Festive Cookie Tree: Stacked Sugar Cookie & Buttercream Recipe

Embrace the festive spirit this holiday season with a beautiful Cookie Tree. This impressive dessert is surprisingly simple to assemble, making it perfect for busy parents and beginner bakers alike. You’ll layer delicious homemade sugar cookies with fluffy green buttercream, creating an edible centerpiece that wows. Get ready to decorate and enjoy this joyful treat!

Why You’ll Love This Cookie Tree

This Cookie Tree offers an array of delightful reasons to become your new holiday tradition. It’s truly a showstopper!

• Impressive Centerpiece: This stacked cookie display instantly elevates any holiday table.
• Customizable Decoration: Personalize your tree with candies, sprinkles, and edible glitter.
• Festive & Joyful Aesthetic: Its vibrant colors and whimsical design bring cheer to your home.
• Simple Baking Process: Follow our step-by-step guide for easy, approachable baking.
• Delicious Flavors: Enjoy soft, buttery sugar cookies paired with sweet, creamy buttercream.

Ingredients

Making this beautiful Cookie Tree starts with a few basic ingredients for both the cookies and the luscious buttercream. Fresh, quality ingredients ensure the best flavor and texture for your festive creation.

For the Sugar Cookies:

• 1.5 cups (339g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1.5 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tbsp (15mL) vanilla extract
• 6 cups (720g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (125g) cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tsp (7g) kosher salt

For the American Buttercream:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 lb (454g) confectioner’s sugar, sifted
• 1 tbsp (15mL) vanilla extract or paste
• 3 tbsp (45mL) heavy whipping cream, add as needed
• Green food coloring (gel preferred)

For the Gold Star Topper:

• ½ cup (60g) confectioner’s sugar
• 1 tbsp (15mL) whole milk
• 4-inch sheet edible gold leaf
• Medium paint brush

Notes & Substitutions

Achieve the best results for your cookies and buttercream by keeping these tips in mind.

• Butter Alternatives: For a dairy-free option, use a high-quality plant-based butter alternative. Ensure it’s unsalted for best control over flavor.
• Flour Blend Options: You can substitute up to 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour with almond flour for a slightly softer cookie, but maintain the total flour weight.
• Vanilla Forms: Vanilla paste offers a stronger flavor and visible specks, while extract is a classic choice. Both work wonderfully in this recipe.
• Food Colorings: Gel food colorings provide a more vibrant color with less liquid, preventing thinning of the buttercream. Adjust the amount to reach your desired shade of green.

Equipment

Gathering your tools before you begin ensures a smooth baking experience.

• Baking sheets and parchment paper
• Stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Various sized star cookie cutters (from 2-inch to 6-inch)
• Piping bags and star piping tips (Wilton 1M or similar)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen scale for accurate measurements

Instructions

Creating this impressive Cookie Tree is a fun project, especially with our clear, step-by-step guide. Follow each part carefully for the best results.

For the Sugar Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper.

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream room temperature butter and granulated sugar together. Beat them on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and kosher salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
5. Divide the cookie dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Roll out each chilled dough portion between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4-inch thickness. This method prevents sticking and ensures even thickness.
7. Use your various sized star cookie cutters to cut out star shapes. You will need at least 2-3 cookies of each size. For a 10-layer tree, aim for roughly 25-30 cookies in total.
8. Carefully arrange the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
9. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Baking time will vary depending on cookie size.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure they are fully cooled before stacking your Cookie Tree.

For the American Buttercream

This creamy buttercream forms the “snow” and adhesive for your beautiful Cookie Tree.

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the room temperature unsalted butter on medium-high speed. Continue beating until it becomes very light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Gradually add the sifted confectioner’s sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Increase speed to medium and beat until smooth.
3. Pour in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat until well combined. If the buttercream seems too thick, add the remaining heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, pipeable consistency.
4. Add a few drops of green gel food coloring to the buttercream. Mix on medium speed until the color is uniform and reaches your desired festive green shade.
5. Transfer the green buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.

Assembling the Cookie Tree

Build your impressive stacked cookie display with care.

1. Place your largest cooled sugar cookie flat on a serving platter or cake stand. This will be the base of your Cookie Tree.
2. Pipe a generous dollop of buttercream onto the center of the base cookie. This acts as both adhesive and a layer of “snow.”
3. Carefully place the next largest cookie on top of the buttercream, gently pressing down to secure it.
4. Continue this process, alternating cookie sizes (from largest to smallest) and piping buttercream in between each layer. Slightly offset each cookie layer for a more natural tree shape.
5. Save your smallest star cookie for the very top.
6. Allow the buttercream layers to set for about 15-20 minutes in a cool room or refrigerator. This helps stabilize the tree.

Decorating the Cookie Tree

Now comes the fun part: making your Cookie Tree sparkle!

1. Once the tree is stable, pipe small rosettes or dots of buttercream onto the points of each cookie layer, mimicking branches or snow.
2. Add assorted small candies, edible pearls, or sprinkles as “ornaments” on your tree.
3. Dust the entire tree lightly with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve to create a “snowy” effect.
4. To prepare the gold glaze for the star, whisk together ½ cup confectioner’s sugar and 1 tbsp whole milk until smooth.
5. Using a clean medium paintbrush, carefully paint the gold glaze onto the smallest star cookie.
6. Before the glaze dries, gently press small pieces of edible gold leaf onto the glazed star.
7. Once the gold star is complete, carefully place it atop your festive Cookie Tree.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Follow these tips for a perfect holiday Cookie Tree every time.

• Butter Temperature: Always use true room temperature butter for both cookies and buttercream. This ensures proper creaming and smooth consistency. According to King Arthur Baking, the temperature of butter significantly impacts the texture of baked goods.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Scoop flour into the measuring cup, then level it with a knife. Too much flour makes cookies dry and crumbly.
• Scrape Down Bowl: Regularly scrape the sides and bottom of your mixer bowl to ensure all ingredients incorporate evenly.
• Don’t Overchill Dough: Dough that is too cold becomes hard to roll. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if needed.
• Bake Similar Sizes: Place cookies of similar sizes on the same baking sheet. This ensures even baking and prevents smaller cookies from burning.
• Buttercream in Advance: Prepare your buttercream a day ahead, storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. Rewhip briefly before using.
• Allow Buttercream to Firm: Give the buttercream time to set between stacking layers. This crucial step prevents leaning or collapse of your edible cookie centerpiece.
• Alternative Ornaments: Use small chocolate candies, gummy candies, or even finely chopped nuts for different textures and looks.

Common Cookie Tree Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these pitfalls for a sturdy and beautiful stacked cookie tree.

• Overworking the cookie dough: This develops too much gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Not chilling the dough enough: Cold dough holds its shape better, preventing your star cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Uneven cookie thickness: Roll your dough uniformly; otherwise, thinner cookies might burn while thicker ones remain undercooked.
• Stacking before buttercream sets: This is a key mistake! Allow each layer of buttercream to firm slightly to prevent your majestic cookie tree from toppling.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This impressive Cookie Tree is not just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece.

Serving Suggestions

• Display your Cookie Tree prominently on your dessert table as the ultimate festive centerpiece.
• Serve individual cookies alongside warm mugs of hot cocoa, eggnog, or coffee for a cozy treat.
• Garnish the platter with fresh cranberries, sprigs of rosemary, or even small gingerbread figures for added charm.

Storage Recommendations

• Store the assembled tree in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the cookies soft and fresh.
• If your home is very warm, you can briefly refrigerate the tree to firm the buttercream, but bring it back to room temperature for serving.
• You can bake the cookies ahead of time and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before assembling.

Flavor Variations

Get creative with your Cookie Tree by experimenting with different flavors!

• Cookie Flavors: Try gingerbread or chocolate sugar cookies for a different base. Add citrus zest to the dough for a bright twist.
• Buttercream Flavors: Infuse your buttercream with peppermint extract, almond extract, or a hint of orange zest. You can also make a plain white buttercream for a snowy look.
• Alternative Glazes or Toppings: Instead of a gold star, use a simple white royal icing or chocolate ganache for the topper. Decorate with edible glitter or dragees.

Nutrition Information

(Estimated values per serving, based on 10 servings)

Crafting a Cookie Tree means enjoying a celebratory treat. These values are approximations, offering a general idea per serving.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	620 kcal
Total Fat	35g
Saturated Fat	21g
Cholesterol	110mg
Sodium	210mg
Total Carbs	75g
Sugars	50g
Protein	7g

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and serving size. Actual values may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have some questions about making your impressive Cookie Tree? We have answers!

• What kind of vanilla should I use? Use a good quality pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for the best flavor in both your cookies and buttercream.
• Can I prepare the cookie dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cookie dough up to 2-3 days in advance and store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling.
• Where can I find star cookie cutters? You can find sets of various sized star cookie cutters at most craft stores, kitchen supply stores, or online retailers.
• How many cookies are needed for a typical tree? For a tree with 10 layers, plan for roughly 25-30 star cookies in total, as you’ll stack them from largest to smallest.
• Can this be made gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for best results.
• How do I prevent the tree from toppling? Use plenty of buttercream between layers, gently press each cookie down, and allow the buttercream to set slightly before adding more layers. A sturdy base cookie helps too.

Conclusion

Creating a Cookie Tree is a wonderfully fun and rewarding holiday activity, perfect for bringing smiles to faces of all ages. This festive, edible centerpiece combines delicious sugar cookies with creamy buttercream, all built with simple steps. You’ll love showing off your baking skills and seeing the joy it brings. Gather your loved ones, bake, and decorate your own impressive Cookie Tree to make this holiday season extra special!