How to make a Cookie Tree

The prettiest gingerbread cookie tree to celebrate this holiday season! Super easy and fun to assemble and decorate.

I’ve always loved the idea of making a cookie tree! They seemed so fun (but also hard) to make. So I thought I’d give it a try and make it as simple as possible for (me) and you!

They’re usually made with sugar cookies, but I’m honestly not a huge fan! I feel like with frosting they tend to be overly sweet, and I wanted to make a tree that I would actually eat (like everything else I share).

This gingerbread cookie tree is made with a cookie mix from Sur La Table, but you can make it with ANY gingerbread cookie mix, or, if you’re up for it, with homemade cookies, too!

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HOW TO MAKE A GINGERBREAD COOKIE TREE

Make sure to read thru this post before you start baking. You’re going to need to buy a couple of things beforehand! And it does take some time to arrange so feel free to make it a day ahead.

To make this cookie tree you need 4 main things:

1. A gingerbread cookie mix, or recipe.
2. A Christmas cookie tree cutter kit (I used this one)
3. Buttercream (store-bought or homemade)
4. Green food coloring

Start by following the instructions on the cookie mix box. They tend to be pretty straight forward. Roll out the dough and using the cookie tree cutter, cut star shapes using all 15 pieces.

Bake your cookies following the instructions. Allow to cool, and test your cookie tree (as pictured below). I like doing this to make sure it can stay up and it’s as straight as possible, BEFORE piping frosting on them.

To make the buttercream you’re going to need, 2 cups unsalted butter, 5 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted), 2-4 tbsp whole milk (as needed), splash of vanilla. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed. until soft and creamy. Sift the powdered sugar, reduce speed to low and add 1 cup at a time.

Add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until desired consistency (I used 2). Beat on medium-high for about 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of vanilla. Mix in food coloring until you have the desired color. I left some buttercream out to make a white star. If the buttercream is too runny, add 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. If it’s too thick add 1 more tablespoon of milk.

Now pipe the buttercream onto each star, this works as the “glue” between each layer. I used a star tip #22 from Wilton. Assemble your tree, starting from big to small stars. Don’t forget to add a white star at the top! To finish it off I decorated it with edible pearls and gold stars!

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I hope you find this tutorial helpful and that you have fun recreating it! If you do, please share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #yogaofcooking so I can see it!

Happy Holidays! x

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Looking for more holiday recipes? Check these out!

• Mexican Hot Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes
• Winter English Toffee Pavlova
• Chocolate Peppermint Cake