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_FEATURED NEW SIZE Italian Christmas Tree Cookies
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5 from 1 vote

Christmas Cookie Tree

This festive Christmas Cookie Tree is made from buttery star-shaped sugar cookies stacked with icing to create a simple holiday centerpiece. The dough rolls out easily, holds its shape, and is flavored with almond extract for a classic Italian touch. Fun, beautiful, and perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Chill Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Christmas Cookies
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Italian Christmas Tree Cookies
Servings: 35 cookies
Calories: 139kcal
Author: Lois

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup butter; softened
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract flavoring

For the Icing

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 - 3 tablespoons milk
  • 3 drops green food coloring
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • ½ cup green colored sprinkling sugar

Instructions

  • In a large bowl on medium speed, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy.
  • Then beat in the egg and almond extract.
  • Slowly add the sifted flour and baking powder in a little at a time until combined.
  • Make sure everything is combined.
  • Turn the dough out on a cutting board and shaped it into a disc.
  • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate an hour.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough.
  • Arrange the cookie cutters on top of the dough and cut out the shapes.
  • Repeat until there is no dough left.
  • Place the cookies on parhcment lined baking sheets.
  • Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
  • Combine the ingredients together for the icing.
  • Gently dip the front of the cookies in the icing and place on top of a cooling rack that is on top of a baking tray lined with parchment paper so the cookies can drip.
  • Sprinkle a little of the colored sugar on top of the cookies and allow them to dry completely.
  • Once the icing has dried completely, begin stacking the cookies starting with the largest star first and work your way up to the top finishing with the smallest star. Use a little more of the green icing to attach the small star so it stands on the top of the tree. Hold it in place for a few minutes until the icing dries.

Video

Notes

Tips

  • Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick so the cookies hold their shape and stack securely.
  • Chill the dough before rolling to prevent spreading and ensure clean star edges.
  • This recipe makes about 35 cookies, which is enough for 3–4 Christmas Cookie Trees depending on your cutter sizes and how many layers you stack.

Storage & Make Ahead

  • Bake the cookies up to 5 days ahead and store them unassembled in an airtight container.
  • Freeze the baked, undecorated cookies for up to 3 months; thaw before icing and stacking.
  • Assemble the tree the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and stability.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 66mg | Sugar: 16g