Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies With Sprinkles

Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles are a festive and fun holiday treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat! Perfect for the Christmas cookie season!

These buttery, soft sugar cookies are cut into charming tree shapes, then topped with buttercream frosting and lots of colorful sprinkles for that extra holiday cheer.

Why I Love Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles

• Easy to Make: This great recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results every time.

• Versatile Decorating Options: Customize these classic sugar cookies with your favorite sprinkles, frosting, or edible decorations.

• Kid-Friendly Activity: So much fun as an activity with the kiddos to get them into the holiday spirit.

• Perfect for Gifting: These holiday cookies make delightful homemade gifts for family, friends, or neighbors.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for cookie exchanges and holiday parties! Add them to your favorite christmas cookie recipes list.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be prepared in advance, making holiday prep easier.

• Beautifully Instagrammable: Their festive look makes them picture-perfect for sharing on social media after the Christmas party.

What you Need

Ingredient Notes

• Sugar Cookie Dough - Enough to make one dozen triangular cookies. (Recipe below)

• Butter - I recommend salted butter for a touch of balance against the sweetness, but unsalted butter works just as well if you prefer to control the salt level.

• Powdered Sugar - Also called confectioners’ sugar. You'll need 2 cups.Milk - Whole milk works best for a rich, creamy frosting, but you can substitute with non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk if needed.

• Food Coloring Gel - Gel colors are more concentrated than liquid ones, so a little goes a long way. You'll need it in Kelly green.

• Sprinkles - We used the multi-colored tiny ball sprinkles for this recipe. You can use your favorite holiday sprinkles, rainbow sprinkles or any festive sprinkles of your choice.

• Pretzel Sticks - These act as the “tree trunks” and add a salty crunch that complements the sweetness of the cookies. Choose your favorite brand.

How to make Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies With Sprinkles

• Prepare dough in a large mixing bowl as directed (recipe follows).

• With a triangular cookie cutter, cut out 12 cookies and bake on a parchment lined baking sheet or cookie sheet for 10-13 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack or cooling rack before decorating.

• Using a stand mixer or an electric mixer, beat softened butter, sugar and milk. Add gel food coloring until completely tinted. The buttercream is ready once it is smooth and forms semi-stiff peaks. Add a little almond extract for a change of flavor, if desired.

• Prepare a frosting bag with a star tip such as #16, then frost your baked cookies in a back and forth motion. Break your mini pretzel sticks into thirds and place one on the bottom of each cookie. Add your Christmas sprinkles and happy holidays!

Quick tips

• Use Parchment or Silicone Mats: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

• Soft Butter for Frosting: Let the butter come to room temperature for the frosting—too cold, and it won't mix well; too soft, and the frosting may be too runny.

• Substitute for Pretzel Sticks: You can use candy canes instead of pretzels, if you prefer.

• Work in Batches: Decorate a few cookies at a time rather than all at once to keep the frosting fresh and tacky for sprinkles and pretzel placement.

• Storage Tips: Store decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container to avoid smudging. Keep them cool, but not in the fridge, as condensation can ruin the frosting.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I use store-bought cookie dough? Yes! Store-bought sugar cookie dough works well for this recipe if you're short on time. However, homemade dough tends to hold its shape better and tastes fresher.

• Can I make the frosting ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the buttercream frosting up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before using.

• What if I don’t have food coloring gel? Liquid food coloring can be used, but it may slightly alter the frosting’s consistency.

• What type of sprinkles should I use? Nonpareils (tiny, colorful ball sprinkles) are ideal for this recipe, but you can also use jimmies, edible glitter, or star-shaped sprinkles for a unique look.

• Can I freeze the festive sugar cookies? Yes, you can freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 3 months in a freezer bag. Frost and decorate them after thawing for best results. Frosted cookies can be frozen but may lose some texture and appearance during thawing.

• How do I store the decorated cookies? Store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If stacking, use parchment paper between layers to prevent smudging.

• Can I make these easy sugar cookies gluten-free or dairy-free? Yes! Use gluten-free flour for the cookies and a dairy-free butter substitute and milk alternative for the frosting. Ensure your pretzels and sprinkles are also gluten-free if needed.

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