These Christmas Tree Cookies are a holiday baking classic that’s fun and look great. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for baking with kids or prepping ahead for a holiday party. With a buttery dough packed with chocolate and walnuts, these cookies are as delicious as they are festive.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a commission. Thank you!
These cookies are a holiday favorite in my house because they’re so versatile and easy to prep ahead. I love that you can freeze the dough or bake them fresh for decorating parties or gifting. They’re simple, fun, and always a hit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make 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.
Making these cookies is simple and fun, especially when you follow my easy steps.
Cream the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until it’s creamy and smooth.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. This step sets the foundation for a soft, flavorful cookie.
Mix in the dry ingredients
Gently add the flour and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix here—it’s the key to keeping your cookies light and tender.
Fold in the goodies
Add the chopped chocolate and walnuts, folding them in until they’re evenly spread throughout the dough. These mix-ins add the perfect crunch and bursts of flavor.
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!
Shape and chill
Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 3 hours, or until it’s firm enough to roll out easily.
Roll and cut your cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out as many cookies as you can.
Prep for baking
Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper, spacing them out slightly.
Use a straw or skewer to make a small hole near the top of each cookie if you plan to hang them as ornaments. Chill the tray in the fridge or freezer for 5 minutes—this extra step helps the cookies hold their shape.
Bake to perfection
Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. When you take them out, check the holes while they’re still warm and gently enlarge them if needed.
Cool and decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before handling or decorating, and then transfer them to a wire cooling rack.
Dust them with powdered sugar for a snowy finish, or thread a string through the holes to turn them into edible ornaments.
If you’re gifting them, place them in cellophane gift bags or hang them directly on the tree and enjoy!
Best Christmas Tree Cookies for Hanging
Add Preferred SourceEquipment
- Cellophane gift bags optional
Ingredients
- ½ cup softened butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chopped chocolate
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Cream the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.½ cup softened butter, ½ cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In the same bowl, add the flour and salt. Stir gently, just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps the dough tender.¼ teaspoon salt, 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Fold in the chopped chocolate and walnuts, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until firm.½ cup chopped chocolate, ½ cup chopped walnuts
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- If you’re planning to hang the cookies as ornaments, use a straw or skewer to make a small hole at the top of each cookie. Chill the tray in the fridge or freezer for 5 minutes to help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Bake the cookies for 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and, while they’re still warm, gently re-punch the holes if needed.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating. Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect, or thread a string through the holes to hang them as ornaments. Hang them or place them in gifts bags and enjoy!
Notes
- Softened Butter is a Must: Soft butter makes the dough smooth and easy to work with, so let it sit at room temperature before you start.
- Chilling is Key: Don’t skip chilling the dough—it’s what keeps the cookies from spreading in the oven.
- Even Thickness Matters: Roll the dough evenly to ensure all your cookies bake at the same rate.
- Get Creative with Decorations: Try sprinkling on festive sugar or drizzle melted chocolate for a unique touch.
- Nut-Free Option: If you’re making these for someone with allergies, simply leave out the walnuts or swap them for seeds.
- Freezing Made Easy: You can freeze the dough for up to a month. Just let it thaw in the fridge before rolling and cutting.
- Double-Check the Holes: Use a straw or skewer to re-punch the holes after baking if they shrink slightly.
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!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are some tips to make sure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Softened Butter is a Must: Soft butter makes the dough smooth and easy to work with, so let it sit at room temperature before you start.
- Chilling is Key: Don’t skip chilling the dough—it’s what keeps the cookies from spreading in the oven.
- Even Thickness Matters: Roll the dough evenly to ensure all your cookies bake at the same rate.
- Get Creative with Decorations: Try sprinkling on festive sugar or drizzle melted chocolate for a unique touch.
- Nut-Free Option: If you’re making these for someone with allergies, simply leave out the walnuts or swap them for seeds.
- Freezing Made Easy: You can freeze the dough for up to a month. Just let it thaw in the fridge before rolling and cutting.
- Double-Check the Holes: Use a straw or skewer to re-punch the holes after baking if they shrink slightly.
How to Store Leftover Christmas Tree Cookies
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
If you want to save some for later, freeze them undecorated. Stack the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature and decorate as desired.
What to Serve With Christmas Tree Cookies
Christmas Tree Cookies pair beautifully with cozy holiday drinks like hot chocolate, spiced cider, or creamy eggnog.
They’re also a fantastic addition to a dessert platter with other treats like gingerbread cookies, shortbread, or chocolate fudge. For a festive touch, package them up with a hot cocoa mix or tea sampler as a thoughtful holiday gift.
More Easy Festive Recipes for You to Try at Home
I’ve got plenty of holiday-inspired recipes that will keep the festive spirit alive in your kitchen!
