5 from 1 vote

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.

Sugar cookie Christmas tree on a white surface.


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. 

recipe binder image

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 
Ingredients to make a sugar cookie Christmas tree.

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.
Steps to make a Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie.
  • Step Five: In a large mixing bowl combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Steps to make a Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie.
  • 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.
Steps to make a Christmas Tree Sugar Cookie.

Equipment Needed

Get our FREE
e-cookbook

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

    This post contains affiliate links.

    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. 

    A sugar cookie Christmas tree on a white surface.

    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.
    A sugar cookie Christmas tree on a white surface.

    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.
    A sugar cookie Christmas tree on a white surface.

    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

    A sugar cookie Christmas tree on a white surface.

    FAQ

    How much time does it take to make this delicious holiday cookie recipe? 

    It takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time to make this type of cookie. It’s the easiest way to serve a delicious dessert. 

    How many servings does this recipe make? 

    This recipe makes 12 servings. It can easily be doubled to create the largest cookie you have ever seen, a few Christmas tree cookies, or even several smaller Christmas sugar cookies. No matter what you choose it is easy to make sure you are making enough for everyone. 

    Christmas Dessert Recipes 

    Follow me on Instagram @simplystacieblog, Facebook at Simply Stacie, TikTok @simplystacierecipes or Pinterest at @simplystacie and let me know how you liked this recipe and my other recipes.

    5 from 1 vote

    Sugar Cookie Christmas Tree

    Created by Stacie Vaughan
    Servings 12
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes
    Add a festive flair to your celebrations with a different kind of cookie: the Sugar Cookie Christmas Tree! 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.

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 tube Pillsbury refrigerated sugar cookie dough cut into ½ inch pieces
    • 1 package cream cheese 8oz/250g package, softened
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • ½ cup green grapes halved lengthwise
    • ½ cup blueberries
    • ½ cup raspberries
    • 1 cup mandarin oranges
    • 4 kiwi skin removed and sliced

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Arrange the slices of cookie dough into a tree shape on the baking sheet with the sides touching.
    • Bake the sugar cookie dough according to package directions. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer.
    • Spread the cream cheese mixture onto the cooled sugar cookie right to the edges.
    • Add the fruit to decorate on top. Use the kiwi as the tree greenery and strands of garland with the grapes, blueberries and raspberries. Arrange the mandarins as teh star to the top of the tree.
    SHOP Recommended Products

    Nutrition

    Calories: 312kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 175mg | Potassium: 194mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 414IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Keyword christmas cookies

    Did you make this recipe?

    I’d love to see it! Make sure to share it on your favorite social platform.

    Want Even More Recipes?

    Join Moms Best Recipes to find more delicious family recipes.


    The Best of Simply Stacie ebook cover.

    free ebook!

    The Best of Simply Stacie

    When you subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates!

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Similar Posts