Name: Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp red food coloring; 1/3 cup buttermilk; 1 cup green frosting (store-bought or homemade); Assorted sprinkles or edible glitter; Star-shaped candies (optional, for the tree topper)

Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cookies are not just a treat for your taste buds; they’re a feast for your eyes. Perfectly suited for the festive season, these cookies combine the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet with the joyous shape of Christmas trees. The striking red color adorned with green icing and sprinkles brings a festive flair that’s sure to brighten your holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp red food coloring
1/3 cup buttermilk

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined. Mix in the red food coloring until the color is even throughout.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.

Step 6: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Once the cookies are completely cooled, decorate with green icing and sprinkles to resemble Christmas trees.

Variation

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add white chocolate chips to the dough for an extra touch of sweetness. Alternatively, try using a different shape cutter for a variety of festive cookies.

Cooking Note:

Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture in your cookies. Also, be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to prevent tough cookies.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa. They also make a wonderful edible gift; package them in a festive tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon.

Tips:

Chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes if it becomes too soft to handle.
Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color that doesn’t affect the dough’s consistency.
For an added festive touch, sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top of the decorated cookies to resemble snow.

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 12 minutes Total Time: 32 minutes

Nutritional Information:

Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 100mg

FAQs

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter? A: Yes, you can, but it may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cookies.

Q: How should I store these cookies? A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Q: Can I freeze the dough? A: Yes, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling out and baking.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cookies are an excellent way to celebrate the holiday season with a delicious and visually stunning treat. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. With their vibrant color and festive decorations, they are sure to become a holiday favorite. Enjoy baking, sharing, and most importantly, eating these delightful cookies!