Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies

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These Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies are the epitome of holiday magic. With their elegant Christmas tree shape, smooth icing finish, and glimmering sprinkles, they’re the kind of cookie that steals the show on any dessert table. But they don’t just look festive—each bite delivers a buttery, vanilla-rich crunch that melts beautifully in your mouth.

Perfect for cookie swaps, school parties, or cozy nights by the fire, these cookies are as enjoyable to bake as they are to eat. Whether you’re decorating them with kids or creating an Instagram-worthy cookie platter, this recipe gives you soft, crisp edges and a flawless surface for royal icing. Let’s bring a little sparkle to your baking tray!

What Kind of Sugar Cookie Dough Should I Use?

You’ll want a dough that holds its shape well when baked. That means it should be sturdy enough to handle cutters without spreading, but still tender inside. A good sugar cookie dough should include butter, powdered sugar, and a bit of cornstarch to ensure softness without puffiness. Chill it before rolling to get clean edges on your tree shapes.

Ingredients for the Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: Gives the cookies richness and helps them stay soft yet structured.
• Powdered Sugar: Dissolves easily into the dough for a smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Essential for warm, cozy flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, giving it shape and structure.
• Cornstarch: Helps keep the cookies tender without adding puff.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness.
• Royal Icing: For the smooth, glossy surface perfect for decorating.
• Sprinkles: Adds that signature sparkle—use gold, green, or snowflake shapes for holiday flair.

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How To Make the Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies

Step 1: Make the Dough

Cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the flour, cornstarch, and salt until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Chill and Cut

Divide the dough into two disks, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. Roll out to 1/4-inch thickness and cut with a tree-shaped cookie cutter. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let cool completely before decorating.

Step 4: Decorate

Prepare royal icing and flood each tree with a smooth layer. While icing is still wet, add sprinkles and edible decorations. Let the icing harden for several hours or overnight.

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Serving and Storing These Sparkling Beauties

Serve these cookies on a decorative tray or package them as gifts in cellophane bags tied with ribbons. They keep well at room temperature for up to a week in an airtight container. Want to make ahead? Freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies?

Hot Cocoa

Creamy hot chocolate pairs beautifully with these buttery cookies.

Eggnog Latte

A cozy, spiced drink to match the festive flavors.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a cookie on top of a scoop for a cute dessert twist.

Peppermint Mocha

Balances the sweet vanilla notes of the cookies.

Spiced Apple Cider

For a fruity, warm holiday pairing.

Creamy Chai Tea

Spicy chai brings depth to the buttery base.

Whipped Cream Dip

Serve alongside a sweet vanilla whipped cream for dipping.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other festive favorites:

• Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies: soft and sweet with a shortcut secret.
• Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie: a decadent no-bake pairing.
• Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies: classic and nostalgic.
• Lemon Churro Cookies: zesty with a cinnamon crunch.
• Twix Cookie Cups: gooey caramel goodness in every bite.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use gold stars or go full rainbow? Did the kids help decorate?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great! For even more sweet inspiration, check out my Pinterest page.

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