How to Construct a Christmas Cookie Tree (Two Methods)

Welcome, and a very Merry Christmas to you!

Here's a fun new edible craft to add to your annual Christmas cookie list.

It's a very hands-on recipe, perfect for decorating with little ones, and it would make an adorable party favour for your holiday gatherings!

Edible Supplies:

1. Cookie dough of your choice- it must be something that holds its shape well, like cut-out sugar cookies, or gingerbread, which is what I'm using here.
2. Buttercream frosting dyed green- the amount required will vary depending on the size and amount of trees you make.
3. Sprinkles for decoration!

Non-edible Supplies:

1. Piping bag and tip for frosting
2. Method #1- Circular cookie-cutters in at least three different sizes (if you don't have circle cutters, it should be pretty easy to find common kitchen wares to subistute, like drinking glasses)
3. Method #2- Star-shaped cookie-cutters, in several sizes ranging from large to quite small

~Also required are basic baking and decorating supplies

1. Roll the dough out to an estimated 1/4 of an inch thick.

1. You can choose to make a star tree=⭐, a circle tree=⭕ ... or both, like I am!

⭕You'll need at least three circles for one circle tree.

⭐You'll need 5-8 stars for one star tree.

1. Bake your cookies as directed by the recipe you've chosen, but keep in mind that you may need to pull the smallest shapes out earlier if they start to get too crispy.

1. While the cookies are baking, go ahead and whip up the buttercream frosting.

Note: If at any point your buttercream start to melt or breakdown, cool it down in the fridge for a bit.

1. I know it's tempting to slap some frosting on your cookies before they've cooled off completely, but that will melt your buttercream! So, remember, patience is a virtue, and let your cookies cool.

This is super simple, you can just follow the pictures. We are working from largest to smallest.

1. Place your largest circle on your decorating surface.
2. Frost the cookie with a ring of puffs.
3. Place your second largest circle on top, and frost it with a ring of puffs too.
4. If you have more than three layers, continue frosting and layer from largest to smallest.
5. When you come to your last layer, frost one large puff in the center of the cookie to form the peak of the tree.
6. Decorate your tree with sprinkle ornaments!

The star tree isn't quite as simple as the circle tree, but it is still very straightforward. We are working from largest to smallest.

1. Starting with your largest star placed on the decorating surface, put a smidge of frosting on the center.
2. Place the next largest star on top, so that the "arms" of this star are between the "arms" of the previous one, as shown.
3. Now frost the tips of the "arms" of the previous star, which are sticking out from underneath your topmost star- use the photos as a guide.
4. Put a smidge of frosting on the center of the top star, and repeat the steps as pictured, until you have just one star remaining.
5. Take your smallest star, and give it a thin layer of frosting, then coat it in gold coloured sprinkles.
6. Carefully position the star upright on the top cookie- just like a real Christmas tree.
7. Decorate your tree with sprinkle ornaments!

Now that you know how to make them yourself, get creative with it! Endless varieties of sprinkles means endless customization. Experimenting with textures, like shaved coconut or nuts can really bring your tree together. With smaller cookie cutters, you can make mini bite-sized trees (super convenient!), or if you're really feeling bold, go for the jumbo tree!