If you’re looking for a festive treat that brings together buttery richness and a sparkling, joyful appearance, the Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies Recipe is your new holiday hero. These charming tree-shaped cookies are crisp on the edges, delightfully soft inside, and topped with shimmering royal icing and a sprinkle of festive decorations that make each bite as magical as the season itself. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifts, or just to brighten your afternoon, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in cookie form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a starring role in creating that perfect texture and flavor. From the creamy unsalted butter that gives richness to the granulated sugar that lends a subtle sweetness, every element is essential to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth goodness and the perfect golden finish.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Use at room temperature for easy creaming and rich flavor without excess saltiness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create the delicate crisp edges when baked.
- 1 large egg: Provides structure and moisture to bind the dough.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic note that elevates the cookie flavor.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie, offering tenderness and support.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Just enough lift for a soft, airy crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Royal icing (prepared): To decorate and add that stunning sparkle and glossy finish.
- Green nonpareils, edible gold stars, festive sprinkles: Bring visual sparkle and festive cheer to your cookie trees.
How to Make Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Your Butter and Sugar
Start by creaming the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to building a tender and airy cookie texture. When your butter and sugar are perfectly whipped, add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until everything is combined smoothly. You’ll already start to feel the magic coming together here.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures they’re evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. It should be just soft enough to handle without sticking too much—perfect for rolling out later.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Divide your dough into two discs and wrap each in plastic wrap. Pop them into the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling not only helps the dough firm up for easier rolling and cutting but also improves flavor as it rests and develops.
Step 4: Roll and Cut Out Your Trees
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about a ¼ inch thickness. Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your festive cookies. If you want perfectly shaped trees, take your time here—presentation is everything!
Step 5: Chill the Cookies Before Baking
Place your cut-out cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill them again for 10 minutes. This extra chill helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, so you get nice clean edges in your Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies Recipe.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges just start to turn a light golden color. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect balance between tender center and crisp edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Decorate with Royal Icing and Sprinkles
Once your cookies are fully cooled, it’s time for the fun part! Use royal icing to create a smooth, glossy coating over your tree shapes. While the icing is still wet, sprinkle on green nonpareils, edible gold stars, and other festive sprinkles. This gives that magical sparkle and makes your cookies look almost too good to eat.
Step 8: Let Icing Set
Allow the decorated cookies to dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight. This step ensures the icing fully sets so your decorations stay perfectly in place when you share or gift these beauties.
How to Serve Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies Recipe doesn’t have to stop at sprinkles. Try a light dusting of edible glitter or a thin drizzle of white chocolate over the royal icing for extra visual interest and a bit more festive sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with warm drinks like spiced cider, hot chocolate, or even a mild herbal tea. If you’re serving at a party, add a plate of seasonal fruits or nuts to add a contrasting texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a wooden board lined with fresh pine branches or sprigs of rosemary to bring the forest feel to the table. Another fun idea is to tie a few cookies in clear bags with ribbon as charming edible gifts. Presentation adds an extra sprinkle of delight to the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure the cookies are completely dry before storing to avoid any sogginess. Layer the cookies with parchment paper to keep the decorations from sticking.
Freezing
You can freeze the plain, undecorated cookie dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting. For baked and decorated cookies, place them in an airtight container with parchment layers and freeze for up to 2 months; let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If you want a warm cookie experience, gently warm one in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds but skip reheating decorated cookies to avoid melting the royal icing.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted for the Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies Recipe?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning. Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over salt levels.
How thick should I roll the dough for the cookies?
Rolling the dough to about a ¼ inch thickness ensures your cookies bake evenly with that perfect balance of crisp edges and soft centers.
What type of royal icing works best for decorating these cookies?
A stiff but pipeable royal icing is ideal. It holds shapes well for decorating and dries to a smooth, hard finish that keeps sprinkles and decorations intact.
Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
For vegan versions, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, and use flax eggs or similar egg replacements. Gluten-free flour blends can replace all-purpose flour, but results may vary slightly in texture.
How far in advance can I make these cookies?
You can make and decorate these cookies a few days ahead. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh, or freeze undecorated ones longer as described above.
Final Thoughts
There really is nothing like the joy of creating and sharing the Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies Recipe. From the simple blend of buttery dough to the shimmer of royal icing and festive sprinkles, this recipe turns the ordinary into something truly special. Whether it’s your first time or a beloved tradition, these cookies will brighten your kitchen and your spirits. So grab your rolling pin, gather your ingredients, and get ready for some sweet holiday magic!
Print
Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 1h 30m
- Cook Time: 10m
- Total Time: 1h 40m
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies are festive, buttery sugar cookies cut into tree shapes and decorated with royal icing and festive sprinkles. These soft and tender cookies offer a perfect holiday treat that combines classic flavors of vanilla and a sweet crunch from green nonpareils and gold stars. The recipe includes chilling steps to ensure easy handling and perfect shapes, followed by decorating with bright icing and sprinkles for a charming finish.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Decoration
- Royal icing (prepared, for decorating)
- Green nonpareils
- Edible gold stars
- Other festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough for easier rolling and cutting.
- Preheat Oven and Cut Shapes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness and cut out tree shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Chill Cut Cookies: Place the cutout cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill again in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to help maintain their shape during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once the cookies have completely cooled, decorate each cookie with royal icing. Immediately add green nonpareils, edible gold stars, and other festive sprinkles while the icing is still wet to ensure they adhere well.
- Let Icing Set: Allow the decorated cookies to dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight until the royal icing is fully set and hardened.
Notes
- Be sure to chill the dough twice to prevent spreading during baking and maintain crisp cookie edges.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and smooth dough consistency.
- Royal icing must be applied on completely cooled cookies to avoid melting.
- Decorate quickly after icing to ensure sprinkles stick properly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies freeze well before baking; freeze cut shapes on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags.
