Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks

Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks

Have you ever felt the magic of the holiday season settle in as you see festive treats adorning kitchen counters and gathering around glowing lights? One of the most delightful ways to embrace this season of joy is by baking these enchanting Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks. These whimsical, towering cookie confections not only capture the essence of Christmas in their delightful presentation but are also a breeze to make, especially with kids.

As the aroma of warm sugar cookies wafts through your home, memories of childhood baking with family come flooding back, evoking a sense of nostalgia that is irresistible. With vibrant colors and sweet decorations, these cookie stacks provide the perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering. It’s not just a cookie; it’s an experience filled with love, laughter, and a sprinkle of magic, making it a delightful choice for your upcoming festivities.

Have you ever been enchanted by a dessert that looks just as good as it tastes?

Whether you’re rekindling childhood memories of baking with family or creating new traditions with your little ones, there’s something incredibly special about indulging in treats that shine with the spirit of the season. What dessert can spark such joy and creativity, allowing you to design your own confectionary masterpiece? Imagine each bite transporting you back to that cozy kitchen where flour danced in the air and laughter lingered longer than the sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks aren’t just a feast for the eyes; they’re also a celebration of flavors and ease. Here’s why you should gather your loved ones around the oven:

• Simple Prep: Made with pre-packaged sugar cookie dough, these cookies cut down on time but not on flavor.

• Kid-Friendly: The vibrant green frosting and colorful decorations make this a fun activity for children. Watch their eyes light up as they create their very own edible Christmas trees.

• Minimal Ingredients: Why complicate your baking? With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these delightful stacks in no time.

• Nostalgic Feel: Create heartwarming memories while baking these eye-catching treats that stay with you for years to come.

Ingredients

To prepare these delightful Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 tube sugar cookie dough: A versatile base where the magic begins. Its sweet aroma and soft texture create the foundation of your trees.

• 1/2 cup butter, softened: Brings a rich, creamy flavor that enhances the sweetness of the cookies.

• 2 cups powdered sugar: The key to that silky frosting. Each bite will melt in your mouth, leaving a sugary bliss that lingers.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of aromatic vanilla rounds out the sweetness with warm, inviting notes.

• 2 Tbsp heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to your frosting, making it a dreamy spread.

• Green food coloring: This is the secret to achieving a vibrant tree hue that would make any Christmas decor envious.

• 1/2 tsp salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness, enhancing all the flavors.

• Christmas nonpareils: Tiny colorful sprinkles that mimic twinkling Christmas lights.

• Yellow mini M&Ms or sprinkle stars: For the final touch, a glimmering star on top of your cookies, completing your festive trees.

Timing

If you’re looking for a quick yet indulgent treat, these Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks tick the box beautifully. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a baking time of approximately 15 minutes, you can have these cookies ready to share or devour in under an hour. Perfect for those last-minute holiday get-togethers or warm, cozy evenings at home!

Step-by-Step

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms, line a medium cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Using your hands or a spoon, create cookie balls of varying sizes (1, 2, and 3 teaspoons). A mix of sizes is what builds those adorable layered cookies!

3. Place each cookie ball on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring adequate space between them for expansion. Bake for 5 minutes.

4. Once 5 minutes is up, carefully remove the smallest cookies from the sheet and return the larger ones to continue baking for an additional 3-4 minutes.

5. Once they’re golden and fragrant, pull them from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack, offering an enticing scent that fills your kitchen.

6. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.

7. Gradually incorporate your powdered sugar while continuing to beat until well combined.

8. Add in your vanilla extract, heavy cream, green food coloring, and salt. Blend until everything comes together, adjusting food coloring for your desired shade of festive green.

9. Transfer your luscious frosting into a piping bag fitted with a medium star tip for that perfect tree texture.

10. Pipe a ring of frosting on top of your largest cookie; this is the base of your Christmas tree.

11. Add the medium cookie on top and repeat the piping of frosting, finishing with the smallest cookie atop.

12. To finalize your trees, pipe a little point on the smallest cookie and add festive decorations. Use Christmas nonpareils and a glittering star or yellow M&M to create that finishing touch!

13. Serve these beauties on a festive platter and watch them disappear!

Nutritional Information

Each Christmas Tree Cookie Stack holds a delightful balance of sweetness and festivity, with roughly 120 calories per stack, perfect for an occasional indulgent treat. You can easily enjoy them without a guilty conscience while partaking in the sweet joys of the holiday season.

Healthier Alternatives

Want to keep things a bit lighter? Consider these alternatives:

• Use low-sugar cookie dough or make your own with a sugar substitute.

• For a dairy-free option, swap out the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative such as coconut cream.

• Consider using Greek yogurt in place of butter in the frosting for added protein and reduced fat.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks are a treat on their own, but they can be wondrously complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or served with a hot cocoa on chilly evenings. They’re also perfect for holiday parties, shared with family, or for cookie exchanges—each bite sparking smiles and warmth.

Common Mistakes

When you’re baking these delightful stacks, be mindful of a few common pitfalls:

• Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your cookies; while you’re baking, the edges should be just turning golden, not browning too much.

• Texture Issues: If your cookie dough is too warm, it may spread too much in the oven.

• Messes: To avoid sticky fingers and flour all over the kitchen, set up a clean workspace and keep your surface neat.

Storing Tips

Planning to save some for later? Here’s how to properly store your Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks:

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before stacking them in an airtight container.

• For longer preservation, consider freezing the cookies separately wrapped in plastic wrap or parchment paper and then placing them in a freezer bag.

• To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, restoring their gooey texture.

Tempting Conclusion

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the warmth of the holiday season by baking these Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks today! The joy of creating, sharing, and indulging in these scrumptious treats is too tempting to resist. Gather around the oven, create memories, and let the sweet aroma fill your home—it’s a wonderful way to celebrate!

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?
   Yes, absolutely! Homemade dough can add a personal touch to your cookie stacks.

2. How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
   Use dairy-free butter and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk.

3. What if I don’t have a piping bag?
   You can create your own by snipping the corner of a zip-top bag, which works just as well!

4. How long do these cookies last?
   They’ll stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.

5. Can I decorate these stacks with other toppings?
   Absolutely! Get creative with edible glitter, different colored sprinkles, or festive candy cane crumbs for that holiday flair!

Explore your creativity this festive season and let your kitchen come alive with these delightful Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks! Each layer is a chapter in your holiday story waiting to be shared and savored.

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