Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and utterly delicious way to brighten up your holiday dessert table, let me introduce you to my favorite **Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks Recipe**. These charming little cookie towers not only bring the Christmas spirit in full force but also taste as good as they look. Trust me, once you try stacking these buttery, frosted delights, you’ll want to make them every year—and I’m here to make sure you nail this recipe perfectly!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks Recipe comes down to simple, classic ingredients that blend beautifully—because seasoned bakers and beginners alike know the difference quality ingredients make. Let’s walk through why each ingredient is a must-have for success.

• Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature, butter is the cornerstone that gives these cookies their tender crumb and rich flavor. Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt balance perfectly.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: This fine sugar dissolves smoothly into both dough and frosting, ensuring that soft, creamy texture we love.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure without making the cookies tough—key to that perfect chewiness.
• Baking Soda: Just enough to help the cookies gently rise while keeping them tender.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the buttery notes without overwhelming.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture, giving the cookies that lovely soft center.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds aromatic warmth and depth, a must for that classic sugar cookie flavor.
• Green Food Coloring: Just a few drops brighten up the frosting so your Christmas tree cookies look as festive as they taste.
• Yellow Star Sprinkles and Pearls: These finishing touches turn your stacks into little edible Christmas trees, catching every eye at holiday parties.

Make It Your Way

I absolutely love making these Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks my own by playing around with the frosting colors and toppings. After all, the holidays are about having fun—so don’t hesitate to personalize! You might also want to try different flavors or dietary tweaks to make it work for your family.

• Variation: Once I tried adding a pinch of almond extract to the frosting instead of vanilla, and wow—such a lovely twist that gave the cookie stacks a subtle nutty character. You might want to test that if you love almond flavors!
• Dietary Modification: For gluten-free options, swapping in a gluten-free blend works, but be sure to look for one with xanthan gum included to keep the dough from crumbling when stacked.
• Seasonal Change: You can dye the frosting red or even gold for a non-traditional, glam Christmas tree look—fun if you want something unexpected on the holiday table.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks Recipe

Step 1: Creaming Butter and Sugar to Perfection

Start by softening your butter—don’t rush this, because it sets the whole tone for your cookie texture. I use my stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beating the butter on high for about 2 to 3 minutes until it’s fluffy and creamy. Then add the confectioners’ sugar and beat for another 3 minutes or so until everything is combined and light. Scrape down the bowl sides between steps to avoid any lumps or uneven mixing—it’s a small detail but makes a big difference!

Step 2: Adding Eggs, Vanilla, and Dry Ingredients Gently

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla till everything’s incorporated and smooth. Then add your flour, baking soda, and salt—this is where you want to mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender. Overmixing is a trap that leads to tough cookies, so stop as soon as you don’t see flour streaks.

Step 3: Shaping and Baking Three Sizes of Cookies

This is where the fun in the Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks Recipe really kicks in. Roll your dough into balls of three sizes: small (1 tsp), medium (2 tsp), and large (3 tsp). This method ensures your cookies will stack with a perfect tree shape. I suggest baking one size at a time on the center rack, rotating the pan halfway through to get an even bake. Remember, cookies are done when edges are set, but centers can look slightly underdone—they firm up beautifully as they cool. Small cookies bake quickly in 5-6 minutes, mediums in 7-8, and large around 10 minutes.

Step 4: Whipping Up That Luscious Green Buttercream

While your cookies cool, whip up the buttercream frosting. Start by beating softened butter for 3 to 4 minutes until silky smooth, then gradually add your powdered sugar in two batches, beating until creamy in between. Add vanilla, salt, and the green food coloring few drops at a time, mixing until you hit that vibrant festive green you love. This frosting has the perfect balance: not too sweet, just right for layering.

Step 5: Piping and Stacking Your Festive Cookie Trees

Load your frosting into a piping bag fitted with a star tip (I swear by the 1M), and pipe generous swirls on each cookie size. On the smallest cookies, pipe a pretty swirl chimney-top and add a yellow star sprinkle to complete the look. Stack your cookies largest on the bottom, medium next, then smallest on top—repeat until all your trees are built. Finally, add your gold and silver pearl sprinkles to turn these cookie stacks into little masterpieces. Trust me, this is where your kitchen fills with joy and holiday magic.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks Recipe

Garnishes

I typically stick with classic yellow star sprinkles at the top of each tree because it adds that perfect whimsical touch, reminiscent of grandma’s tree toppers. The silver and gold pearls scattered around are my favorite—they catch the light and add a little sparkle that everyone notices first. You can also go for red and green jimmies for even more festive color pop. The key is using edible decorations that complement the green frosting without overpowering the delicate cookie base.

Side Dishes

For holiday parties, I like pairing these cookie stacks with warm mulled cider or a rich hot chocolate. The sweet, spiced beverages balance the buttery sweetness beautifully. Sometimes I serve alongside fresh berries or a light citrus salad to offer a refreshing contrast, especially if you’re hosting a bigger dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

One holiday, I set these cookie trees on a mirrored tray surrounded by pine sprigs and faux snow for an elegant winter wonderland look. Another time, I wrapped individual stacks in clear cellophane with a satin ribbon for gift-giving—a real crowd-pleaser! You can also arrange a bunch in varying heights on a tiered stand to create an eye-catching centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store the decorated Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks in an airtight container at room temperature and they stay fresh for up to 4 days. If your home is humid, I recommend the fridge to prevent frosting melting, but bring them to room temp before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

Freezing is best done with undecorated cookies—after baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in airtight bags. When you’re ready, thaw fully before making and piping your buttercream frosting for stacking. This method keeps your cookies fresh without sogginess or frosting mishaps.

Reheating

If you want to revive the softness of day-old cookies, I gently warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes wrapped in foil. Avoid microwaving as it can make the butter separate and texture rubbery. Frosting is best piped fresh, so I reassemble stacks right before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it brings so much joy and warmth to the season whether I’m baking alone or with family around me. There’s something truly magical about building edible mini trees, frosting each layer, and watching the smiles grow when they see the finished towers. I really hope you’ll give it a try this holiday—you might find it becomes your own festive tradition too!

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