Why make this recipe
Christmas tree shortbread sticks are a delightful holiday treat that brings joy to both making and eating. Their festive shape and buttery flavor always please friends and family during festive gatherings. Plus, they are simple enough for anyone to make, even the little ones!
How to make Christmas tree shortbread sticks
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Green food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles or edible decorations for topping
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Stir until combined.
- If you want, add a few drops of green food coloring to make the dough look like Christmas trees. Mix well.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into tree shapes using a cookie cutter or knife.
- Place the tree shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for around 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on a wire rack. Once cool, decorate with sprinkles or edible decorations as you like.
How to serve Christmas tree shortbread sticks
Serve these Christmas tree shortbread sticks on a festive plate or platter during holiday gatherings. They are great alongside hot cocoa or as a sweet addition to your holiday dessert table.
How to store Christmas tree shortbread sticks
Keep your shortbread sticks in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.
Tips to make Christmas tree shortbread sticks
- Make sure your butter is soft for easier mixing.
- If you don’t have Christmas tree cutters, use any shape you like or cut them into rectangles.
- For an extra flavor twist, add some almond extract instead of vanilla.
Variation
You can make these shortbread sticks without food coloring for a classic look. Or, try using sprinkles of different colors to make them even more festive!
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but you should reduce the added salt in the recipe if you use salted butter.
What if I don’t have a cookie cutter?
No problem! You can use a knife to cut the dough into shapes or make rectangles.
Can I decorate the cookies before baking?
It’s best to decorate them after baking to ensure the decorations stay intact and look nice!
Christmas Tree Shortbread Sticks
Ingredients
For the dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is soft for easier mixing.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Can substitute with almond extract for variation.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Reduce if using salted butter.
- Green food coloring (optional) For a festive tree appearance.
For decoration
- Sprinkles or edible decorations Use for topping after baking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Stir until combined.
- If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring to make the dough look like Christmas trees. Mix well.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into tree shapes using a cookie cutter or knife.
- Place the tree shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for around 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
- Once cool, decorate with sprinkles or edible decorations as you like.
