Sugar Cookie Christmas Tree

Add a festive flair to your celebrations with a different kind of cookie: A Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie! Made from refrigerated sugar cookie dough and adorned with cream cheese frosting and fresh fruit, this fun creation is sure to be the star of the dessert table.

If you love delicious sugar cookies, you are in the right place. Spice up your table this holiday season with this gorgeous Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie. Not only is its Christmas tree shape visually appealing, but the toppings add a yummy, fresh pop of color that is sure to draw attention whether you are making this tasty dessert to serve a crowd or want to snack away. At the same time, you watch Christmas movies, it is sure to become a new holiday favorite. 

Holiday desserts are an absolute blast to make and this Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie is no different. The flavors are astounding. The creamy cream cheese frosting in combination with the fresh fruit creates a delicious, light bite that is perfect for dessert after a large holiday meal. The best part? It’s easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. 

Why You’ll Love this Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie

• Easy to Make: This Christmas cookie tree is a fantastic and easy way to create holiday magic. It is so simple to make, using refrigerated sugar cookie dough and fresh fruit, you can create this stunning Christmas dessert in what seems like no time. 
• Fun and Festive: Who doesn’t want to enjoy a fun treat during the Christmas season? This recipe is just the ticket to creating something festive and eye-catching to display, eat, and enjoy this year. This delicious cookie will have you looking like a food stylist. 
• Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Use whatever fruit you want, homemade sugar cookie dough, or get creative with add-ins. No matter what you choose, this tasty cookie is going to be a feast for the eyes and the tummy. 
• Versatile: You can serve this holiday dessert for any reason. Whether you want to impress a crowd at a holiday get-together or enjoy a festive treat with your family, this recipe is the perfect choice.

Ingredients 

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Pillsbury refrigerated sugar cookie dough 
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Green grapes
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Mandarin oranges
• Kiwi 

How to Make this Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie

• Step One: Preheat oven to 350F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Step Two: Cut the tubes of dough into ½ inch pieces.
• Step Three: Arrange slices of dough into a tree shape on the baking sheet, sides touching.
• Step Four: Bake the sugar cookie dough according to package instructions.

• Step Five: In a large mixing bowl combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing well.

• Step Six: Wash and dry your fruit.
• Step Seven: Drain mandarins and pat dry.
• Step Eight: Cut your grapes in half lengthwise and slice your kiwi (removing skin).
• Step Nine: Once the sugar cookie is done, remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
• Step Ten: Spread your cream cheese mixture over the sugar cookie, reaching to the edges.
• Step Eleven: Add fruit to decorate. Use kiwi as the tree greenery and create strands of garland with the grapes, blueberries, and raspberries. Arrange mandarins as a star to top the tree.

Equipment Needed

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• Parchment paper 
• Cookie sheet
• Large mixing bowl 
• Wire rack

What to Serve with This Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie

There are several different things that you can serve with this yummy holiday dessert. Make a delicious spread for your next holiday party with some of your favorite Christmas recipes. 

• Christmas Ham
• Cranberry Relish
• Crockpot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
• Christmas Lasagna
• Christmas Punch

Variations and Substitutions

• Different Cookie Base: While the recipe uses sugar cookie dough, you can experiment with other cookie bases like chocolate chip cookie dough, gingerbread, or shortbread. You may have to adjust the baking time if you change the dough, so pay close attention to the instructions on the packaging.
• Premade Frosting: If you want to forgo the cream cheese frosting, you can opt to use a premade, store-bought frosting. Consider using green frosting to create the perfect tree color.
• Buttercream Frosting: You can also opt to use buttercream frosting in place of the cream cheese. You can also color it using gel food coloring if you so desire. 
• Vary the Fruits: The recipe suggests kiwi, grapes, raspberries, blueberries, and mandarins. You can mix it up with other fruits like strawberries, blackberries, pineapple, pomegranate seeds, or even apple slices. You can virtually use any fruit you like to make this delicious cookie creation, changing up the color scheme. 
• Nut Toppings: For some added crunch and flavor, consider sprinkling chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts on top of the cream cheese mixture.
• Flavor Extracts: Play with different extract flavors for the cream cheese mixture. Try almond extract, lemon extract, or even a touch of peppermint extract for a unique taste. Adding in some extra flavor can customize your cookie recipe to create a variety of different flavors. 
• Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar: Dust the finished cookie tree with a little bit of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. This adds a touch of creativity to the already breathtaking presentation of this dessert. 
• Candy Decorations: Add a touch of holiday sweetness with small candy decorations. Think red and green M&M’s, mini chocolate chips, or holiday-themed sprinkles to create the appearance of Christmas lights. This can create a fun textural experience and increase the visual appeal of your cookie. 
• Mini Trees: Instead of one large tree, make individual mini tree shapes using Christmas tree cookie cutters. Smaller cookies are a great idea for serving at parties. Creating several little sugar cookie trees can add a whimsical element to this recipe.
• Dip and Serve: Don’t apply the cream cheese layer to the cookie. Instead serve it and the fruit alongside the baked sugar cookies as a dip, letting guests customize their own cookie toppings. This is a great and interactive way to serve this fun holiday cookie.

Storage Instructions

It is best to enjoy this yummy dessert all at once. If you plan to make it ahead, you will want to leave the toppings off the cookie dough base. If you have leftovers from this recipe, you can put them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for about 3 days. Just keep in mind that the cookie base can get soggy from the fresh fruit and cream cheese. 

Can I Freeze?

Freezing the Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie is not a good idea. It can alter the texture and appearance of the cookie, cream cheese, and fruits. To enjoy it at its best, it’s recommended to serve it fresh or store it in the refrigerator for a short time if necessary.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Use Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with powdered sugar and vanilla. This will make it easier to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Prep in Advance: You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and cut the fruit in advance to save time on the day you plan to assemble the cookie tree.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re hosting a larger gathering, you can double the recipe to make two or more Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies.
• Use a Piping Bag: Make cool designs on the cookie with a piping bag. This will elevate the entire design of your fun Christmas dessert. 
• Fruit Arrangement: When arranging the fruit, think of patterns and designs. You can create zigzag patterns for the garland and neatly place the kiwi for a lush tree look.

Can I Use a Homemade Sugar Cookie Dough?

Absolutely, you can use homemade sugar cookie dough in place of the Pillsbury refrigerated dough in this Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie recipe. In fact, many bakers prefer homemade dough for its fresh and personalized flavor. Simply find your favorite sugar cookie recipe and follow the instructions. 

Christmas Cookie Recipes

• Cream Cheese Cookies
• Christmas Cake Mix Cookies
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
• Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Whipped Shortbread Cookies

FAQ

Christmas Dessert Recipes 

• Christmas Chewy Bars
• Sugar Pie
• Eggnog Pudding Shots
• Peppermint Crockpot Candy
• Candy Cane Dip

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