Name: Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more as needed for rolling and work surface; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but makes the flavor outstanding); 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (omit and replace with water for stark white icing); 2 teaspoons light corn syrup; 4.5–5 Tablespoons (67–75ml) room temperature water; pinch salt; optional: gel food coloring & sprinkles for decorating

I absolutely adore making Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe around the holidays. There’s just something magical about rolling out that buttery dough, cutting out the tree shapes, and then decorating them with vibrant frosting and sprinkles. It’s not only a treat for your taste buds but also a festive ritual that fills the kitchen with warmth and laughter.

This recipe is especially wonderful for family gatherings or when you want to delight kids with a fun decorating session. The cookies come out soft yet sturdy enough to hold all your frosting creativity, making every sweet bite totally worth it. Trust me, once you try this Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe, it’ll become a timeless tradition you’ll look forward to each year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here is chosen to deliver a dough that’s easy to roll and holds its shape perfectly, plus a frosting that’s smooth and pipe-friendly. I recommend using fresh, quality ingredients because it really makes a difference when you’re aiming for those picture-perfect Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe results.

All-purpose flour: Make sure it’s spooned and leveled for accurate measurement—too much flour can make your cookies dry.
Baking powder: Helps your cookies rise just enough for a soft texture without losing their shape.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor of the cookies.
Unsalted butter: Room temperature is key here for proper creaming with sugar—go for good-quality for the best flavor.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch.
Egg: Helps bind everything together; use at room temperature to mix smoothly.
Pure vanilla extract: Gives a classic warm flavor that’s essential in this recipe.
Almond extract (optional): Just a small amount can elevate the cookie’s flavor to something truly special, but it’s optional if you prefer traditional vanilla.
Confectioners’ sugar (for icing): Ensures a super smooth, lump-free frosting perfect for detailed decorating.
Light corn syrup (for icing): Adds shine and prevents frosting from hardening too quickly.
Water (for icing): Adjust to get the perfect consistency – you want it smooth but pipeable.
Gel food coloring and sprinkles (optional): These are your best friends for turning plain cookies into festive masterpieces.

Variations

I love mixing things up a bit depending on who I’m baking for or the mood I’m in. This Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe is super versatile, so don’t hesitate to add your own twists!

Gluten-free: I’ve swapped in a gluten-free all-purpose blend with great results—just make sure your flour includes xanthan gum or similar for structure.
Flavored icing: Sometimes I add a drop of peppermint extract to the frosting for a minty twist that’s perfect for Christmas.
Vegan adaptation: You can replace butter with vegan butter and use flax egg instead of the regular egg if you want this to be dairy- and egg-free.
Different shapes: Yes, trees are classic, but I also like stars and snowflakes to mix it up for a cookie platter.

How to Make Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes with a stand or hand mixer. This aerates the dough, which helps give the cookies a tender crumb. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream well, so take it out ahead of time or soften in short bursts in the microwave.

Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts

Mix in your room temperature egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. This adds moisture and boosts those classic Christmasy flavors that we love about this Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture a little at a time. It’s best to do this gradually to avoid overmixing—mix just until everything is combined and you have a soft dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

This step is crucial! Wrap the dough tightly and chill it for at least 1 hour, or even overnight. Chilling makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies keep their shape when baking. Trust me, skipping this can lead to cookies that spread too much.

Step 5: Roll, Cut, and Bake

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite Christmas tree cookie cutter—press firmly and transfer the shapes to lined baking sheets. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. Keep a close eye; you want them soft, not crispy.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While the cookies cool, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, corn syrup, water, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the water to get a smooth, pipeable consistency—you want icing that holds its shape but isn’t too stiff. Divide and tint with gel food coloring if desired.

Step 7: Decorate and Enjoy

Once the cookies are completely cool, pipe or spread the frosting and decorate with sprinkles. I love to let little ones join in here—it turns the whole baking process into an unforgettable festive activity. Then, let the frosting set for about an hour before stacking or storing.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe

Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with colorful sprinkles and sometimes small silver dragées for a bit of sparkle. If you want to get fancy, crushed peppermint candies or edible glitter make these cookies look like a winter wonderland. Choose garnishes that add texture and burst of color without overpowering the frosting.

Side Dishes

Pair these sweet cookies with a hot cup of cocoa or a spiced apple cider for a cozy winter treat. They also go surprisingly well with mild cheeses or a simple fruit platter if you’re serving them at a holiday party.

Creative Ways to Present

For Christmas morning, I like arranging these cookies on a festive platter surrounded by pine branches or holly leaves for a natural look. Wrapping a few dozen tied with a bright ribbon also makes a charming homemade gift. And don’t forget to display a plate of these cookies alongside Santa’s milk glass – it adds a touch of Christmas magic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Placing a sheet of parchment paper between layers helps keep the frosting from sticking together. This way, they stay fresh and just as tasty.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead, you can freeze the unbaked dough or the baked cookies. For dough, shape into a disk, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and roll out. Baked cookies freeze well too—place them in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Reheating

I usually don’t reheat these cookies since they’re best eaten at room temperature, but if you like warm cookies, pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Be cautious not to melt the frosting. This little trick brings out the buttery flavor beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time for Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe?

Absolutely! Chilling the dough for at least an hour or preferably overnight helps the cookies hold their shape better when baking and makes rolling out much easier. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent drying out.
What’s the secret to frosting that doesn’t crack or get too hard?

Using light corn syrup in the icing adds just the right amount of elasticity and sheen, keeping the frosting smooth and less prone to cracking. Also, don’t make the icing too stiff—add water gradually until you get the perfect pipeable texture.
Can I substitute almond extract in this recipe?

Yes, almond extract is optional. If you don’t have it or prefer not to use it, just leave it out or replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract. The cookies will still be delicious.
How thick should I roll out the dough for Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe?

Rolling the dough about 1/4-inch thick is ideal. This thickness ensures the cookies bake evenly and hold their shape, plus they’re not too fragile to frost and decorate.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my heart every holiday season. It’s more than just a cookie — it’s about the moments spent decorating with family, the scent of vanilla and almond in the air, and the joy of sharing those festive treats with loved ones. I hope you’ll try this recipe and create your own warm memories around the kitchen table. Happy baking!