As the holiday season approaches, you may find yourself in search of the perfect treat that impresses both family and friends. Enter Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies, a delightful and visually stunning dessert that captures the essence of Christmas in both taste and presentation. These cookies bring together the warm flavors of butter and vanilla with a festive twist that makes them ideal for holiday gatherings. Stacking them into a tree shape not only creates a magnificent centerpiece for your dessert table but also invites everyone to partake in the sweetness of the season. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a creamy frosting experience, making these cookies a hit for both kids and adults alike.
Why We Love This Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies Recipe
There’s something inherently joyous about baking during the holiday season, and this recipe encapsulates that feeling. The process of making Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies allows you to infuse your kitchen with holiday spirit, making memories as you create. The combination of delicious flavors, easy-to-follow steps, and the enjoyable experience of decorating makes this recipe a family favorite. The vibrant colors of the buttercream frosting and sprinkles add an element of fun, and you can customize the decorations to fit any theme or color scheme. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies are the perfect treat to share.
Ingredients about Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
To make your Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Buttercream frosting (enough to layer and decorate)
- Sprinkles for decoration
How to Make Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies Directions
Creating Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies is not only simple but also incredibly enjoyable! Follow these steps to achieve cookie perfection.
- Prepare Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the cookies to a golden brown.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. This process eliminates any lumps and ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, resulting in perfectly baked cookies.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and white sugar using a mixer or spatula until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is key, as it incorporates air into the dough, making your cookies light and delightful.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Crack the egg into the creamed mixture, add the vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined, ensuring that all flavors are infused into the butter mixture.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. It’s best to do this in increments to prevent overwhelming the dough, ensuring that all elements come together seamlessly.
- Shape the Dough: After the dough is well combined, roll it into small balls—about one tablespoon each—and place them on ungreased cookie sheets. Gently flatten each ball slightly with your palm. This helps them bake evenly and obtain that lovely cookie shape.
- Bake: Place your cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Watch closely for that golden hue, which indicates they are ready to come out.
- Cool: Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling is crucial before layering them with frosting.
- Stack and Decorate: Once your cookies are cool, you’re ready to stack them! Spread buttercream frosting between the layers and top each cookie stack with a generous dollop of frosting. Finally, decorate with colorful sprinkles to add sparkle and festive cheer!
How to Serve Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
Serving your Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies can be as creative as you want it to be. You might consider placing them on a decorative platter to serve as a centerpiece for your holiday table. Pair these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or a festive punch for a cozy holiday gathering. You can also wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons, making them perfect gifts for neighbors or friends. If you’re hosting a big celebration, consider incorporating these cookies into a dessert buffet alongside other sweet treats. Their eye-catching design is sure to draw attention, and the delicious flavor will keep guests coming back for more.
Expert Tips: Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
To ensure your Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies are nothing short of spectacular, consider these expert tips:
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough is too sticky to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make rolling into balls easier and will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Perfect Buttercream Consistency: When making the buttercream frosting, be mindful of its consistency. It should be creamy enough to spread but not too runny. If it appears too thick, add a tiny bit of milk; if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Customize Decorations: Use holiday-themed sprinkles or colored frosting to match your party’s theme. You can get creative with colors and designs to make each cookie stack unique.
- Be Patient When Cooling: Make sure your cookies are fully cool before stacking, as warm cookies may cause the frosting to melt and slide, ruining your decorated stacks.
- Try Different Sizes: Consider using cookie cutters to make various sizes of cookies. Stacking different sizes can add dimension and fun to your cookie tree.
How to Store Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
To keep your Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure to place a layer of parchment paper between the layers of cookies to prevent sticking. If you want to extend their life, you can also store them in the fridge, where they can last for up to a week. For longer-term storage, consider freezing the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag with wax paper between layers, and they can be kept for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before decorating and serving them!
Variation of Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
While the classic Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies are delicious on their own, there are various ways to switch things up! Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Add Flavor: Experiment with different extracts; you might enjoy using coconut or peppermint extract in your recipe for a unique twist on flavor.
- Change the Frosting: Instead of standard buttercream, try using cream cheese frosting or chocolate frosting for a different taste profile. This can bring out new flavors that complement the cookies beautifully.
- Incorporate Chocolate: Mix in chocolate chips or M&Ms into the cookie dough for an extra sweet surprise.
- Festive Shapes: Instead of tree shapes, use holiday-themed cookie cutters such as stars, bells, or hearts. Stack them to create your own unique holiday shape!
- Fillings: Consider adding a filling between the layers, such as fruit preserves or chocolate ganache, for an extra burst of flavor.
FAQ: Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
What are Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies? Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies are individual cookies decorated with buttercream frosting and stacked to resemble a Christmas tree. They are perfect for holiday celebrations and bring joy to festive gatherings.
How do I achieve the best flavor in my cookies? To enhance the flavor, be sure to use high-quality ingredients. Fresh butter and pure extracts will make a noticeable difference in taste. You can also add mix-ins like chocolate chips for an extra flavor boost.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Absolutely! Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies can be prepared ahead of time. You can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to frost and decorate.
What type of frosting should I use? Buttercream frosting is ideal for these cookies due to its creamy texture and ease of decoration. However, you may also consider cream cheese frosting or any frosting of your liking.
How should I store leftover cookies? Store leftover Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
Decoration Ingredients
- Buttercream frosting (enough to layer and decorate)
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and white sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Roll the dough into one-tablespoon balls, placing them on ungreased cookie sheets and flattening slightly.
Baking
- Bake for approximately 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
Assembly
- Spread buttercream frosting between the cooled cookie layers and top each stack with frosting and colorful sprinkles.
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