Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies are a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a sweet, buttery cookie with a delightful sparkle. Light, crisp, and easy to make, they bring both flavor and charm to your cookie platter.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sugar for sprinkling on top (sparkling sugar works beautifully)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
6. Step 6: Roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter, then flatten slightly or use cookie cutters to shape them into trees.
7. Step 7: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle generously with sparkling sugar.
8. Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden.
9. Step 9: Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature butter and egg to ensure smooth mixing and a tender cookie.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the dough.
• Swap sparkling sugar for colored sanding sugar to match holiday themes.
• If you don’t have cookie cutters, simply flatten the dough balls for classic round sugar cookies.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them crisp, place a slice of bread in the container to absorb moisture. Reheat briefly in a warm oven if you prefer them slightly warm before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough in a wrapped ball or disk for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.

What can I use if I don’t have sparkling sugar?

Regular granulated sugar or sanding sugar works well as substitutes. You can also brush the cookies lightly with egg white and sprinkle sugar on top for extra sparkle.

Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 109 reviews

These Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies are festive, buttery treats perfect for holiday celebrations. Featuring a light and fluffy texture with a delicate crunch on the edges, these cookies are enhanced with a touch of vanilla and topped with sparkling sugar for a delightful shimmer.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (at room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (at room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

• Sugar for sprinkling on top (sparkling sugar recommended)

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar until fully incorporated.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
6. Shape Dough: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Flatten each ball slightly or use cookie cutters to create tree shapes.
7. Prepare for Baking: Place the shaped cookies evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Generously sprinkle the tops with sparkling sugar for a festive shine.
8. Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through yet soft inside.
9. Cooling: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for the best consistency in the dough.
• Do not over-mix once dry ingredients are added to avoid tough cookies.
• Using sparkling sugar adds a beautiful crunch and festive appearance.
• Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: Sugar cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, sparkling sugar cookies, vanilla sugar cookies