Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies Recipe
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
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)
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- 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.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar until fully incorporated.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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