The aroma of freshly baked Martha Stewart’s Sugar Cookie Trees wafts through the house, conjuring memories of holiday cheer and laughter. These delightful cookies look as stunning as a winter wonderland, twinkling with colorful frosting and sprinkles that could make even a grumpy Grinch smile.
Imagine gathering around the kitchen with loved ones, rolling out dough while sharing stories and giggles. Perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or simply when you need a sweet pick-me-up, these cookie trees promise to deliver joy in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Martha Stewart’s Sugar Cookie Trees
- This incredible Martha Stewart’s Sugar Cookie Trees transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
When I first baked these cookies for a holiday party, my friends couldn’t believe their eyes. The sugary trees were gone in minutes; I barely had time to snap a photo!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple for baking; ensure it’s fresh for the best texture.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener is essential for achieving that delightful crunch and sweetness.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the overall saltiness in your cookies.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs help create a smooth batter and contribute to the cookie’s richness.
- Baking Powder: A leavening agent that will give your cookies a lovely rise.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla adds depth of flavor; opt for high-quality extracts whenever possible.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
- Royal Icing Ingredients (Powdered Sugar, Egg Whites): For decorating; this icing hardens beautifully on the cookie surface.
- Food Coloring & Sprinkles: Optional but fun additions that bring your cookie trees to life!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Martha Stewart’s Sugar Cookie Trees
Prepare Your Dough: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in two room temperature eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be glossy and inviting.
Sift Dry Ingredients Together: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined—watch out for over-mixing!
Chill the Dough: Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step ensures that your cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Roll & Cut Out Shapes : Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Using tree-shaped cookie cutters (or any fun shapes), cut out your designs and place them on lined baking sheets.
Bake Your Cookies : Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; nobody wants burnt sugar cookie trees ruining their day!
Strong>Decorate Your Cookies : Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating with royal icing mixed with food coloring. Get creative with sprinkles for that festive touch!
Now you have delicious Martha Stewart’s Sugar Cookie Trees ready to dazzle at any gathering!
You Must Know About Martha Stewart’s Sugar Cookie Trees
- This showstopping Martha Stewart’s Sugar Cookie Trees delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla. Sift the dry ingredients separately to avoid clumps before combining them with the wet mix. Chill the dough for at least an hour to keep cookies from spreading too much while baking. Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to create festive shapes, and remember to decorate with icing once cooled for that magical touch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vanilla extract for almond extract if you’re seeking a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with food coloring in your icing to match any holiday theme or personal preference. Adding sprinkles or edible glitter can transform these cookies into dazzling decorations! Don’t hesitate to get creative; after all, it’s all about making it your own!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Martha Stewart’s Sugar Cookie Trees in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage. If frozen, allow them to thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving. For a little warmth, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds — just don’t let them turn into cookie soup!
Chef's Helpful Tips for Martha Stewart’s Sugar Cookie Trees
- This professional-quality Martha Stewart’s Sugar Cookie Trees relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
It was during a holiday gathering when my niece took a bite of these cookies and exclaimed they were “like magic!” Her delight reminded me that it’s not just about the flavors but also about creating joyful memories together.
FAQ
What makes Martha Stewart’s Sugar Cookie Trees unique?
Martha Stewart’s Sugar Cookie Trees stand out because of their delightful shape and vibrant decorations. The recipe combines classic sugar cookie techniques with whimsical design elements that are perfect for holidays or celebrations, making them not only delicious but visually stunning as well.
Can I use different shapes besides trees?
Absolutely! While tree shapes are festive, feel free to use any cookie cutter you love—stars, hearts, or even animals work beautifully. Just adjust baking times slightly based on thickness and size if you venture beyond trees.
How do I ensure my cookies don’t spread too much?
Chilling your dough is key when making sugar cookies. It prevents spreading during baking, allowing your cookies to hold their beautiful shapes better. Don’t skip this step if you want those tree silhouettes intact!
What type of icing should I use for decorating?
Royal icing is popular because it dries hard and allows intricate designs without smudging. However, buttercream offers a softer look and taste if you prefer something creamier and more indulgent—both are excellent choices!
Conclusion for Martha Stewart’s Sugar Cookie Trees
Martha Stewart’s Sugar Cookie Trees are more than just treats; they’re a delightful way to celebrate any occasion creatively! By mastering the cooking process while adding your flair through customization, you’ll ensure these cookies become a cherished tradition in your home. Store them properly to enjoy their sweetness longer, and don’t forget to create memorable moments as you share these delightful creations with loved ones!
Martha Stewart’s Sugar Cookie Trees
Martha Stewart’s Sugar Cookie Trees are the perfect festive treat to brighten up your holiday season. These charming cookies not only look stunning with their colorful icing and sprinkles but also deliver a delightful crunch and sweetness in every bite. Ideal for family gatherings, parties, or simply indulging in a sweet moment, these cookie trees are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition. With foolproof techniques, even novice bakers can achieve professional-quality results that will impress everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Royal icing ingredients: 3 cups powdered sugar, 2 egg whites
- Food coloring & sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use tree-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place on lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating with royal icing and optional sprinkles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For varied flavors, substitute vanilla extract with almond extract. Chill dough for optimal shape retention while baking. Feel free to use any cookie cutter shape you like—just adjust the baking time as needed.
