Name: Delicious Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies for Holidays
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (For gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.); 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (For dairy-free, use vegan margarine or coconut oil.); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg (For vegan, use flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Royal icing (For decorating cookies.); Shimmering sprinkles (For decoration on the cookies.)

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Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies are the perfect festive treat for holiday gatherings and special occasions. These delightful cookies are shaped like trees and adorned with royal icing and shimmering sprinkles, making them a visual and tasty delight. With a sweet buttery flavor and a crunchy texture, they are sure to bring joy to your festive celebrations. Let’s explore how to make these delicious cookies and why they will become a staple for your holiday baking.

Why You’ll Love This Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies

These cookies are not just visually appealing; they also come with a host of benefits. First, they are easy to make, making them a perfect choice for both novice and experienced bakers. The festive colors and shapes bring delight to any holiday gathering, making them wonderful for cookie exchanges or as gifts. Moreover, they can be adapted with various decorations, making them versatile for different themes. With a short preparation time of just 25 minutes, you can whip up a batch quickly. The Holiday Sparkling Sugar Cookies can be stored and enjoyed for days, and their charming appearance makes them a hit with kids and adults alike. Lastly, they can be customized with different flavors and cookie cutters for unique presentations.

Ingredients for Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies

Gather these items:

2 cups all-purpose flour (For gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (For dairy-free, use vegan margarine or coconut oil.)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg (For vegan, use flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce.)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Royal icing (For decorating cookies.)
Shimmering sprinkles (For decoration on the cookies.)

How to Make Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gather all your ingredients in one place and measure them out.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar using an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Beat in the egg and add the vanilla extract to the butter mixture until fully combined.
Step 6: Gradually mix the flour mixture into the creamed mixture on low speed until just combined.
Step 7: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Step 8: Using a tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the rolled dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until edges turn golden.
Step 10: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 11: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing and add shimmering sprinkles.

Pro Tips for the Best Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling out to avoid spreading.
Use a thin layer of royal icing for better control in decorating.
Experiment with different shapes and edible glitter to enhance the festive look.
Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal mixing.
Consider using flavored extracts for a unique twist.

Best Ways to Serve Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies

These cookies can be served in various delightful ways. Present them on a decorative platter at holiday parties to impress your guests. Pair them with hot cocoa or festive drinks for a cozy treat. They also make a great addition to gift baskets during the holidays, alongside other decorative sugar tree biscuits or treats. For a fun twist, incorporate them into a cookie decorating activity for children.

Delicious Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies for Holidays - Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the undecorated cookies for up to a month. To reheat, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Decorating them right before serving will keep the icing looking fresh and appealing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies

What are Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies?

Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies are festive cookies shaped like trees, decorated with royal icing and shimmering sprinkles, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Can I make Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, these cookies can be made ahead of time. Prepare the dough and freeze it or bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container until ready to decorate.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure proper measuring of ingredients, chill the dough if it’s too soft, and bake until the edges are just golden for the best texture.

Variations of Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies You Can Try

There are many variations you can explore with these cookies. For a chocolate twist, add cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate sparkling sugar tree cookies. You can also try incorporating flavored extracts like almond or peppermint into the base for different tastes. For a fun texture, mix in chopped nuts or dried fruits. Lastly, consider using colored sugar sprinkles or edible glitter to make your cookies even more festive!

For more festive recipes, check out our Thanksgiving Royal Icing Cookies or Thanksgiving Cheese Board Ideas. If you’re looking for a delicious dessert, try our Thanksgiving Cheesecake Recipe or Thanksgiving Salads Ideas. You can also explore Thanksgiving Bundt Cake Ideas for more inspiration!