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What Are Jolly Christmas Tree Cookies?

Jolly Christmas Tree Cookies are classic cut-out sugar cookies shaped like evergreen trees and dressed up in cheerful, colorful decorations. Think of them as the playful, show-stopping stars of your cookie platter—cookies that don’t just taste good, but instantly shout “holiday!”

Typically, these cookies are:

Tree-shaped sugar cookies with a buttery, vanilla-forward flavor
Rolled to an even thickness so they bake uniformly
Decorated with:
- Green icing to mimic pine needles
- Bright “lights” made from sprinkles or candy pearls
- Stars or sugar shapes perched at the top

Ingredients for Jolly Christmas Tree Cookies

The magic of Jolly Christmas Tree Cookies lies in a simple but well-balanced dough and a few carefully chosen decorating ingredients. You don’t need anything exotic—just quality basics and a couple of flavor boosters.

Base Cookie Dough Ingredients

For the cookie dough, you’ll typically need:

All-purpose flour
- Provides structure
- Sifted or whisked for a light, even dough
Unsalted butter, softened
- Gives the cookies a rich, buttery taste
- Room temperature butter creams more easily with sugar
Granulated sugar
- Sweetens the dough
- Helps create a light, tender texture when creamed with butter
Eggs
- Bind the dough together
- Add moisture and richness
Vanilla extract
- Essential for that classic holiday sugar cookie aroma
Optional almond extract
- A small splash adds a bakery-style twist
- Works especially well with decorative sprinkles and icing
Baking powder
- Provides just a bit of lift without causing the cookies to puff and lose their shape
Fine salt
- Balances sweetness and enhances flavor

Decorating Ingredients

To bring the “jolly” to your Christmas tree cookies, you’ll want:

Royal icing or simple cookie icing
- Royal icing dries firm and smooth, ideal for detailed designs
- Simple powdered sugar glaze is quicker and more rustic, great for kids
Gel food coloring
- Green for trees
- Additional colors for ornaments, garlands, and stars (red, gold, white, blue)
- Gel colors are concentrated and won’t water down your icing
Sprinkles & decorative toppings like:
- Nonpareils
- Sanding sugar
- Mini confetti sprinkles
- Candy pearls
- Gold or silver sugar stars
Optional extra flair
- Edible glitter or luster dust for sparkle
- Edible markers for drawing tiny details (smiley faces, ornaments, trunks)

Flavor Customizations

Once you master the basic dough, you can customize your Jolly Christmas Tree Cookies to suit your taste:

Warm spice twist
- Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the flour
Citrus brightness
- Mix in lemon or orange zest to the dough or icing
Nutty notes
- Use a touch more almond extract
- Sprinkle finely chopped pistachios or almonds on the icing for texture

Tools & Equipment You’ll Need

Baking Tools

Rolling pin
- A standard wooden or silicone rolling pin works
- If you have thickness rings, they help ensure even cookies
Christmas tree cookie cutters
- One or multiple sizes—small for snack-size, large for showpieces
Baking sheets
- Light-colored, flat sheets help prevent over-browning
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Prevent sticking
- Make cleanup easier
- Help cookies bake more evenly
Cooling racks
- Essential so cookies cool quickly and evenly before decorating

Decorating Tools

Piping bags
- Disposable bags make cleanup easier
- Reusable bags are great if you decorate often
Piping tips (small round and star tips)
- Round tips for outlining and flooding
- Star tips for textured garlands and branches
Scribe tool or toothpicks
- For smoothing icing, popping air bubbles, and dragging patterns
Small bowls or ramekins
- For tinting icing different colors

Jolly Christmas Tree Cookies on a festive holiday tray

Step-by-Step: Making the Jolly Christmas Tree Cookie Dough

A reliable dough is the foundation of any Christmas tree cookie that holds its shape and tastes amazing. Here’s how to get it right from the start.

1. Cream Butter and Sugar

Add softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar to a mixing bowl.
Beat on medium speed until the mixture is:
- Light
- Creamy
- Slightly pale in color

This step incorporates air, which helps give your cookies a light, tender crumb.

2. Add Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing just until combined.
Add vanilla extract and, if desired, a small amount of almond extract.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula so everything is well blended.

At this stage, the mixture should smell like a cozy bakery—rich, sweet, and fragrant.

3. Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Fine salt
Optional spices (like cinnamon or nutmeg, if using)

Whisking:

Breaks up any lumps
Distributes leavening and salt evenly for consistent baking

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in small batches, mixing on low speed.
Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears and the dough comes together.

Tips for perfect dough:

If the dough seems too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time, but don’t overdo it.
If the dough is crumbly and won’t come together, gently knead it with clean hands until it forms a smooth ball.

The finished dough should be soft, pliable, and just slightly tacky but not wet.

5. Chill the Dough

Chilling is crucial for Jolly Christmas Tree Cookies:

Helps the dough firm up
Prevents cookies from spreading too much
Makes it easier to roll and cut clean shapes

How to chill:

Divide the dough into 2–3 disks
Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap
Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours)

If the dough is very firm when you remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes until it’s just rollable.

Step-by-Step: Rolling, Cutting & Baking Christmas Tree Cookies

Once your dough is chilled, it’s time to turn it into a forest of Christmas tree cookies.

Rolling Out the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
Place one disk of dough on the surface and leave the others in the fridge so they stay cold.
Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
Rotate the dough occasionally and lightly flour underneath if it starts to stick.

Rolling tips:

Try rolling between two sheets of parchment paper if you want super smooth cookies and minimal added flour.
Aim for consistent thickness so all cookies bake evenly.

Cutting the Christmas Tree Shapes

Dip your Christmas tree cookie cutter lightly in flour.
Press it straight down into the rolled dough, then lift straight up—avoid twisting.
Transfer shapes carefully to a parchment-lined baking sheet using a thin spatula if needed.

Re-rolling scraps:

Gather the leftover dough, gently press it into a ball, and re-roll.
Try not to re-roll more than necessary to keep cookies tender.

Baking the Cookies

Preheat your oven (commonly around 175–180°C / 350°F, but follow your recipe).
Arrange cookies on the baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them.
Bake for about 8–12 minutes, depending on size and thickness.

Doneness cues:

Edges should be just starting to turn light golden.
Centers should look set but not browned.

Remove the cookies from the oven before they’re deeply golden; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Cooling Before Decorating

Let cookies sit on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes.
Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Decorating Your Jolly Christmas Tree Cookies

Now the fun really begins. Decorating turns simple tree shapes into jolly Christmas tree cookies full of personality.

Choosing Your Icing

You have two main options:

Royal icing
- Dries firm and smooth
- Ideal for detailed piping, outlines, and flooding
- Great if you need cookies to stack or travel well
Simple sugar glaze (powdered sugar + liquid)
- Easier and faster to make
- Slightly softer finish
- Perfect for casual decorating sessions with kids

Outline & Flood Technique (Perfect for Trees)

For a polished look, especially if you want smooth, filled-in trees:

Outline:
- Use thicker icing in a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
- Pipe around the edges of the tree shape, leaving a tiny gap from the edge to prevent overflow.
Flood:
- Thin some icing slightly with water.
- Fill the outlined area, either piping or spooning it on.
- Use a scribe tool or toothpick to gently nudge icing into corners.
Smooth:
- Gently tap the cookie or shake it slightly side-to-side to help the icing level.

Let the flooded base layer dry or crust before adding details.

Jolly Design Ideas

Here are some easy but eye-catching designs:

Classic Evergreen Tree
- Base: Green flood icing
- Details:
  - Zigzag white garlands
  - Rainbow nonpareils as lights
  - A golden sugar star on top
Snow-Kissed Trees
- Base: Soft mint or pale green
- Details:
  - White “snow” along branches
  - Silver and white sprinkles
Candy Cane Tree
- Base: White icing
- Details:
  - Red diagonal stripes
  - Tiny red & white sprinkles
Minimalist Bakery-Style Tree
- Base: Light muted green
- Details:
  - Tiny white dots evenly spaced as ornaments
  - Simple star at the top

Decorating with Kids vs. Bakery-Style Finish

Decorating with kids?

Set out bowls of:
- Pre-tinted icing
- Assorted sprinkles
- Small candies
Use squeeze bottles instead of piping bags for easier control.
Cover the table with parchment or a disposable tablecloth for quick cleanup.

Going for a more professional look?

Use multiple icing consistencies for crisp outlines and smooth flooding.
Stick to a limited color palette for a cohesive feel.
Add tiny details like:
- Micro dots as lights
- Fine lines as garlands
- Delicate snowflakes in the background

Drying & Storing Decorated Cookies

Let decorated Jolly Christmas Tree Cookies dry at room temperature until the icing is fully set—this can take several hours or overnight, especially with royal icing.
Once dry, you can:
- Stack with parchment between layers in a tin
- Arrange them on trays or in gift boxes without smudging the designs

Serving, Gifting & Presentation Ideas

Jolly Christmas Tree Cookies are as much about presentation as flavor. Here’s how to make them shine on your holiday table.

On a Holiday Dessert Table

Arrange cookies in “forest clusters” by grouping different sizes of tree cookies.
Mix your Jolly Christmas Tree Cookies with other shapes like:
- Stars
- Snowflakes
- Gingerbread people
Use a tiered stand or cake stand to add height and visual interest.

Gifting & Packaging

These cookies make thoughtful, personal gifts. Try:

Festive cookie tins
- Line the tin with parchment paper
- Alternate layers of cookies and parchment
Clear cellophane bags
- Place 3–5 cookies inside
- Tie with a ribbon and attach a handwritten tag
Cookie boxes
- Arrange cookies in a single layer with decorative tissue or crinkled paper
- Include a small note with the cookie name and serving suggestions

Cookie Decorating Parties

Turn decorating into an event:

Set up a decorating station with:
- Plain tree cookies
- Bowls of icing in squeeze bottles
- Cups of sprinkles, candy pearls, and stars
Provide each guest with:
- A small tray
- A few cookies to decorate
- Napkins and wipes for sticky fingers

Storage, Make-Ahead & Freezing Guide

Planning makes holiday baking much less stressful. Jolly Christmas Tree Cookies are very make-ahead friendly.

Storing Undecorated Cookies

Once cooled completely, store the plain cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
They stay at their best for several days, which gives you flexibility to decorate later.

Storing Decorated Cookies

Ensure the icing is completely dry before storing.
Layer cookies with parchment or wax paper in between to protect decorations.
Keep them at room temperature in a cool, dry place.

Freezing Options

Freezing dough disks:
- Wrap each dough disk tightly in plastic, then in foil.
- Thaw in the fridge, then roll and bake as usual.
Freezing un-iced cookies:
- Bake, cool, then freeze in airtight containers with parchment between layers.
- Thaw at room temperature before decorating.

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

Even experienced bakers run into cookie hiccups. Here’s how to fix the most common issues with Jolly Christmas Tree Cookies.

Cookies Spreading Too Much

Possible causes:

Dough not chilled long enough
Butter too soft or melted
Too much leavening

Fixes:

Chill dough thoroughly before rolling and again after cutting, if needed.
Check that your butter is just soft, not greasy or melted.
Measure baking powder accurately; a little goes a long way.

Cookies Too Hard or Dry

Possible causes:

Over-baking
Too much flour
Overworking the dough once the flour is added

Fixes:

Watch cookies closely; pull them as soon as edges are lightly golden.
Spoon flour into measuring cups and level off; don’t pack it down.
Mix only until ingredients are combined; avoid long mixing times after flour goes in.

Icing Problems

Icing too runny?

Add more powdered sugar, a spoonful at a time until it thickens.

Icing too stiff?

Add a few drops of water at a time, stirring well, until it flows smoothly.

Are colors bleeding or dull?

Allow base layers of icing to crust before adding additional colors.
Use concentrated gel colors instead of liquid food coloring to avoid thinning the icing.

Pro-Level Decorating Tips

Work in small icing batches so it doesn’t crust in the piping bag.
Cover bowls of icing with plastic wrap, touching the surface to prevent drying.
Pop air bubbles with a toothpick shortly after flooding the cookie.
Dry cookies in a single layer with a bit of air circulation for a smooth finish.

FAQs About Jolly Christmas Tree Cookies

1. How do I keep my Christmas tree cookies from spreading in the oven?
Chill the dough thoroughly, avoid over-soft butter, and measure your baking powder accurately. You can also chill the cut-out shapes on the baking sheet for 10–15 minutes before baking.

2. What icing is best for decorating Christmas tree cookies?
Royal icing is ideal if you want firm, detailed designs and cookies that stack neatly. A simple powdered sugar glaze works well for casual decorating and is especially easy for kids.

3. How thick should I roll the dough for Christmas tree cut-out cookies?
About ¼ inch thickness strikes a good balance between sturdy and tender. Thinner cookies bake faster and can be crisper; thicker cookies stay softer in the center.

4. Can I make Jolly Christmas Tree Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the dough a day in advance, bake the cookies and decorate later, or even freeze un-iced cookies and decorate closer to your event.

5. How long do decorated Christmas tree cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, decorated cookies usually stay pleasant in taste and texture for several days.

Conclusion

Jolly Christmas Tree Cookies are more than just treats, they’re a holiday project, a creative outlet, and a cozy tradition all rolled into one. With a simple, reliable dough, a few basic tools, and some playful decorating ideas, you can fill your kitchen with a forest of festive Christmas tree cookies that look as magical as they taste.