Christmas tree shortbread sticks

why make this recipe

These Christmas tree shortbread sticks are a fun and festive treat for the holiday season. They are easy to make and perfect for gifting or sharing with family and friends. Plus, they look great on a dessert table and add a holiday cheer to any gathering.

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how to make Christmas tree shortbread sticks

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Green food coloring
• Sprinkles for decoration
• Royal icing (optional for decoration)

Directions:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Add a few drops of green food coloring to one part and mix until the color is even.
5. Roll out both the plain and colored doughs between two sheets of parchment paper until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Using a tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the green dough. You can also create a tree trunk from the plain dough if you like.
7. Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden.
9. Let them cool completely before decorating them with royal icing or sprinkles.

how to serve Christmas tree shortbread sticks

These shortbread sticks look great on a holiday cookie platter. You can stack them or display them upright in a jar for a festive look. They also make wonderful gifts when wrapped in clear bags or boxes with a ribbon.

how to store Christmas tree shortbread sticks

Store the shortbread sticks in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if you choose to freeze them.

tips to make Christmas tree shortbread sticks

• Use softened butter for the best texture. When it’s creamy, it makes better dough.
• Don’t over-mix the dough; mix just until combined for softer cookies.
• Add more food coloring for a deeper green color if desired.
• Let the cookies cool completely before decorating, so the icing doesn’t melt.

variation

You can create variations by using different colors for the dough or adding flavors like almond or vanilla extract. You can also decorate them with different types of sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.

What if I don’t have a tree-shaped cutter?
You can use any shape cutter you have or even cut them into rectangles to resemble sticks.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, using real butter will give you a richer flavor and better texture.

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