Gluten Free Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies: Step by Step Guide
Gluten Free Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies: Step by Step Guide
I'm going to share with you a step-by-step guide on how to make Christmas tree sugar cookies! But before we get into the recipe, let's talk a little bit about sugar cookies.
Sugar cookies are a classic treat that is loved by both kids and adults. They are sweet, buttery, and have the perfect texture that just melts in your mouth. What makes sugar cookies so great is that they are incredibly easy and affordable to make. With just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time.
Another great thing about sugar cookies is that they can last for days. You can make a large batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. They also make great gifts during the holiday season. Just pack them up in a cute tin or cookie jar and you have a thoughtful homemade present.
Gluten Free Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies Recipe
What are the ingredients needed to make Christmas sugar tree cookies?
Softened, unsalted butter
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Gluten Free Baking Flour Blend (must include xanthan gum)
Baking powder
Salt
Instructions: How do you make Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies?
1. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. In a bowl of an electric mixer or a large glass bowl if using a hand-held mixer, combine the softened butter and sugar. Beat for about one minute.
3. Add one egg at a time, mix in and then add vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: gluten-free baking flour with added binder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three batches, making sure to mix until just combined before adding the next batch.
5. Using a rolling pin, roll the cookies onto a greased pan or silicone mat.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Using a toothpick, check the center of the dough to see if it is cooked through. Continue to cook in 3 minute increments until the edges are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked through.
7. Let dough cool
8. Using a Christmas tree cookie cuter, cut Christmas Tree sugar cookies and set aside on a separate sheet of parchment paper to decorate.
If you're hosting a cookie decorating party, be sure to check out my tips here! You can always use icing and M&Ms to create lights on the tree.
12 Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie Decorating Ideas
Classic Christmas Tree
Decorate your sugar cookies with green royal icing to create a classic Christmas tree shape. Use colored icing or edible decorations to make ornaments, a star, and garlands.
Snow-Covered Trees
Frost the cookies with white royal icing to create a snowy effect. Use a toothpick to create tree designs on the icing. Add edible silver or white sprinkles for a sparkly touch.
Candy Cane Trees
Pipe green icing in a spiral shape on the cookie to resemble a candy cane. Add small edible candy cane decorations for an extra festive touch.
Starry Night Trees
Spread blue icing on the cookie and use white icing to create a silhouette of a Christmas tree. Add edible gold star sprinkles to mimic a starry night sky.
Snow Globe Trees
Use white icing to create the shape of a snow globe on the cookie. Pipe a Christmas tree inside the snow globe and add small edible snowflake decorations.
Peppermint Twist Trees
Create a swirl pattern on the cookie using red and white icing to mimic the look of a peppermint candy. Add green icing for the tree shape and top with a red icing star.
Ribbon Wrapped Trees
Pipe green icing in a zigzag pattern to resemble ribbon wrapping around the tree. Use colored icing or sprinkles to create ornaments on the cookie.
Glittering Trees
Frost the cookie with green icing and sprinkle edible gold or silver glitter over the icing. Add small edible pearls or sugar crystals for a dazzling effect.
Striped Trees
Pipe colored icing in vertical stripes on the cookie to resemble a candy cane. Use green icing to create a Christmas tree shape on top of the stripes.
Holly Jolly Trees
Pipe green icing on the cookie to create a Christmas tree shape. Use red icing to pipe holly leaves and small edible red candy decorations for the berries.
Sweeter Than Candy Trees
Frost the cookie with white icing and add colorful sprinkles all over. Use green icing to pipe a Christmas tree shape and top with a small candy decoration.
Hot Cocoa Trees
Decorate the cookie with brown icing to resemble a mug of hot cocoa. Use green icing to create a Christmas tree shape on top of the cocoa, and add small edible marshmallows as ornaments.
Do Christmas tree sugar cookies need to be refrigerated?
No, Christmas tree sugar cookies do not need to be refrigerated. Once they are baked and cooled completely, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for several days. Refrigerating the cookies may cause them to become stale or lose their texture.
If you decorate the cookies with royal icing or other perishable toppings, it is recommended to store them in the refrigerator to prevent the icing from spoiling.
What type of icing is best for decorating Christmas tree sugar cookies?
When it comes to decorating Christmas tree sugar cookies, the best type of icing to use is royal icing. Royal icing is a smooth and glossy icing that hardens when it dries, making it perfect for creating intricate designs and decorations on your cookies.
It's simple to use and lasts a long time, so you can make it in advance and keep it for later.
To make royal icing, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 3 cups powdered sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg whites and lemon juice until frothy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue whisking until the icing is smooth and thick. If you want a thinner consistency, you can add a few drops of water. If you want a thicker consistency for piping intricate designs, you can add more powdered sugar.
Can Christmas tree sugar cookies be frozen?
Yes, Christmas tree sugar cookies can be frozen! In fact, freezing sugar cookies is a great way to extend their shelf life and have them ready for future holiday celebrations. Freezing is a convenient way to save cookies for later, whether you make them ahead of time or have leftovers.
To freeze Christmas tree sugar cookies, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Allow the cookies to cool completely. This is important because if you freeze them while they're still warm, they may become soggy or lose their shape.
Step 2: Once the cookies have cooled, place them in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 3: If you're freezing multiple layers of cookies, place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking.
Step 4: Seal the container or bag tightly, squeezing out any excess air to prevent freezer burn.
Step 5: Label the container or bag with the date so you can keep track of when they were frozen.
Step 6: Place the container or bag in the freezer and store them for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen Christmas tree sugar cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. They should be good to go within a couple of hours, depending on the size and thickness of the cookies.
You can also decorate the cookies after they have thawed, using royal icing or any other frosting of your choice. Get creative with different colors and designs to make your Christmas tree sugar cookies look festive and fun!
Christmas tree sugar cookies are a treat that brings joy and festive cheer to any holiday gathering. These cookies are not only delicious but also fun to decorate in various creative ways. Whether you opt for the classic Christmas tree design or explore more unique and imaginative ideas, the possibilities for decorating these cookies are endless.
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