When it comes to the holiday season, nothing quite captures the spirit like baking. Among the myriad of delightful treats, Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies stand out as a festive favorite. These charming, spiced cookies not only fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma but also create a delightful experience for both young and old. The crisp yet chewy texture combined with the rich flavors of molasses and spices is sure to put everyone in the holiday mood. As you bring these cookies to life, you’ll make wonderful memories that last far beyond the holiday season.
Why We Love This Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies Recipe
Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies are more than just a tasty treat; they encapsulate the essence of the holidays. The magical blend of ingredients, from the rich molasses to the aromatic spices, showcases the flavors we cherish during this time of year. Not only do these cookies taste incredible, but they also provide a fun and interactive baking experience. You can involve your family or friends in decorating, making it a precious bonding opportunity.
Furthermore, this recipe is relatively straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, you will find joy in crafting these delightful confections. Plus, the ability to customize your cookies with various decorations means each batch can be unique.
Ingredients for Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies
To bring your Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies to life, gather the following ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect cookie.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (170 g or 1 1/2 sticks)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (220 g)
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup molasses (not blackstrap) (230 g)
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (560 g)
- 10 ounces M&M candies (1 small bag)
How to Make Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies Directions
Making Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies is a straightforward process that will have your kitchen filled with festive cheer. Here’s how you can create these scrumptious cookies step by step:
- Prepare the Butter and Sugar: Begin by placing the unsalted butter and packed brown sugar into your stand mixer bowl. Use the paddle attachment to cream them together. Mix on medium speed until the sugar clings to the sides of the bowl, which should take about two minutes.
- Add the Egg and Molasses: Next, it’s time for the egg and molasses. Add them to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until they are well incorporated. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is blended nicely.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Begin adding in your spices, kosher salt, and baking soda. Mix just until everything is combined, then scrape down the sides once more. Your cookie dough is starting to come together at this point.
- Add the Flour: Gradually add in the all-purpose flour. Mix slowly at first to allow the dry ingredients to absorb into the dough. Once you see the flour is incorporated, you can increase the speed and mix until a smooth dough forms that pulls away from the side of the bowl.
- Chill the Dough: Lay out a piece of plastic wrap and turn the dough onto it. Flatten the dough into a disc about one inch thick. Wrap it tightly in the plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight. Chilling the dough helps enhance the flavors and makes it easier to roll out.
- Preheat the Oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Roll Out the Dough: Dust a clean surface with flour, then roll out half of your chilled dough to about a 1/4-inch thickness. Flour your cookie cutter to prevent sticking and cut out tree shapes from the dough.
- Place on the Baking Sheet: Transfer each cookie to your prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s at least one inch of space between each cookie. This helps them bake evenly and prevents them from merging together.
- Decorate with M&M Candies: Take your M&M candies and gently press them into the top of each cookie, creating a beautiful decoration that adds color and sweetness.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. Look for the edges to appear dry and slightly firm to the touch while the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for approximately 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. You can gather up any dough scraps, mash them together, reroll, and cut out more cookies until all your dough is used.
Baking these cookies is not just about the end result but also about enjoying the process and the delightful scents that fill your home.
How to Serve Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies
Once your Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to think about serving them. There are many ways to present these festive delights:
- Cookie Platters: Arrange your cookies on a beautiful holiday platter to create an eye-catching centerpiece. Add some seasonal decorations like pinecones or small ornaments around the cookies to enhance the festive feel.
- Gift Bags: Consider packing a few cookies into clear treat bags and tie them with ribbons to give as sweet holiday gifts. It’s a thoughtful gesture to share with friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
- Decorate a Tree: Get creative and use these cookies to decorate a small tabletop Christmas tree. You can hang them with festive ribbons, creating a fun edible display that also serves as a decoration.
- Pair with Beverages: Enjoy these cookies with hot cocoa, spiced tea, or warm apple cider. The warm drinks complement the spiced flavors of the cookies beautifully.
- Cookie Decorating Parties: If you have children or are hosting friends, consider turning the decoration of these cookies into a fun activity. Set up a decorating station with icing, sprinkles, and other toppings for a festive gathering.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these cookies will surely bring smiles and create fond memories.
Expert Tips: Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies
To ensure that your baking experience leads to the best possible cookies, consider these expert tips:
- Use Fresh Spices: The flavor of your cookies will significantly depend on the freshness of your spices. Ensure you are using fresh ground ginger and pumpkin pie spice for the best flavor.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough! This step is crucial for achieving the right texture and preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Decorate Before Baking: Pressing M&M candies into the cookies before baking not only adds color but also makes the candies slightly melt into the cookie, enhancing their appearance and texture.
- Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You want them to look firm at the edges but still soft in the middle when you take them out.
- Big Batch: Consider doubling the recipe if you’re planning a large gathering or have lots of friends to share with. These cookies are sure to disappear quickly!
Implementing these tips will help you achieve cookie perfection, ensuring that everyone comes back for seconds!
How to Store Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies
Proper storage extends the life of your delicious cookies, allowing you to savor them well beyond their baking day:
- Cool Completely: Ensure your cookies are completely cooled before storing them to prevent moisture buildup and becoming soggy.
- Airtight Container: Use an airtight container to store your cookies. Place layers of parchment paper between the cookies to keep them from sticking together.
- Room Temperature Storage: For optimal freshness, store your cookies at room temperature. They should last for about a week.
- Freezing for Later: If you want to enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze them. Place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies for days (or weeks!) to come!
Variations of Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies
While traditional Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies are undoubtedly delightful, don’t hesitate to get creative! Here are a few variations to consider:
- Icing Designs: Instead of just M&Ms, add a layer of royal icing on top after baking. Use different colors to create fun designs, patterns, or even write holiday greetings.
- Alternative Spices: Try adding cardamom or nutmeg to the spice mixture for a unique flavor twist. Each spice will bring its own brightness and character to the cookies.
- Nut Add-ins: If you enjoy nuts, consider folding in chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for added texture and crunch.
- Molasses Alternatives: For a different flavor profile, experiment with agave syrup or honey in place of molasses. This will alter the sweetness and taste in an exciting way.
- Mini Cookie Trees: For smaller bites, use a mini tree cookie cutter to create tiny cookies. These are perfect for kids or for serving at parties!
Embrace your creativity in the kitchen, and make these cookies your own!
FAQ
What are Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies made of?
Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies are primarily made from unsalted butter, brown sugar, molasses, and a mix of warm spices such as ginger and pumpkin pie spice. Flour is added to create the dough, which is often decorated with colorful M&M candies.
How do you store Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies?
To keep Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.
Can I customize the flavors of Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies?
Absolutely! You can experiment by adding different spices, such as cardamom or nutmeg, or even incorporating nuts into the dough to create variations suited to your taste.
Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter 1 1/2 sticks, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar Brown sugar adds moisture and richness
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup molasses Use non-blackstrap molasses for a sweeter flavor
Dry Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice Can substitute with similar spice blend
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Freshly ground for best flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper Enhances the spiciness
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Helps cookies rise
- 4 cups all-purpose flour Sifted for easier incorporation
Decorations
- 10 ounces M&M candies To top the cookies
Instructions
Preparation
- Cream together the unsalted butter and packed brown sugar in a stand mixer bowl using the paddle attachment on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
- Add the egg and molasses to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until well incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Incorporate the pumpkin pie spice, ground ginger, black pepper, kosher salt, and baking soda into the mixture, and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing slowly at first to allow it to absorb, then increase speed until a smooth dough forms.
- Lay the dough on plastic wrap, flatten it into a disc about one inch thick, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out half of the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out tree shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Transfer each cookie to the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least one inch of space between them.
- Press M&M candies into the top of each cookie.
- Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are dry and the centers are still soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for approximately 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!