These Red Christmas Tree Cookies sparkle with holiday joy and melt beautifully in every bite.
If you’ve been dreaming of a cookie that looks as magical as it tastes, these Red Christmas Tree Cookies are the sweetest holiday treat. Soft, buttery, lightly sweet, and shaped like bright little Christmas trees, they bring pure festive magic to your kitchen. This is the kind of recipe that kids adore rolling dough, cutting tree shapes, and adding snowy sprinkles on top. And mama, they’re simple enough to bake during naptime or on a cozy afternoon with holiday music playing in the background.
Perfect for cookie boxes, classroom treats, neighbor gifts, or Santa’s plate… these cheerful red cookies are every bit as joyful as the season.
How to make Red Christmas Tree Cookies
For the Red Christmas Tree Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
This gives the dough its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture essential for a perfect holiday cookie. - 1 cup granulated sugar
Adds sweetness while letting the color and shape shine. - 1 large egg
Helps bind everything for easy rolling. - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For that soft, cozy cookie flavor every Christmas needs. - ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but magical)
Adds a subtle bakery-style sweetness. - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Creates a soft but sturdy dough that keeps its Christmas tree shape. - ½ teaspoon baking powder
Keeps the cookies tender without puffing too much. - ½ teaspoon salt
Balances the sweetness. - Red gel food coloring
Helps achieve that rich, vibrant holiday red gel works best so dough doesn’t soften.
For the Decoration
- White royal icing (for details + snowy edges)
- White sanding sugar or sparkling sugar
Adds that snowy, frosted Christmas touch. - Optional: holiday sprinkles or edible glitter
For magic, sparkle, and kid-approved fun.
INSTRUCTIONS (clear, festive, mama-friendly)
Step 1 — Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until dough forms.
Add red gel coloring little by little until you reach a deep Christmas red.
Step 2 — Chill the Dough
Shape dough into a disc, wrap, and chill at least 30 minutes.
This keeps the cookies crisp and helps the shapes cut cleanly.
Step 3 — Roll & Cut the Trees
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll dough between two sheets of parchment to about ¼ inch thick.
Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut festive shapes.
Place cookies on a lined baking sheet.
Step 4 — Bake
Bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are set but not browned.
Let cool completely this helps decorations stick beautifully.
Step 5 — Decorate Your Christmas Forest
- Outline edges with white royal icing
- Add snowy lines, garlands, dots, or stars
- Sprinkle white sanding sugar for a frosty winter effect
- Let kids create their own “tree designs” the messier, the cuter
Let icing dry before stacking or gifting.
“A little red cookie, a whole lot of holiday happiness.”
These Red Christmas Tree Cookies are more than a festive treat they’re a celebration in every bite. Soft, sweet, and sparkling with winter charm, they turn simple afternoons into warm holiday memories. Whether you’re baking with your little ones, preparing a cookie gift box, or setting out a plate for Santa, these bright red trees bring joy and color to the season. Let your kitchen glow with laughter, frosting, and the magical sweetness of Christmas.
Holiday baking is how we sprinkle love through the season. Honney
