Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks

Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks are delightful confections that capture the spirit of the holiday season in every delicious bite. These charming treats are as visually appealing as they are tasty, making them perfect for festive gatherings, family celebrations, or quiet evenings at home. Imagine the joyful scene: a stack of vibrant green cookies topped with sweet frosting and adorned with sprinkles, each bite bursting with Christmas cheer. This recipe is straightforward and ideal for both baking novices and seasoned cooks alike, offering a delightful, step-by-step process that will ease anyone into holiday baking bliss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll appreciate this Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks recipe for several reasons. First and foremost is its simplicity; with a few familiar ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll find yourself whipping up a batch in no time. These cookies are guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers, perfect for holiday parties or cookie exchanges. They also allow for creativity and decoration, making them a fun project for kids and adults alike. Plus, the combination of buttery cookies and sweet frosting creates a comforting treat that will evoke warmth and nostalgia, perfect for the joyful spirit that fills the air during this special season.

Ingredients

For this festive recipe, you’ll need:

1 tube sugar cookie dough – The rich, sweet base that brings the cookie stacks together.
1/2 cup butter, softened – Adds a creamy texture to the cookies and frosting.
2 cups powdered sugar – Provides that magical sweetness that enhances every bite.
1 tsp. vanilla extract – A warm, aromatic addition that elevates the flavor.
2 Tbsp. heavy cream – Ensures the frosting is luscious and smooth.
Green food coloring – For creating that traditional Christmas tree appearance.
1/2 tsp. salt – Balances the sweetness of the ingredients.
Christmas nonpareils – Cute, colorful decorations to sprinkle joy on the cookies.
Yellow mini M&Ms or sprinkle stars – To finish each tree with a delightful star on top.

These ingredients combine into a luxurious composition that melds rich flavors and inviting textures, allowing you to create stunning cookie stacks that are not just a treat but a canvas for creativity.

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a medium cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Shape the Cookies: Take the sugar cookie dough and use a scoop to form balls of different sizes: small (1 teaspoon), medium (2 teaspoons), and large (3 teaspoons). Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the smallest cookies from the sheet and continue baking the larger cookies for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are lightly golden.
Cool the Cookies: Once baked, let the cookies cool on a cooling rack. This step is vital to ensure they maintain their shape for stacking.
Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Pour in the vanilla extract, heavy cream, green food coloring, and salt, then blend until the frosting is creamy and the desired green hue is attained.
Decorate with Frosting: Transfer the luscious frosting into a piping bag fitted with a medium star tip. To assemble your cookie stacks, pipe a circle of frosting on the largest cookie. Place the medium cookie on top and pipe another circle of frosting before adding the smallest cookie.
Top with Frosting: Finish the stack by piping a point on top of the smallest cookie. Now, it’s time for the final touch: decorate with colorful sprinkles and place a sprinkle star or a small yellow M&M atop your creation.
Serve: These cookie stacks are now ready to impress! Arrange them on a festive platter and serve them to your family or guests, inviting them to indulge in the cheerful holiday spirit.

Tips & Tricks

Cookie Dough: If you want to elevate the flavor of your sugar cookies, consider using homemade sugar cookie dough instead of store-bought.
Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream until it reaches your preferred piping consistency.
Color Variation: Feel free to experiment with different shades of green food coloring or even mix colors to create a gradient effect for your trees.
Decorative Options: Use various edible decorations to create unique cookie trees—like using chocolate chips for ornaments!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks are not just desserts; they can be the centerpiece of your holiday gatherings. Serve them alongside hot cocoa, mulled apple cider, or a festive punch for a complete holiday experience. They are perfect for cookie exchanges or as gifts wrapped in cellophane tied with a festive ribbon. Pair them with other confections like peppermint bark or gingerbread for a delightful holiday platter that will enchant both kids and adults.

Nutritional Information

These cookies are a seasonal treat that offers joy and sweetness, but moderation is key. Each cookie stack contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on size and frosting used. While they are a delightful indulgence, it’s important to balance such sugary treats within a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Storing Tips & Variations

To keep your Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to preserve them longer, they freeze beautifully! Stack them with parchment paper in between each layer in a freezer-safe container, where they can last for up to three months.

Variations: Consider making variations by replacing the frosting with whipped cream or using chocolate cookies for a different flavor profile. You could also create mini versions of the stacks for bite-sized treats or even make them as a fun project with different cookie shapes!

Conclusion

Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks blend creativity with deliciousness, making them a must-try recipe for the holiday season. Whether you’re baking with family, sharing them with friends, or indulging in a solo treat, they encapsulate the essence of Christmas cheer. Try this recipe today, and let the joyous spirit of baking fill your home!

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of cookie dough?
Yes! Feel free to substitute the sugar cookie dough with gingerbread or chocolate cookie dough for unique flavors and variations.

2. How can I achieve a brighter green color in the frosting?
Add more green food coloring to achieve your desired shade. Just a few drops can intensify the color, so adjust little by little until you’re happy.

3. Can leftovers be frozen?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Just ensure they are layered with parchment paper in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

4. How long do these cookies take to make?
From start to finish, including baking and cooling time, you can expect to spend about an hour and a half preparing these festive cookie stacks.

5. What can I decorate these cookies with besides sprinkles?
You can use mini chocolate chips, edible glitter, or crushed candy canes to add a festive touch to your cookie stacks! The options are endless!