How stunning is this platter of snowy Christmas tree cookies? These beautiful treats are classic sugar cookies decorated with royal icing, making them an elegant and festive addition to any holiday gathering. The « snowy ornament » effect is surprisingly simple to create, and the result is truly magical!
Ingredients
- For the Cookies: Your favorite sugar cookie recipe (flour, butter, sugar, 1 egg, vanilla extract)
- For the Icing: Royal Icing (powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water)
- For Decoration: Green and white food coloring, white nonpareils (tiny round sprinkles)
Easy Steps
- Bake the Cookies:
Bake your tree-shaped sugar cookies using your favorite recipe. Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack to prevent the icing from melting when applied. - Mix the Icing:
Prepare your royal icing by mixing powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Divide the icing into two portions: color one batch green and leave the other white for the snowy effect. - Flood the Tree:
Start by outlining the tree shape with the green icing. Then, flood (fill) the main tree area with the green icing, ensuring it is smooth and evenly covered. This step creates the base of your « snowy » tree. - Add « Ornaments »:
While the green icing is still wet, immediately sprinkle the white nonpareils over it. These tiny round sprinkles mimic snow-covered ornaments and are the key to achieving that snowy effect. The wet icing will help them stick perfectly. - Add « Snow »:
Once the green icing has set slightly, pipe and flood the white icing onto the branches to create the snowy sections. This gives the effect of snow resting on the tips of the tree’s branches. - Dry the Cookies:
Let the cookies dry completely for 6-8 hours or overnight. This ensures the icing hardens properly, and you can stack the cookies without them sticking together or smudging.
