Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies

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Bring a little magic to your holiday baking with Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies. These charming, tree-shaped sugar cookies are buttery, crisp around the edges, and soft in the middle—perfect for decorating and celebrating. With a shower of sparkling sugar crystals, they glisten like freshly fallen snow and add a festive touch to cookie platters and gift boxes alike.

Whether you bake them for a cookie swap, a holiday party, or a cozy afternoon at home, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. The dough is easy to work with, the flavor is pure vanilla goodness, and the decoration options are endless. Kids love getting involved with the sprinkles, and they make for a fun kitchen memory the whole family can share.

Why You’ll Love This Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies Recipe

These cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a full sensory holiday experience. The subtle crunch of sugar on top balances perfectly with the tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. The dough holds its shape beautifully, making it ideal for festive cookie cutters like trees, stars, or snowflakes. Plus, you can make the dough ahead and freeze it, which makes last-minute baking stress-free.

What Kind of Sugar Should I Use for Sparkling Sugar Cookies?

To get that beautiful sparkle and a satisfying crunch, use decorating sugar or coarse sanding sugar. It doesn’t melt during baking like granulated sugar does, and it adds a glittery finish that reflects the holiday lights just right. You can use white for a snow-dusted look or go with green and gold for a more colorful twist.

Ingredients for the Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies

To make these cookies shine—literally and figuratively—you only need a handful of pantry staples. Each one plays an important role in the taste and texture of the final result.

• All-purpose flour
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Sparkling sugar

How To Make the Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This helps create a smooth, well-aerated base for the dough.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, combining until smooth. The egg binds everything together, while the vanilla brings warmth and flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until a dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

On a floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use tree-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Decorate

Sprinkle each cookie with sparkling sugar. You can press it in gently to help it adhere better before baking.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until edges are just golden. Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Store and Serve Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, making them ideal for gifting or preparing ahead of time. They also freeze well, both before and after baking, which is perfect for holiday batch baking. This recipe makes about 30 medium-sized cookies, perfect for feeding a crowd.

They look beautiful served on a holiday cookie tray or wrapped in clear bags with a ribbon. For added charm, pair them with hot cocoa or peppermint bark for a festive dessert spread.

What to Serve With Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies?

Hot Chocolate

The rich creaminess of hot chocolate pairs perfectly with these sweet, buttery cookies.

Peppermint Bark

Add a bit of minty contrast by serving them alongside peppermint bark or candy canes.

Eggnog

Whether classic or non-alcoholic, the warm spices in eggnog go beautifully with vanilla sugar cookies.

Mulled Wine

For adult gatherings, a warm glass of mulled wine brings out the cookie’s sweet, buttery notes.

Chocolate Fondue

Dip half of the cookie in chocolate fondue for a gourmet twist.

Citrus Curd

Serve with a spoonful of lemon or orange curd to brighten the cookie’s flavor.

Whipped Cream Cheese Dip

A light cream cheese dip flavored with cinnamon makes an unexpected but delightful pairing.

Want More Holiday Cookie Ideas?

If you’re loving these Sparkling Sugar Tree Cookies, you might also want to try these other cozy and creative recipes:

• Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons
• Ooey Gooey Bars
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes
• Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler
• Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how your cookies turned out! Did you go all green, or mix it up with silver and gold? Did the kids help with the sprinkles?

I love hearing how others bring these festive recipes to life. Feel free to ask questions or share tips.

Explore beautifully curated holiday treats and daily delights on Mia Recipes on Pinterest. You’ll find everything from decadent desserts to comforting seasonal sips.

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