Velvety Red Holiday Tree Cookies: A Festive Treat for the Season ✨
Nothing says holiday cheer like beautifully decorated cookies! These Velvety Red Holiday Tree Cookies are a perfect blend of buttery goodness and festive elegance. With a rich red hue, shimmering decorations, and a soft texture, they’re not only delicious but also make stunning edible gifts or holiday table centerpieces. Get ready to bake your way to Christmas magic!
Ingredients
Cookie Base:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- ½ teaspoon baking powder 🍰
- ¼ teaspoon salt 🧂
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened) 🧈
- ¾ cup granulated sugar 🍬
- 1 large egg 🥚
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🍦
Royal Icing:
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted) 🍚
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder 🍪
- 5-6 tablespoons water (adjust for consistency) 💧
- Red gel food coloring (for the tree) 🍒
Decoration:
- Edible red glitter ✨
- Gold edible pearls 🌟
- Edible gold star toppers (or royal icing stars) ⭐
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough forms a smooth consistency.
- Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Shape the Cookies:
- Roll out one portion of dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼ inch thickness.
- Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Repeat with the second portion of dough, rerolling scraps as needed.
3. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just slightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Royal Icing:
- In a large bowl, mix the powdered sugar and meringue powder.
- Add 5 tablespoons of water and beat on medium speed for 5 minutes, until the icing is glossy and stiff peaks form. Adjust with additional water if needed for a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Mix in the red gel food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.
5. Decorate the Cookies:
- Spread a thin layer of royal icing on each cookie, covering the tree shape.
- While the icing is still wet, sprinkle edible red glitter over the cookies for a shimmering effect.
- Decorate with gold edible pearls and top with a gold star (or pipe stars using royal icing).
6. Allow to Dry:
- Let the cookies sit for 1-2 hours to allow the royal icing to harden.
- Serve, gift, or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for the Best Holiday Tree Cookies
- Chill the dough: This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Use gel food coloring: It provides vibrant color without thinning the icing.
- Experiment with decorations: Add silver dragees or edible snowflakes for a unique touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before rolling.
Q: How do I fix runny royal icing?
A: Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the consistency is thick enough to hold peaks.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have meringue powder?
A: Substitute with pasteurized egg whites or use a simple powdered sugar glaze for decorating.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Cookies spreading too much: Ensure the dough is chilled before baking to prevent spreading.
2. Uneven icing: Use a piping bag with a small tip for precise application.
3. Cracked cookies: Don’t overwork the dough or roll it too thin.
Don’t miss interesting posts on Famousbio
