Festive Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
Add Preferred SourceStacked Christmas Tree Cookies are the perfect mix of festive fun and delicious simplicity. With their adorable layered design and creamy frosting, they’re a treat that’s just as enjoyable to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting a cookie exchange, or just looking for a creative holiday project, these cookies are sure to add a touch of holiday magic to your kitchen.
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I love bringing these cookies to holiday gatherings or baking them with friends. You can bake the cookies ahead of time and frost them fresh, making them a low-stress but festive addition to any dessert spread. They’re always a hit, and everyone loves stacking and decorating their own edible tree!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
These festive cookies are simple to make when you follow these easy steps. Let me break it down so you can create a stunning holiday treat with confidence.
Prepare the dough
Start by melting the butter over low heat in a saucepan. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Add the eggs and the cooled melted butter, then stir everything together until a soft, non-sticky dough forms.
Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This step will make rolling and cutting much easier!
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
Roll and cut the cookies
Once your dough is chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to a thin layer, about 0.2-0.3 mm thick. Use circular cookie cutters in three different sizes to create the layers for your stacked cookies. Carefully transfer the cutouts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each cookie.
Bake the cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Bake the cookies for 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on them as they turn a light golden brown. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to the frosting and stacking.
Make the frosting
To make the frosting, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl with a hand mixer for about 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add the cream cheese and mix for another minute until smooth. Partway through, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix again until the frosting is evenly tinted. Adjust the color to your preference—it’s your Christmas tree, after all!
Assemble the cookies
Now comes the fun part! Take the largest cookie and spread a thin, even layer of frosting on top. Stack the medium-sized cookie on top of that, pressing lightly to secure it.
Add another layer of frosting and finish with the smallest cookie on top. Spread a final dollop of frosting on the top layer, then decorate with sprinkles, edible stars, or your favorite holiday decorations.
Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
I’ve learned a few tricks to make sure these cookies turn out beautifully and keep their festive charm:
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for easier rolling and cleaner cuts. Don’t skip it!
- Even Thickness Matters: Roll your dough as evenly as possible. This will help all your cookies bake at the same rate.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Warm cookies can melt the frosting, leading to a messy stack. Patience pays off here.
- Get Creative with Decorations: Use a mix of sprinkles, edible glitter, or mini candies to give your cookies a unique touch.
- Keep Layers Stable: Apply just enough frosting between layers to hold them together without making the stack wobble.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting feels too stiff, add a splash of milk. If it’s too soft, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can bake the cookies ahead of time and frost them just before serving for the best presentation.
- Storage Tip: Keep cookies in a cool place if your kitchen is warm to avoid frosting sliding off.
How to Store Leftover Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The frosting will stay fresh and creamy this way.
If you want to make these in advance, you can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to a month. When ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature, frost them fresh, and stack them into their festive tree shapes.
What to Serve With Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
These cookies are a showstopper on any holiday dessert table. Serve them alongside hot cocoa, eggnog, or spiced apple cider for a cozy Christmas treat.
They also pair wonderfully with coffee or tea if you’re hosting a holiday brunch or cookie swap.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
I’ve got plenty of other festive and delicious recipes you’ll love making this holiday season!
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
For the frosting:
- ½ cup butter
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese
Instructions
- Melt the butter over low heat in a saucepan. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the eggs and the cooled melted butter, then mix until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes.⅔ cup butter, ½ cup sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ⅓ teaspoon salt
- Roll the chilled dough into a thin layer1/16 of an inch. Use cookie cutters to cut circles in three different sizes. Place the circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the cookies for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- To prepare the frosting, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar with a mixer for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the cream cheese and continue mixing until smooth. Add a few drops of green food coloring, mixing until evenly colored.½ cup butter, ¾ cup powdered sugar, 8 ounces cream cheese
- Spread frosting on the largest cookie and stack the medium-sized cookie on top. Add more frosting, then place the smallest cookie on top. Finish with a final layer of frosting and decorate with sprinkles or edible decorations. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for easier rolling and cleaner cuts. Don’t skip it!
- Even Thickness Matters: Roll your dough as evenly as possible. This will help all your cookies bake at the same rate.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Warm cookies can melt the frosting, leading to a messy stack. Patience pays off here.
- Get Creative with Decorations: Use a mix of sprinkles, edible glitter, or mini candies to give your cookies a unique touch.
- Keep Layers Stable: Apply just enough frosting between layers to hold them together without making the stack wobble.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting feels too stiff, add a splash of milk. If it’s too soft, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can bake the cookies ahead of time and frost them just before serving for the best presentation.
- Storage Tip: Keep cookies in a cool place if your kitchen is warm to avoid frosting sliding off.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
About the Author
Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
