Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies

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I have a special place in my heart for holiday baking, and nothing captures the magic of the season quite like these Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies. Every year, as soon as December rolls in, I find myself reaching for my favorite tree-shaped cookie cutter and lining the counter with sprinkles, royal icing, and glittery sugar. The aroma of vanilla and butter wafting through the kitchen is just the beginning — the true joy comes from decorating each cookie with a personal touch, making them as festive as they are delicious.

These cookies aren’t just about looks — though the golden stars and emerald green sprinkles certainly make a stunning impression. They’re buttery, lightly sweet, and have that perfect crisp-yet-tender bite you want from a classic sugar cookie. Whether you’re making them with kids, packaging them up for gifts, or simply stacking them on a platter for a party, these cookies are the ultimate holiday treat.

Why You’ll Love These Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies

These cookies are a holiday showstopper, yet they’re surprisingly simple to make. You don’t need any fancy decorating skills to make them look beautiful – just a steady hand and a few sprinkles go a long way. The dough is easy to work with, holds its shape perfectly when baked, and stays delicious for days. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable, which means you can make a batch that fits your personal holiday style.

What Kind of Cookie Cutter Should I Use?

For these cookies, I use a medium-sized Christmas tree cookie cutter. The size helps create a canvas that’s large enough to decorate but not so big that the cookie becomes too fragile or hard to handle. If you want to make a variety, you can also use smaller cutters for gift boxes or larger ones for centerpiece cookies. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly based on the size of your shapes.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch things up, there are a few easy substitutions that still yield delicious results:

• Gluten-Free Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary needs.
• Flavoring: Swap out vanilla extract for almond or orange extract to give your cookies a different twist.
• Icing: If royal icing isn’t your thing, a simple powdered sugar glaze works just fine.
• Decorations: Go wild with colored sugar, crushed candy canes, or even edible glitter for added sparkle.

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Ingredients for These Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base and helps the cookies hold their shape.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies get that perfect light golden edge.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie, giving it a sturdy texture perfect for cut-outs.
• Baking Powder: A touch of lift for slightly puffed but crisp cookies.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Royal Icing: Used for decorating and drying into a smooth, glossy finish.
• Decorative Sprinkles: Adds festive color and sparkle to each cookie.

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Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by creaming the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft texture. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half and flatten into two discs. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut clean shapes.

Step 4: Roll and Cut

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out shapes, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure they are fully cool before decorating.

Step 6: Decorate with Royal Icing

Prepare your royal icing to a flood consistency. Using a piping bag or squeeze bottle, outline and fill in each tree. Use a toothpick to help spread the icing evenly if needed.

Step 7: Add the Sparkle

While the icing is still wet, decorate with green nonpareils, edible gold stars, silver pearls, or glitter. Let the cookies dry uncovered for several hours or overnight until the icing is fully set.

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How Long to Prepare the Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies

Preparing these cookies takes a bit of planning, but every minute is worth the festive reward.

Active Time: You’ll spend around 30 minutes mixing the dough, cutting the shapes, and prepping the cookies for the oven. Decorating may take another 30–60 minutes, depending on how detailed you want to get.

Chill and Bake Time: The dough needs at least 1 hour to chill, and the baking process takes about 8–10 minutes per batch. Allow a few more hours for the icing to dry completely if you’re packing them or stacking them.

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Tips for Perfect Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies

• Roll the dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thick to ensure consistent baking.
• Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
• Chill your cookie shapes again for 10 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.
• Use a squeeze bottle or piping bag for more control when icing.
• Let icing dry at room temperature overnight for best results.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the Dough: This can result in tough cookies.
• Skipping the Chill Time: Warm dough spreads too much and loses its shape.
• Using Too Much Flour While Rolling: It can dry out the dough and affect flavor.
• Applying Icing to Warm Cookies: The icing will melt and become messy.
• Stacking Before Drying: Always let the icing dry completely before stacking to avoid smudging.

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What to Serve With Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies?

1. Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows

The classic cozy pairing — rich, warm cocoa balances the crisp sweetness of the cookies.

2. Spiced Apple Cider

The tart, warming flavors complement the buttery vanilla of the cookies.

3. Holiday Tea Blends

Serve with a cinnamon or peppermint tea for a fragrant, comforting treat.

4. Eggnog (Non-Alcoholic or Spiked)

A creamy, nostalgic drink that pairs beautifully with sweet holiday cookies.

5. Vanilla Ice Cream

Use the cookies as a crunchy, festive topping or sandwich around scoops of ice cream.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Refrigerator: You can keep decorated cookies in the fridge for longer freshness, but be sure they’re sealed well to avoid absorbing fridge odors.

Freezer: Undecorated cookies freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Stack them between layers of parchment and store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw and decorate when ready.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 140
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 1.5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 45mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make these cookies?

You can bake and freeze the cookies (undecorated) up to 2 months ahead. Decorate a day or two before serving.

Can I use store-bought icing?

Yes, though royal icing gives a smoother, more professional finish. Store-bought options work in a pinch.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

This is usually from using warm dough or not measuring flour correctly. Be sure to chill the dough well and spoon/level your flour.

Can I make these without a tree-shaped cutter?

Absolutely! Use stars, snowflakes, or even circles — the decoration will bring out the holiday magic.

Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?

No, but it does make the process quicker. A hand mixer or strong whisking arm works just fine.

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Conclusion

Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies bring festive charm, buttery flavor, and a whole lot of sparkle to any holiday table. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting them to friends, or enjoying a quiet decorating night with family, these cookies are a celebration in every bite. Get creative, have fun with the decorations, and let this sweet tradition become part of your holiday magic.

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