Imagine transforming your kitchen into a winter wonderland with these delightful Italian Christmas Tree Cookies that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy! These charming, festive treats are not just cookies - they're edible works of art that capture the spirit of holiday baking. With their vibrant green icing and adorable red candy "ornaments", these cookies are guaranteed to become the star of your holiday dessert table, creating memories that will last long after the last crumb has disappeared.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 36 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Green icing (for decoration)
- Red candy decorations
Instructions
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning. Cream softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract and blend until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour and baking powder to remove any lumps and ensure even distribution of leavening agent.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing at low speed until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle and roll.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use tree-shaped cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes.
- Carefully transfer cookie shapes to prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, tender texture.
- Remove cookies from oven and let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cookies are fully cooled, decorate with green icing using a piping bag or offset spatula. Create tree-like patterns and textures.
- Embellish with small red candy decorations to resemble ornaments, strategically placing them across the green-iced tree cookies.
- Allow icing to set completely before storing cookies in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Tips
- Temperature is key: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest, most consistent dough.
- Chill the dough thoroughly - this prevents spreading and helps maintain the crisp tree shape.
- Use a sharp, clean cookie cutter for precise tree shapes.
- Don't overmix the dough, as this can make cookies tough instead of tender.
- Let cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent icing from melting.
- Use a piping bag for more professional-looking green icing designs.
- Store cookies in a single layer with parchment between them to preserve their delicate decoration.
- For extra festive flair, consider adding edible glitter or metallic sprinkles to your ornament candies.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
