These Sugar Cookie Tree Stacks with Cream Cheese Frosting are a whimsical addition to your holiday dessert table. Each “tree” is crafted by stacking star-shaped sugar cookies of decreasing sizes, with a layer of luscious green-tinted cream cheese frosting between each tier, creating a delightful and festive appearance.
Not only are these cookie stacks visually appealing, but they also offer a delectable combination of buttery, tender cookies and rich, tangy frosting. Perfect for holiday parties or as edible gifts, these treats are sure to impress both in taste and presentation.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring
- Assorted sprinkles for decoration
Directions:
- Prepare the Cookies:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture, and beat until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Using star-shaped cookie cutters of varying sizes, cut out an equal number of each size.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Add green food coloring a few drops at a time until the desired shade is reached.
- Assemble the Cookie Trees:
- Place the largest star-shaped cookie on a serving platter.
- Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe a layer of green frosting onto the center of the cookie, leaving the edges visible.
- Top with the next largest cookie, rotating slightly so the points of the stars are staggered.
- Repeat the frosting and stacking process, from largest to smallest cookies, to form a tree shape.
- Finish with a swirl of frosting at the top and decorate with assorted sprinkles.
Prep Time: 1 hour | Cooking Time: 10 minutes per batch | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 200 kcal per serving | Servings: Makes about 12 cookie trees
Why Sugar Cookie Tree Stacks Are Perfect for the Holidays
Sugar Cookie Tree Stacks are not just desserts; they are edible pieces of art that bring joy to holiday gatherings. These stacked treats are designed to resemble miniature Christmas trees, making them a festive centerpiece for any dessert table. The combination of buttery sugar cookies and smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting creates a delightful flavor profile that appeals to kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re customizable! Add your favorite sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a candy star on top for a truly personal touch.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough is essential for maintaining the shape of the stars while baking. This ensures your cookies remain sharp-edged and stackable.
- Use Piping Bags: For a clean and professional look, use a piping bag with a star tip to apply the frosting between cookie layers. This not only adds stability to the stack but also enhances the tree-like aesthetic.
- Experiment with Colors: While green frosting is traditional, you can experiment with other colors like white for a snow-dusted effect or gold for a glamorous touch.
- Add Edible Decorations: Use nonpareils, mini sugar pearls, or gold leaf to make your cookie trees stand out. You can also add edible glitter to give them a magical sparkle.
Perfect Occasions for Sugar Cookie Tree Stacks
These treats are ideal for:
- Holiday Parties: Impress your guests with their intricate design and delicious taste.
- Edible Gifts: Wrap them in cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Family Baking Activities: Involve the kids in the decorating process for a fun holiday tradition.
- Dessert Buffets: Use them as the centerpiece of your dessert spread to wow your friends and family.
Customization Ideas
- Flavors: While vanilla is classic, try adding lemon zest, orange extract, or peppermint for a unique twist.
- Shapes: If you want to diversify your tree stacks, experiment with different shapes like snowflakes or circles.
- Size: Create mini versions for bite-sized treats or larger versions for dramatic effect.
How to Store and Serve
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If using cream cheese frosting, keep them refrigerated to maintain freshness.
- Serving Tip: Let the cookie stacks come to room temperature before serving to ensure the frosting softens slightly for the best texture and flavor.
Fun Fact
Did you know that sugar cookies date back to the 1700s in Pennsylvania, where German settlers popularized them? Known as Nazareth cookies, they became a holiday staple due to their simple ingredients and versatility in shapes and decorations.
The Inspiration Behind Sugar Cookie Tree Stacks
These delightful cookie trees are inspired by the magic of winter holidays, where Christmas trees take center stage in festive decorations. The concept combines the artistic layering of star-shaped cookies with the charm of holiday cheer. By transforming classic sugar cookies into stackable trees, this recipe elevates a simple treat into a visually stunning dessert that sparks conversation and joy.
The recipe is versatile and encourages creativity, allowing bakers of all skill levels to experiment with decorations, colors, and arrangements. Whether you’re a professional baker or a home cook creating memories with family, Sugar Cookie Tree Stacks embody the spirit of togetherness.
Nutritional Highlights
Though these are indulgent treats, you can tweak the recipe to make it a tad healthier:
- Substitute Ingredients: Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber or swap some sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia.
- Lighter Frosting Options: Opt for reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in the frosting for a healthier alternative.
- Portion Control: The individual tree stacks are naturally portioned, making it easier to enjoy in moderation.
Each cookie tree has approximately 200 kcal, making it a reasonable dessert choice when enjoyed as part of a balanced meal.
Tips for Decorating Like a Pro
- Achieving the Perfect Frosting Color: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant hue without affecting the frosting’s consistency.
- Layer Stability: Ensure each layer is centered and gently press down to create stability without breaking the cookie.
- Elegant Alternatives: Swap traditional sprinkles with metallic dragees or edible gold dust for a sophisticated presentation.
Make It a Family Tradition
One of the best parts of making Sugar Cookie Tree Stacks is how engaging the process is for the whole family. Children love cutting out the star shapes, layering the cookies, and adding sprinkles. To make it even more fun:
- Cookie Stations: Set up decorating stations with a variety of sprinkles, edible glitter, and candy.
- Personalized Touches: Let each family member create their own cookie tree, showcasing their unique style.
Creative Twists
- Flavor Additions:
- Citrus Sugar Cookies: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing flavor.
- Spiced Cookies: Infuse warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a holiday feel.
- Chocolate Variations: Replace a portion of the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate sugar cookie base.
- Alternative Shapes:
- Create snowmen, wreaths, or even Santa hats using the same stacking method and frosting for endless holiday possibilities.
Entertaining with Sugar Cookie Tree Stacks
These cookies make the perfect addition to:
- Hot Chocolate Bars: Pair the cookie trees with hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat.
- Holiday Dessert Platters: Place them alongside other seasonal favorites like gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark for a beautiful dessert table.
- Party Favors: Individually wrap cookie trees in clear bags tied with ribbon for guests to take home.
Behind-the-Scenes Secrets
- Why Chill the Dough? Chilling firms up the butter in the dough, helping cookies retain their shape during baking.
- Uniform Thickness Matters: Use rolling pin guides or spacers to roll your dough evenly for consistent baking and stacking.
- Rotating Cookie Sheets: Rotate sheets halfway through baking to ensure even cooking for perfectly golden edges.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you’re planning for a holiday gathering:
- Prepare in Stages: Make the cookie dough a day in advance and bake the cookies early. Store them in an airtight container until ready to frost.
- Refrigeration: Once assembled, refrigerate cookie trees with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Sugar Cookie Tree Stacks with Cream Cheese Frosting are a festive and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season. Their whimsical design and rich flavors make them a standout treat for parties, gifts, or family baking fun. With endless customization options, they’re perfect for adding a personal touch to your celebrations. Create these delightful edible masterpieces and make them a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Happy baking!