Christmas Tree Cookies
You’ll want to make these Christmas Tree Cookies every holiday season! They’re super soft, melt-in-your-mouth kind of good, with this layer of caramel and milk chocolate on top (think Twix in Christmas Tree Cookie form!!). It’s the best flavor combo for the holidays IMO, and you can make them without much effort. Just grab some basic ingredients, a mixer, and a Christmas tree cookie cutter, and you’re all set. Easy to make and not your everyday green-colored icing-topped tree cookie.
Chocolate and caramel together are an absolute top-tier combo in my book. Like, sea salt caramel in chocolate makes me swoon. And Milky Way bars? I can munch on those any time. But Twix… Oh, I swear, the first time I tried Twix as a kid, it was love at first bite! They’re my favorite candy bar, and who wouldn’t want their favorite candy bar as a cookie? That’s why I came up with this Christmas tree cookie recipe! I make them every holiday season to add that special touch with their cute Christmas tree shape and fun sprinkles. But, between us, my kids and I start our “taste tests” way earlier. I can’t wait for Christmas for these treats, and I’m definitely not sorry about it!
Christmas Tree Cookies Overview
Cuisine Inspiration: American
Number of Ingredients: 7 for the cookies (excluding salt) and 2 for decoration (excluding the optional sprinkles)
Feeds: A family of 6+
Total Cook Time: 1 hour, 1 minute
Primary Cooking Method: Baking
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
Key Flavor: Sweet and rich caramel and chocolate
Skill Level: Beginner
Ingredients to make Christmas Tree Cookies
For the cookies
- Salted Butter: Make sure it’s room temperature so it creams nicely with the sugars. If you’ve only got unsalted butter, you can use it.
- White Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: The dream team for bringing that perfect sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor from the brown sugar.
- Eggs: They’re the glue holding our cookie dough together.
- Vanilla Extract: Because these Christmas tree sugar cookies wouldn’t be the same without a hint of vanilla.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookies. No need to get fancy here – regular all-purpose flour is all you need.
- Baking Powder: Check the expiration date on your baking powder – an old one won’t give you the lift we’re looking for.
- Salt: To balance the sweetness.
for decorating
- Milk Chocolate: Preferably something that melts well, like Ghirardelli wafers. They melt like a dream and coat the cookies evenly.
- Caramel Bits: For that gooey layer under the chocolate. If you don’t have caramel bits, you could use a thick caramel sauce.
- Sprinkles: Totally optional, but who doesn’t love a little extra color and crunch?
How to make Christmas Tree Cookies
Step 1: Mix the cookie dough and bake the cookies
- Whip the butter and both sugars in a mixer until it reaches a fluffy consistency.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix.
- Gradually add in flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix until it becomes a cohesive dough. Cool the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Take out the chilled dough and roll it out on a flat surface. Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter for shaping the cookies. Remove any extra dough and save it for later.
- Bake the cookies for about 11 minutes. Continue with the rest of the dough.
Step 2: decorate the cookies
- Melt the caramel bits over simmering water, thinning with milk if needed. Coat each cookie with caramel.
- Melt chocolate in a microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Dip the cookies into the chocolate, covering the caramel layer.
- If desired, add sprinkles immediately after dipping. Let the chocolate set, and enjoy!
Popular substitutions & additions
- Gluten-Free Switch-Up: One of your kids can’t have gluten? No stress. Just swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free blend. It’s super simple and keeps the cookies on the menu for everyone.
- Nut Addition: Chop up some nuts (pecans, walnuts, whatever you like) and toss them in the dough. The crunch and the nutty flavor make these easy Christmas tree cookies 10 times better!
- Chocolate Twist: Try dipping the cookies in melted white chocolate instead of milk chocolate. It gives the cookies a sweeter, creamier taste and a more festive look.
- Spice It Up: Mix a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a half teaspoon of mixed spice into the dough. It’ll add a warm, Christmassy aroma and flavor that’s subtle but definitely noticeable.
Tips for making the best Christmas tree cookies
- Sticky Situation Fix: Caramel can be a sticky mess, but here’s a tip – lightly spray your spoon with non-stick spray before pouring the caramel. It’ll slide right off!
- Give the Cookies Time to Cool: Let your Christmas tree cookies cool down completely before you start with the caramel and chocolate layers. That way, you make sure the toppings stay put instead of sliding off a warm cookie.
- Don’t Rush the Toppings: After spreading the caramel, give it a moment to set before you go adding the chocolate layer. This keeps the layers from mixing with each other.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels a bit too sticky or wet after mixing, don’t panic and throw in more flour – just stick it in the fridge. Chilling will firm it up, making it much easier to roll out and shape.
How to store Christmas Tree Cookies
If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), just pop those decorated Christmas tree cookies into an airtight container once they’re completely cool. Room temp is perfect, so place them on the counter or stash them in your pantry.
How long will Christmas Tree Cookies last?
These cookies stay fresh and tasty in the fridge for up to a week. That’s a week’s worth of holiday cheer!
Can I freeze these easy Christmas tree cookies?
You can freeze both the baked cookies and the dough! For the cookies, layer them between wax paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. For the dough, shape it into a disk or pre-cut shapes, wrap it well in plastic wrap, then stash it in a freezer bag. It’ll keep for 3 months too.
What to Serve with Christmas Tree Cookies
- Gift Them: Box these cookies up or place them in a cute bag with a ribbon, and boom – you’re officially the coolest Santa in town! Everyone digs a homemade treat, especially when it’s this delicious.
- Yummy Cookie Spread: Imagine a table loaded with cookies of all sorts, including your Christmas tree cookies! Throw in some classic sour cream Cookies, pistachio pudding cookies, pecan meltaway cookies, or avalanche cookies, and you have the BEST cookie spread ever.
- Cozy Drink Pairing: Grab a mug of hot chocolate, spiced cider, or even eggnog. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket, but even better because, you know, cookies.
- Make It a Sandwich: Take some vanilla ice cream, slap it between two Christmas tree cookies, and what do you get? A mind-blowingly good treat!
Frequently asked questions
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for dipping?
If you’re into the richer, deeper flavor of dark chocolate, go for it!
What if I don’t have a Christmas tree cookie cutter?
Get creative! You can cut out a simple template from cardboard and use a knife to trace around it, or just go freestyle and make whatever shapes you feel like. The cookies will taste amazing no matter what shape they’re in.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
For sure! You can make the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days before you plan to bake.
You’re all set to win the holidays with these insanely good Christmas Tree Cookies! Not only are they totally easy to make (even in big batches for all your friends and fam), but their melt-in-your-mouth caramel and chocolate combo is straight-up holiday magic in a bite. You’ll see how they disappear faster than snow on a sunny day!
More Easy Cookie recipes:
- Sour Cream Cookies
- Pistachio Pudding Cookies
- Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Avalanche Cookies
- Whipped Shortbread Cookies
I want to hear from you! If you try this easy Christmas Tree Cookies recipe or any other of my easy recipes for big families on Dinner in 5, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I read all the comments and respond!
Christmas Tree Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup salted butter room temperature
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For Decoration:
- 10 oz milk chocolate like Ghirardelli melting waffers
- 11 oz caramel pieces
- Sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350°F and prep baking trays with parchment paper.
- Whip the butter and both sugars in a mixer until it reaches a fluffy consistency. Add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix.
- Gradually add in flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until it becomes a cohesive dough. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Take out the chilled dough and roll it out on a flat surface until ¼ inch thick. Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter for shaping the cookies. Continue making tree shaped cookies until you run out of dough.
- Bake the cookies for about 10-11 minutes, until lightly golden. Place the cookies on a cooling rack and allow to cool.
- Meanwhile, melt the caramel in a bowl in a microwave stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Add ½ teaspoon milk at a time if needed to thin the caramel. Coat each cookie with caramel. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Melt chocolate in a microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Dip cookies into the chocolate, covering the caramel layer.
- If desired, add sprinkles immediately after dipping. Let the chocolate set, and enjoy!
Notes
- Sticky Situation Fix: Caramel can be a sticky mess, but here’s a tip – lightly spray your spoon with non-stick spray before pouring the caramel. It’ll slide right off!
- Give the Cookies Time to Cool: Let your Christmas tree cookies cookies cool down completely before you start with the caramel and chocolate layers. That way you make sure the toppings stay put instead of sliding off a warm cookie.
- Don’t Rush the Toppings: After spreading the caramel, give it a moment to set before you go adding the chocolate layer. This keeps the layers from mixing with each other.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels a bit too sticky or wet after mixing, don’t panic and throw in more flour – just stick it in the fridge. Chilling will firm it up, making it much easier to roll out and shape.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
