Make Festive Christmas Tree Cookies Without Cookie Cutters
Make Festive Tree-Shaped Cookies Without Cookie Cutters
The holidays are a magical time of year when homes and hearts are filled with joy, laughter, and lots and lots of cookies! Christmas cookies are a beloved tradition for many families. Children love helping roll out dough and decorate sparkling trees, snowflakes, Santa hats, and more. The sight and smell of a fresh batch of holiday cookies can instantly get you in the spirit of the season!
But what do you do if you don't have cookie cutters on hand? Don't worry, we've got you covered. With just a knife, a baking sheet, and a simple sugar cookie recipe, you can easily whip up picture-perfect Christmas tree cookies and other fun holiday shapes in no time. Keep reading for everything you need to know to make enchanting homemade cookie cutters that your whole family will love!
Make A Basic Sugar Cookie Dough
Any basic sugar cookie recipe will work well for hand-cutting shapes. Look for a recipe that makes a thick, chilled dough that will hold its shape while cutting and baking. An eggless dough works best. The Toll House sugar cookie recipe is a classic choice that's easy to make and roll out.
Cut together the butter and sugar first until light and fluffy. Next, beat in the vanilla, then add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk. Finish by kneading the dough briefly until it comes together. Divide in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Roll Out The Dough
Remove the dough from the fridge and let soften slightly before rolling. Lightly flour your work surface, then place one of the dough disks down. Use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll the dough until about 1⁄4 inch thick.
Roll gently but firmly, turning and flouring the dough as needed to prevent sticking. Lift and turn the dough periodically for even thickness. Add a bit more flour to the surface or rolling pin if it feels sticky. Roll out the second dough disk the same way.
Cut Out Festive Tree Shapes
Once rolled out, it's time for the fun part! Use a sharp knife to cut tree shapes freehand from the dough. Simple triangular shapes work well, but get creative with different sizes and imperfect, organic edges for a rustic look.
Cut down from the wide top of the tree to the base in one continuous cut for the best results. Repeat with the second dough disk until you have as many trees as desired. Carefully transfer the shaped cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Add Details
Here's where you can get really creative! Use a knife or toothpick to etch details into your tree cookies before baking. Try adding swirly garland lines, star treetop accents, or dots for ornaments. Let the kids help decorate the trees for extra holiday memories.
Lightly press miniature candy canes (crushed or whole) or colorful sprinkles into the dough for added whimsy. Brushing with egg wash and sprinkling coarse sugar over the trees before baking adds sparkle and crunch.
Bake Until Golden
Bake the decorated trees at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned at the edges. Cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting or decorating further. The options are endless when it comes to decorating your hand-cut Christmas cookies!
Royal Icing & Decorating Ideas
For true cookie artistry, try piping royal icing in festive colors and patterns over the cooled baked cookies. Use store-bought or this easy homemade royal icing recipe. Load icing into a piping bag fitted with small round tips.
Pipe zig-zag lines for garland, dots for ornaments, stars at the treetops, snowflakes, and any other designs you can imagine. While the icing is still wet, sprinkle with coloured sugar, crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or other sparkly embellishments. Let the iced cookies dry completely before serving.
Stack cookies on a platter in a "forest" scene, or package in cello bags tied with ribbon for easy holiday gifting. However you decorate, these hand-cut Christmas tree sugar cookies are sure to be a hit!
Tips for Cutting Tree & Holiday Shapes from Sugar Cookie Dough
Hand-cutting cookie shapes is simple with the right techniques. Here are some tips for cutting out beautiful trees, presents, stockings, and other festive shapes from your holiday sugar cookie dough:
Use Very Sharp Knives
A sharp knife is essential for clean, precise cuts. Serrated bread knives work very well. Sharp paring knives are ideal for detail work. Dull blades drag and tear the dough rather than slicing cleanly.
Chill the Dough Thoroughly
Chilled dough holds its shape for cutting and baking better than room temperature dough. Always chill cookie dough for at least 2-3 hours before cutting shapes. Longer chilling firms up the dough even more.
Cut in Single, Decisive Motions
Cut each shape in one continuous slicing motion without lifting the knife. Stopping part way through can distort the dough. Quickly but carefully cut out each shape for best results.
Flour the Knife if Dough Sticks
If dough begins to stick, flour the blade lightly before making each cut. Avoid using too much extra flour on the work surface which can toughen the dough.
Re-Roll Scraps Sparingly
Gather, knead, and re-roll scraps briefly to cut more shapes. Too much re-rolling can toughen the cookies. Chill dough again before re-cutting if needed.
Use a Spatula to Transfer Cut Shapes
Carefully slide a thin spatula under each cookie to transfer to the baking sheet without distortion. Arrange shapes evenly, just touching.
Decorate Before Baking
Add any details, candy accents, or toppings to unbaked cookies right on the baking sheets for perfect results.
Take Your Time
Relax and have fun with the process! Imperfectly cut, rustic cookies have homemade charm. Let the kids help for extra memorable (and messy) fun.
With these simple tips and a batch of chilled sugar cookie dough, you'll be turning out picture-perfect hand-cut Christmas trees, stockings, presents, and other holiday cookies in no time. Sprinkle with sparkle, pipe with icing - get creative! No special cookie cutters needed.