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These Christmas tree cookie stacks are the perfect last-minute dessert to brighten up any holiday gathering or to surprise Santa with a fun twist on classic sugar cookies. Using store-bought sugar cookie dough helps keep things simple and fast, while the homemade green buttercream adds festive charm and delicious flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can create adorable, edible holiday trees that steal the show on any cookie platter.
I first made these during a hectic holiday season and loved how they instantly brought a playful spirit to our dessert table. Now they are a yearly tradition that guests eagerly anticipate.
Ingredients
- Sugar cookie dough tube: easy foundation for soft, buttery cookies so no need to start from scratch
- Butter softened: provides richness and is the base for the smooth buttercream frosting
- Powdered sugar: creates a silky sweet frosting texture sift if clumpy for best results
- Vanilla extract: adds warm aromatic flavor enhancing the frosting
- Heavy cream: thins the frosting for perfect piping consistency
- Green food coloring: key for the Christmas tree look gel colors work best for vibrant hue without thinning icing
- Salt: balances the sweetness of the frosting
- Christmas nonpareils: add a colorful crunch mimicking tree ornaments
- Yellow mini M&Ms or sprinkle stars: perfect for tree toppers with festive flair
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Scoop and Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a medium cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Make cookie dough balls in three sizes: 1 teaspoon, 2 teaspoons, and 3 teaspoons each, placing them spaced well apart on the tray. Bake for 5 minutes, then carefully remove the smallest cookies and bake the remaining cookies for 3 to 4 more minutes. Once baked, let them cool completely on a cooking rack to ensure frosting will hold without melting.
- Whip Up the Buttercream:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer until fluffy and pale in color, which takes about two to three minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Pour in vanilla extract, heavy cream, green food coloring, and salt, then beat to combine. Adjust the food coloring amount to reach your desired Christmas tree green. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a medium star tip for easy decorating.
- Build and Decorate the Cookie Trees:
- Start by piping a circle of frosting onto the largest cookie to act as the base glue. Place the medium cookie on top and pipe another circle of frosting. Finish with the smallest cookie on top, then pipe a pointed peak of frosting resembling a tree top. Decorate the cookie stacks with colorful nonpareil sprinkles to mimic ornaments, and crown each tree with a yellow mini M&M or a sprinkle star for a festive touch. Serve immediately for best presentation and texture.
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My favorite part is the buttercream frosting colored bright green. It’s like painting with flavor and every time I squeeze the bag I feel like a kid making a tiny Christmas forest. One memorable holiday, my niece insisted on helping and ended up decorating half the batch herself. Seeing her pride made this recipe even more special.
Storage Tips
Store these cookie stacks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep the cookies soft and frosting fresh. If you want to prepare in advance, keep the cookies and frosting separate in airtight containers in the fridge and assemble just before serving. Avoid refrigeration once stacked to prevent the frosting from sweating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Sugar cookie dough can be swapped for your favorite cut-out cookie dough to add different flavors such as gingerbread or almond. Buttercream can be made dairy-free by substituting vegan butter and coconut cream, adjusting to achieve the right consistency. For a natural twist on green coloring, try spinach powder or matcha powder but use sparingly as they can add flavor and change color intensity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookie stacks alongside a cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider for a cozy holiday treat. Arrange them on a festive platter with holly leaves or edible glitter for a party presentation that wows. They also make delightful edible gifts when wrapped individually in cellophane tied with a red or gold ribbon.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought sugar cookie dough?
Yes, homemade sugar cookie dough can be used to bring an extra fresh flavor and texture to the cookie stacks.
- → How do I achieve the green color in the frosting?
Add green food coloring gradually to the buttercream mixture until you reach the desired vibrant shade.
- → What size should the cookie balls be for stacking?
Form three sizes of dough balls: 3 teaspoons, 2 teaspoons, and 1 teaspoon to create layers of varying cookie sizes.
- → How do I assemble the cookie stacks without them falling apart?
Pipe a circle of buttercream between each cookie layer and on top, pressing gently to secure; the frosting acts as a glue holding the stack together.
- → What decorations work best on these cookie stacks?
Holiday-themed sprinkles, nonpareils, and small candies like mini M&Ms or star-shaped sprinkles add festive charm and texture.
- → Can the buttercream frosting be made ahead of time?
Yes, the buttercream can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator; re-whip lightly before piping.