Christmas Tree Shortbread Cookies

My Christmas Baking Tradition: A Festive Treat for Family and Friends

The aroma of freshly baked cookies is synonymous with the holidays, and for me, nothing says Christmas quite like the sweet, buttery scent of shortbread. This year, I decided to take my traditional shortbread recipe and give it a festive twist, creating adorable Christmas tree-shaped cookies. These aren't just any cookies; they're a labor of love, a tradition I've carefully crafted over the years, a way to bring a little bit of extra magic to the Christmas season.

The process begins with the familiar comfort of mixing butter, sugar, and flour – the very foundation of any good shortbread. I add a touch of almond and vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile, creating a subtly sweet and fragrant base. The dough is then chilled, a critical step that prevents the cookies from spreading too thin in the oven. Then comes the fun part: rolling, cutting, and shaping the cookies. I use a festive Christmas tree cookie cutter, ensuring each cookie is the perfect size and shape for my decorating plans. A dollop of apricot jam nestles in the center of each cookie, providing a sweet and tart counterpoint to the buttery shortbread.

Next, I make the most delightful part – the decorating. I meticulously pipe layers of white and green icing, transforming the simple cookies into miniature Christmas trees. It's a detail-oriented task, but I find it incredibly therapeutic and enjoyable. The careful placement of each piped line of icing, each perfectly placed green dot, feels like I'm adding tiny touches of magic to each cookie. I love the sense of accomplishment and creativity that comes from this part of the process. This year I also experimented with adding small candies or sprinkles to create a more unique look.

These Christmas tree shortbread cookies aren't just a delicious treat; they're a symbol of the joy and togetherness of the holiday season. I've always loved baking, it's something I learned from my mother and I continue to teach my own daughters. Making these cookies is a cherished family tradition, creating memories as we work side-by-side in the kitchen, a warm and comforting atmosphere filled with laughter and festive cheer. We often put on Christmas music, and just enjoy each other's company, the smell of the cookies baking fills the house, and there is nothing else that I love more than this feeling.

The final product is more than just a cookie; it’s a testament to the love and care I put into creating them. It's a small way for me to show my appreciation to my family and friends, a token of my holiday wishes. The cookies are not just eaten; they're savored, shared, and enjoyed in the warm glow of holiday lights and laughter. And the best part? The recipe is relatively simple, making it accessible to even the most novice bakers. So this Christmas, why not try your hand at making these delightful cookies? They are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them and will bring a touch of festive magic to your own holiday celebrations.

Baking these cookies has become a treasured ritual, a way for me to connect with my family and friends on a deeper level. The simple act of making and sharing these cookies is a powerful way to express love, appreciation, and holiday spirit. The memories made while baking these cookies are as precious to me as the cookies themselves.

Every year, I look forward to this baking tradition, and I'm already thinking about next year’s cookie designs! Perhaps snowmen or stars? The possibilities are endless. But for now, I'll enjoy the festive charm of these miniature Christmas trees, a sweet symbol of the Christmas season and a tangible representation of love, family, and happy memories.

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 325°F.
• Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until light.
• Gradually beat in powdered sugar.
• Beat in extracts.
• Add flour and salt and stir just until combined.
• Gather dough into ball; divide in half.
• Flatten each half into disk.
• Wrap in plastic and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
• Line 3 heavy large baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Roll out 1 dough disk on lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness, frequently lifting and turning dough to prevent sticking.
• Cut out cookies, using 3-inch-long Christmas-tree cookie cutter.
• Gather scraps, reroll and cut out total of 36 cookies, placing 12 cookies on each prepared sheet.
• Spread 1 teaspoon jam in center of each cookie.
• Roll out remaining dough disk and cut out more cookies.
• Cut out centers of each cookie, using 1-inch triangle cookie cutter.
• Using metal spatula, lift cookie frames onto jam-topped cookies.
• Gather scraps, reroll and cut additional cookie frames, making total of 36.
• Place on jam-topped cookies.
• Bake cookies until slightly golden brown around edges, about 25 minutes.
• Transfer to racks and cool.
• Place half of Almond Icing in resealable plastic bag.
• Mix enough food coloring into remaining icing to make desired green color.
• Transfer green icing to another resealable plastic bag.
• Cut very tip off 1 corner of each bag.
• Pipe white icing along edges of trees.
• Pipe green icing in dots on trees.
• (Can be made 2 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.)