Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cookies

by

Soft, Festive & Dressed for the Holidays

🌟 Introduction

Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cookies bring together the classic cocoa-kissed flavor of red velvet with the joy and beauty of the holiday season. Soft, buttery, and lightly chocolatey, these cookies are shaped like Christmas trees and decorated with sparkling sugar, icing, and festive toppings. They are as stunning as they are delicious—perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, and homemade holiday gifts.

🕰️ History of Red Velvet & Holiday Cookies

Red velvet cake rose to fame in the early 20th century, known for its subtle cocoa flavor and deep red color. Over time, this beloved flavor was transformed into cookies, brownies, and festive treats. Shaped sugar cookies have long been associated with Christmas traditions, and combining them with red velvet creates a modern holiday classic that feels both nostalgic and special.

🧾 Ingredients

🍪 Red Velvet Cookie Dough

  • 2¾ cups (345 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp milk or buttermilk
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • Red food coloring (gel preferred)

🎨 Decorations

  • Green royal icing or buttercream
  • Red, white & gold sprinkles
  • Mini sugar pearls
  • Edible glitter or sanding sugar

🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add egg, milk, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring.
  4. Mix until smooth and vibrant red.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix just until combined.

Step 2: Chill

  • Wrap dough and chill for 45–60 minutes (important for clean shapes).

Step 3: Shape the Trees

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.
  2. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness.
  3. Cut out Christmas tree shapes.
  4. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 4: Bake

  • Bake for 8–10 minutes.
  • Cookies should be set but soft.
  • Cool completely before decorating.

🎨 Decorating Method

  1. Pipe green icing starting at the base of the tree.
  2. Create zig-zag branches upward.
  3. Add sprinkles like ornaments.
  4. Finish with a sugar star on top.

🔥 Baking Methods

  • Cut-Out Method – Best for sharp tree shapes
  • No-Spread Method – Chilled dough ensures clean edges
  • Soft Cookie Method – Slight underbaking keeps centers tender

🧬 Formation of Flavor & Color

Cocoa powder adds depth without overpowering sweetness. Vinegar reacts with baking soda, enhancing tenderness and color. Red food coloring gives the iconic festive hue, while butter keeps cookies rich and soft.

💪 Benefits

  • Perfect holiday baking project
  • Great for kids and family fun
  • Make-ahead friendly
  • Customizable decorations
  • Visually stunning dessert

❤️ Lovers of These Cookies

  • Christmas bakers
  • Red velvet fans
  • Cookie decorators
  • Holiday party hosts
  • Gift-giving enthusiasts

🌿 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Store undecorated cookies up to 5 days
  • Decorated cookies last 3 days
  • Freeze dough or baked cookies up to 2 months

✅ Conclusion

Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cookies combine festive beauty with classic flavor. They are soft, eye-catching, and full of holiday cheer—making them a must-bake treat for Christmas celebrations.

❤️ Final Conclusion for Lovers

If you love Christmas baking, colorful cookies, and the timeless charm of red velvet, these Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cookies will steal your heart. Bake them, decorate them, and share the joy—because Christmas tastes better in cookie form 🎄🍪❤️

Leave a Comment