sure to impress guests. Don't forget to add a festive bow or edible holiday message for an extra-special touch!
Whether you're decorating with kids or creating a gourmet cookie tower, these tree-shaped cookies are versatile and crowd-pleasing. Their crisp texture and sweet flavor make them a holiday staple that's as delicious as they are beautiful.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Edible sprinkles or colored sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms. If desired, divide dough and tint with food coloring for extra festive flair.
- Step 2: Wrap dough in plastic and chill for 30 minutes. This prevents spreading during baking. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Step 3: Cut dough using a tree-shaped cookie cutter. Place cookies 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Use a small star-shaped cutter to create a center decoration on each cookie before baking.
- Step 4: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-14 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely before decorating.
- Step 5: Generously press cookies into sprinkles to coat evenly. For extra sparkle, drizzle with royal icing and add edible pearls or candy eyes for tree toppers.
Festive Tree-Shaped Cookies Recipe
Elegant holiday cookies that pair perfectly with snowflake cookies!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- - 1 cup granulated sugar
- - 2 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1/4 tsp salt
- - 1 tsp vanilla extract
- - Food coloring (optional)
- - Edible sprinkles or colored sugar
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Dough: Cream butter and sugar until light. Add flour, salt, and vanilla. Mix until dough forms.
💡 Chill dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
Roll and Cut: Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut using a tree-shaped cookie cutter.
💡 Use a small star-shaped cutter to add festive details to each cookie.
Bake: Place on parchment-lined sheets. Bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes until golden.
💡 Let cookies cool completely before decorating.
Decorate: Press cookies into sprinkles. For extra flair, drizzle with royal icing and add edible pearls.
💡 Use a small brush to apply a thin layer of icing before adding decorations.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter
Provides rich flavor and tender texture. Substitute with salted butter, reducing added salt by 1/8 tsp.
Substitutions: Margarine (non-aerated), coconut oil (for dairy-free option)
All-Purpose Flour
Ensures perfect dough consistency. For gluten-free option, use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Substitutions: Cake flour (for ultra-tender cookies), bread flour (for chewier texture)
Sprinkles
Add festive color and texture. Use colored sugar, edible glitter, or crushed candies for alternatives.
Substitutions: Nonpareils, jimmies, or even crushed peppermints for a seasonal twist
Vanilla Extract
Enhances flavor complexity. Pure extract is recommended over imitation for best taste.
Substitutions: Vanilla bean paste, almond extract (for nutty flavor variation)
Pro Tips for Perfect Tree Cookies
🎄 Chilling Technique
Chill dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and ensure clean shapes.
✨ Sprinkle Application
Press cookies into sprinkles while still warm for maximum adhesion and vibrant color.
❄️ Freezing Tips
Bake and freeze cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
🎨 Color Layering
Use multiple colors of sprinkles for a gradient effect - start with lighter shades and work to darker.
Variations & Customizations
Mini Trees
Use a smaller cookie cutter for bite-sized versions. Perfect for cookie towers or party favors.
Gluten-Free
Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend. Works equally well with almond flour for a nutty twist.
Dietary Adaptations
Use vegan butter and non-dairy sprinkles for dairy-free option. Coconut sugar gives a caramel-like flavor.
Themed Decorations
Create Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year's versions by changing sprinkles to match holiday colors and symbols.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Royal Icing Snowflake Cookies (for a cohesive holiday display)
- Spiced Apple Cider (warm and aromatic complement)
- Edible Candy Canes (add festive candy for a candy buffet)
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with hot cocoa for a classic combo, or serve with mulled wine for a grown-up twist. For non-alcoholic options, try gingerbread latte or eggnog.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare dough up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Refrigerator Storage
Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep sprinkles in separate container to maintain crispness.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unbaked cookies for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time.
Reheating Instructions
Cookies are best enjoyed fresh. For softness, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why did my cookies spread too much?
A: Dough may not have been chilled properly. Ensure you chill for at least 30 minutes and use parchment paper for even baking.
Q: Sprinkles keep falling off. What can I do?
A: Press sprinkles into warm cookies while still on the baking sheet. For extra adhesion, brush with a thin layer of icing before adding decorations.
Q: How can I make these cookies more festive?
A: Add edible gold leaf accents, pipe royal icing stars at the base, or attach candy bows with a small amount of icing.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare dough and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, and add decorations just before serving for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
These ornamental tree-shaped cookies are the perfect blend of holiday charm and baking ease. With their crisp texture and festive sparkle, they'll become a staple in your holiday traditions. Whether you're hosting a cookie exchange or simply looking to add some holiday cheer to your kitchen, these cookies deliver elegance with minimal effort.
Don't forget to pair them with Royal Icing Snowflake Cookies for a stunning layered display that's sure to impress guests. For best Pinterest visibility, post this cookie pin as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: anchor main dish first, followed by complementary sides, finishing with a dessert completion pin. How will you style your tree cookies this year? 🎄
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Marcus Hale
Nov 17, 2025
Made these tree shaped cookies Saturday night and kids' eyes lit up. The crisp edges gave a satisfying snap that made the holiday table feel extra festive. Tried adding a pinch more salt to the dough, which balanced the sweet sprinkles nicely. i give it 4 stars because the cookies turned out perfect in our festive gatherings, though a minute longer bake would produce an even deeper caramel hue.
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