Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and helps create a smooth cookie dough.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step is crucial for creating a soft, tender texture.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and vinegar to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until well combined. The vinegar enhances the tanginess of the cookies while helping to activate the baking soda for a tender crumb.

Next, add the red food coloring. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired vibrant red color.

5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but easy to handle.

6. Shape the Cookies

To create Christmas tree shapes, you can either:

• Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness, then cut out the shapes.
• Shape the dough by hand: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls, then flatten and shape them into triangles resembling Christmas trees.

Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1-2 inches between each cookie.

7. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops no longer look shiny. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the cookies to remain soft and chewy.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

8. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies are cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for balance.

If you want to create green frosting for decorating the trees, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until the color is even.

9. Decorate the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, it’s time for the fun part: decorating!

• Use a piping bag with a small round or star tip to pipe the cream cheese frosting onto the cookies in swirls or zigzags to mimic the look of Christmas tree branches.
• Add festive decorations like holiday sprinkles, sanding sugar, edible glitter, or mini chocolate chips to resemble ornaments.
• For extra sparkle, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar or edible glitter for a snowy effect.

Expert Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cookies

• Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives a vibrant red color without altering the texture of the dough.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in dense cookies, so mix just until the ingredients come together.
• Chill the Dough if Necessary: If the dough feels too soft to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Let the Cookies Cool Completely: Frosting warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt and lose its shape.
• Experiment with Decorations: Have fun with sprinkles, candies, and different piping tips to customize your cookies.

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays

Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly festive. The bright red color and creative decorations make them perfect for:

• Holiday Cookie Exchanges: Impress your friends and family with these eye-catching treats.
• Gifting: Package the cookies in decorative tins or boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Baking with Kids: These cookies are easy to make and fun to decorate, making them a perfect family activity during the holidays.
• Holiday Parties: Serve them as part of a dessert spread or as a centerpiece for a Christmas gathering.

Conclusion: Spread Joy with Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cookies

The holidays are a time for creating memories, and baking Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cookies is the perfect way to bring loved ones together. With their soft, velvety texture, rich flavor, and festive decorations, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite year after year.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple, fun, and guaranteed to deliver stunning results. So put on your favorite holiday music, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the magic of baking this festive treat. Happy holidays and happy baking! 🎄✨