The Cutest Christmas Tree Cookies You’ll Ever Make! Festive Cookie Art
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Turn your holiday baking into a festive work of art with these Christmas Tree Cookies! This creative cookie art project transforms individual cookies into adorable Christmas tree cookies that are as festive as they are delicious!
Looking for a fun and festive baking project to enjoy with your family this holiday season? These Christmas Tree Cookie puzzles are the perfect mix of creativity and festiveness! Using a fun cookie art technique, you’ll bake smaller, individual cookies and assemble them into adorable, edible Christmas trees. This Christmas cookie food craft is not only easy to make but also a fantastic way to spend time together during the holidays.
I love how fun these holiday cookies are to make! It’s like putting together a tasty holiday puzzle—but instead of puzzle pieces, you’ve got thumbprint-style cookies, star cookies, and trunk-shaped cookies. The best part? Once you’re done creating these mini Christmas trees, you get to eat them! It’s a delicious way to combine holiday baking and crafting into one festive activity. Plus because these Christmas tree mosaic cookies are so easy to make, they’re perfect for a holiday baking session with the family
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for an easy way to make holiday cookies, this recipe is perfect for you. So grab your favorite sprinkles, fire up the oven, and let’s spread some Christmas cheer with these best Christmas cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creative and Fun: A great way to enjoy cookie decorating with your family.
- Festive Centerpieces: These adorable Christmas tree cookies are perfect for gifting or displaying.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps make this holiday baking recipe perfect for any skill level.
- Versatile: These are great as easy Christmas cookies for a last-minute project or as part of a more elaborate spread of holiday cookies.
How to Make Christmas Tree Cookies
This Christmas cookie food craft is not only fun to make but also a delicious addition to your table of Christmas cookies. This recipe makes five smaller tree-shaped cookies, perfect for gifting, decorating your dessert table, or just enjoying with loved ones. It’s one of those family-friendly recipes that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
Get ready to deck your baking station with these essential tools. Having the right equipment makes creating your festive Christmas Tree Cookie art a breeze. From mixing bowls to cookie cutters, these tools will ensure your holiday baking is as merry and bright as can be!
- Mixing bowls – 1 large, 2 smaller
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Small star-shaped cookie cutters (optional, instead of using crackers)
Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cookies
These simple and festive ingredients come together to create a magical holiday treat! From making green dough for the tree to a sprinkle of Christmas cheer on top, everything you need is here to craft the perfect Christmas tree cookies.
- flour
- cocoa
- sweetened condensed milk
- matcha tea
- butter (unsalted)
- sprinkles
- vanilla syrup
- star-shaped crackers or cookies
- green food coloring, optional
- powdered sugar, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to turn your kitchen into Santa’s cookie workshop! With a little creativity and some holiday spirit, you’ll assemble these adorable Christmas Tree Cookie Mosaics in no time.
Step One: Make the Dough
- Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Next, chop the butter up into smaller pieces and then melt it in the microwave.
- Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla syrup, lightly stirring the mixture with a whisk.
- Now slowly add in 2/3 cup of flour and begin kneading the dough with your hands until it is smooth and no longer sticky.
- To make the chocolate dough, separate 3 tbsp. of batter into a separate bowl and stir in the cocoa. If the dough is too sticky add a bit more flour from the remaining 1/3 cup until you get the consistency you need.
- For the green dough, add the matcha tea to the remaining (original) bowl of batter and mix. If the shade of the batter is not green enough simply add in a few drops of green food coloring. Again, if the dough it too sticky, add as bit more flour.
Step Two: Shape the Christmas Tree Cookies
- For the trunks: using the chocolate dough, create 5 separate trunk-shaped pieces and place them on parchment paper-lined sheet for baking.
- For the trees: next, divide the green dough into 5 equal parts—one for each Christmas tree.
- Take one of those 5 parts of green dough and divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle and then shape the circles into a cone or teardrop-like shape. To form the bottom layer of a tree, lay out four cones, making sure to place them close together. Continue building the tree and placing the pieces to where they touch on the prepared baking sheet.
- Once the tree is formed, use a cinnamon stick to press a small indentation in each green cone for added texture. Repeat this process for all five trees.
Step Three: Bake the Cookies
- Once you have the Christmas tree cookies and trunks formed and on a cookie sheet, place them in the preheated oven to bake for 12-15 minutes (baking time will vary depending on your over so keep an eye on them).
Step Four: Decorate the Christmas Tree Cookies
- Allow the Christmas trees cookies to cool on the baking sheet before using a wide spatula to carefully transfer them to a serving board. Don’t worry if some of the pieces (trees) break apart, they can still be used. Simply reassemble them into Christmas tree shapes once they are on the serving board.
- Once the cookies are cooled completely, add a star cracker to the top of each tree.
- Then decorate the Christmas trees with sprinkles.
- Pro tip: add a light dusting of powdered sugar for even more sweet and festive fun!
And that’s it! Now it’s time to pack the Christmas trees unassembled for gift giving or to serve and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Christmas Tree Cookie Mosaics
- Get creative with decorations: try edible glitter, cookie icing, different colored sprinkles, or even candy ornaments!
Variations and Substitutions
- For richer colors, use food coloring instead of the matcha tea and cocoa.
- Switch up the colors of the trees by using red or blue food coloring for a unique look.
- Add a garland to the Christmas tree cookies using white icing and decorate them with sprinkle ornaments.
- Form one large Christmas tree instead of individual trees.
- Make the stars from dough and bake them with the cookies.
Vegan Option
For a vegan version, replace the condensed milk and butter with coconut equivalents.
Creative Christmas Cookie Ideas – What to do With the Cookies
These Christmas Tree Cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re also incredibly versatile! Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, a festive activity, or a creative addition to your holiday traditions, here are a few fun ways to use these cookies:
- Unassembled Cookie Gift Kits: Package the unassembled cookies with a small container of sprinkles and icing, and include a note with assembly instructions. It’s a fun and interactive gift idea that lets the recipient enjoy the joy of building their own cookie art masterpiece!
- Reindeer Food: Lay out the unassembled cookie pieces in a festive bowl labeled “Reindeer Snacks.” It’s a whimsical addition to any holiday party or a fun treat for kids to leave out for Santa’s team on Christmas Eve. You could also add them to snack bags with a cute printable Reindeer Food bag topper.
- Cookie Swaps: Take these holiday cookies to your next Christmas cookie swap! Their unique design and creative concept will make them stand out in the crowd of traditional treats.
- Holiday Party Activity: Turn these cookies into an interactive activity at your next holiday gathering. Set up a “cookie decorating station” where guests can assemble and decorate their own Christmas tree cookies.
- Edible Place Settings: Use the assembled cookies as edible place cards for your Christmas dinner table. Add a small name tag to each tree for a festive and personalized touch.
- Teacher or Neighbor Gifts: Wrap the cookies in clear treat bags tied with holiday ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade gift that’s perfect for teachers, neighbors, or coworkers.
FAQs
Can I make these Christmas tree cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cookies a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. Assemble the trees closer to serving time for the freshest presentation.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Once assembled, store your cookie mosaics in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I use homemade icing?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite icing recipe to decorate them!
Show Me Your Christmas Cookie Art!
Did you make these adorable Christmas Tree Cookie puzzles? I’d love to see your festive creations! Share a photo on Instagram @funfoodcrafts or tag it with #funfoodcrafts so I can see and share your amazing Christmas cookie art. Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest or share it with friends and family!
Looking for More Fun Christmas and Holiday Food Crafts?
Check out these festive ideas from this blog and my others:
These Christmas Tree Cookies puzzles are a wonderful way to enjoy cookie decorating and create a memorable family-friendly recipe that will keep the holiday spirit alive in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for easy Christmas recipes or the best Christmas cookies to make this year, this recipe has you covered. Happy baking!
Printable Recipe Card
Christmas Tree Cookies: Fun and Festive Holiday Cookie Art
Create festive Christmas Tree Cookies with this easy-to-follow cookie puzzle recipe. Perfect for holiday baking, cookie decorating, and family-friendly fun! These adorable Christmas cookies are ideal for gifting, sharing, or enjoying as part of your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour (divided into 2/3 and 1/3)
- 2 tsp cocoa
- 7 oz. sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tsp matcha tea
- 3 1/2 oz. butter (about 7 tablespoons)
- 11/2 tsp vanilla syrup
- star-shaped crackers
- sprinkles
- powdered sugar, optional
- green food coloring, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cut the butter up into smaller pieces and melt it in the microwave.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla syrup, lightly stirring with a whisk.
- Slowly add in 2/3 cup of flour and begin kneading the dough with your hands until it is smooth and no longer sticky.
- Make the chocolate dough by separating 3 tbsp. of batter into a separate bowl and stir in the cocoa. If the dough is too sticky add a bit more flour until you get the consistency you need.
- For the green dough, add the matcha tea to the remaining (original) bowl of batter and mix. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring to get the shade you want. Again, if dough to too sticky, add a bit more flour.
- For the trunks: using the chocolate dough, create 5 separate trunk-shaped pieces and place them on the baking sheet.
- For the trees: divide the green dough into 5 equal parts—one for each Christmas tree.
Take one of those 5 parts and divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle and then shape it into a cone or teardrop-like shape. - Building the trees: form the bottom layer of a tree by laying out four cones, placing them close together. Continue building the tree making sure to place the pieces so they touch on the baking sheet. Once the trees are formed, use a cinnamon stick to press a small indentation in each green cone on all five trees.
- Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, checking occasionally.
- Allow the Christmas trees cookies to cool on the baking sheet then use a wide spatula to carefully transfer them to a serving board. Don't worry if some of the pieces (trees) break apart, simply reassemble them while on the serving board.
- Once cooled add a star to the top of each tree.
- Decorate with sprinkles.
- Add a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
5Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 528Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 202mgCarbohydrates: 78gFiber: 1gSugar: 58gProtein: 7g