Description
These Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies are buttery, crisp-edged holiday sugar cookies topped with shimmering sanding sugar. Perfect for cookie exchanges, edible gifts, or festive baking with kids, this sparkling cookie recipe is a delightful addition to any dessert table. Easy to make and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup sanding sugar
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture until dough forms.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough out on a floured surface to ¼-inch thick. Cut out tree shapes with a cookie cutter.
6. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops lightly with water or egg white.
7. Sprinkle sanding sugar generously over each cookie.
8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just golden. Let cool before transferring.
Notes
These cookies can be frozen either before or after baking.
For added flavor, try citrus zest in the dough.
Decorate with colored sugars for themed occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg