Christmas Tree Cake Cookie Delight

Christmas Tree Cake Cookie Delight

Oh, wow, have you ever tasted something so yummy it feels like Christmas in your mouth? I made this Christmas Tree Cake Cookie Delight, and it’s like a party on a plate! It’s super fun to make, too!

So, I mixed Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes with soft cookies and creamy frosting. Every bite is sweet, fluffy, and full of holiday cheer. My friends couldn’t stop eating it!

Honestly, I can’t wait to make it again for my family’s holiday party. You’ll want to grab a spoon and dig in with me. It’s like a cozy Christmas hug in dessert form!

Come on, let’s try making this easy treat together! Grab some cakes and cookies, and we’ll whip it up. Trust me, you’ll love this sweet delight!

Christmas Tree Cake Cookie Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Festive and Fun: These cookies bring the joy of Christmas Tree Cakes in every bite! Bright sprinkles and a delightful white chocolate chip interior make these cookies visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.
  • Perfect Holiday Treat: The flavors and textures bring that nostalgic holiday feeling. If you love Little Debbie’s Christmas Tree Cakes, you’ll adore these cookies!
  • Quick and Easy to Make: Ready in just over an hour, these cookies come together quickly with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
  • Chewy and Soft: Each bite has that soft, chewy texture you crave in a cookie with the right balance of sweetness and festive flair.
  • Kid-Friendly: Perfect for baking with kids or for gifting! Everyone will love helping to decorate these adorable holiday treats.

Required Kitchen Tools

  • Hand or Stand Mixer: Helps to mix the dough evenly and achieve the perfect texture for these cookies.
  • Baking Sheets: For placing your cookie dough on to bake.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps prevent the cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy is key to making these cookies turn out just right.
  • Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few for mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining.
  • Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
Ingredients

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious holiday cookies (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

  • Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes: These iconic treats add a soft, cake-like texture to the cookie dough.
  • Unsalted Butter: Softened at room temperature to blend smoothly into the dough.
  • Granulated Sugar: For a basic, sweet flavor that balances the richness of the butter.
  • Packed Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of molasses flavor and extra moisture to the cookies.
  • Large Eggs: These help bind the dough together, making it easier to scoop and bake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies and pairs perfectly with the white chocolate chips.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough that gives the cookies structure.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise, ensuring they stay chewy and light.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt brings out the sweetness and balances the flavors.
  • White Chocolate Chips: For that creamy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the Christmas Tree Cakes.
  • Festive Holiday Sprinkles: To decorate the cookies and make them look as festive as they taste.
  • Optional: Extra sprinkles for decorating after the cookies have baked, to add a more personal touch or a burst of color.
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by ensuring your butter is softened and your eggs are at room temperature. This will help the ingredients combine more easily and give you a smoother dough.

2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for now; we’ll incorporate it later.

3. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar. Use a hand or stand mixer on medium speed to beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until the eggs are fully incorporated and the dough is smooth.

4. Add the Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing at low speed until everything just comes together. Don’t overmix, or the cookies could become tough. You want the dough to be thick and slightly sticky.

5. Incorporate the Christmas Tree Cakes

Now for the fun part! Break the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into small chunks. You can use your hands to tear them apart or cut them with a knife. Gently fold the chunks into the dough. The small cake pieces will melt slightly during baking, adding a soft, cakey texture to each cookie.

6. Fold in the White Chocolate Chips

Once the Christmas Tree Cakes are mixed in, add the white chocolate chips and fold them into the dough. This will add an extra level of sweetness and richness to your cookies.

7. Chill the Dough

This step is important to help the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough also helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while they bake.

Preheat and Bake

8. Preheat the Oven

While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

9. Scoop the Dough

Once the dough has chilled, use a cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) to portion out the dough. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. These cookies will spread slightly, so give them enough space to bake evenly.

10. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set. The cookies may look a bit soft in the center, but they will firm up as they cool.

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11. Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This gives them time to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorating the Christmas Tree Cake Cookies

12. Add the Final Touches

Once your cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to decorate! This is the fun part, where you can really get creative and make these cookies look festive and eye-catching.

Sprinkles for Extra Holiday Cheer

First, gently press a few festive holiday sprinkles into the top of each cookie. You can use colorful sprinkles, red and green nonpareils, or even a mix of different shapes like Christmas trees, snowflakes, or stars to create that extra festive appeal. Press them down lightly into the cookies to ensure they stick.

Optional: A Drizzle of White Chocolate

For added richness and a professional touch, you can drizzle melted white chocolate on top of each cookie. Simply melt some white chocolate chips in the microwave or using a double boiler, then use a fork or piping bag to drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives them a beautiful, glossy finish that screams holiday spirit.

More Fun with Sprinkles

If you want to go above and beyond, you can even add extra sprinkles after drizzling the chocolate, creating layers of texture and color. The more festive, the better!

13. Allow to Set

Once decorated, allow the cookies to set for about 30 minutes. This gives the chocolate drizzle time to harden and ensures that your sprinkles stay in place. You’ll be left with a batch of perfectly decorated cookies ready for gifting or enjoying yourself.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Cake Cookie Delight

How to Serve Christmas Tree Cake Cookie Delight

These cookies are perfect for many different occasions, so let’s take a look at some fun and festive ways you can serve them this holiday season.

1. Gift-Worthy

Pack these cookies in a cute holiday tin or a clear plastic bag with a festive ribbon. They’re an ideal gift for friends, neighbors, teachers, or anyone who loves holiday treats. The combination of flavor and adorable decoration makes them a showstopper at any holiday party or gift exchange.

2. Holiday Cookie Tray

Serve these cookies as part of your holiday cookie tray alongside other festive treats like gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, and peppermint bark. These cookies will stand out thanks to their vibrant sprinkles and unique texture, and they’ll quickly become a favorite for anyone who tries them.

3. Holiday Parties and Gatherings

If you’re hosting a holiday get-together, these cookies are a fun and easy dessert option. Set them out on a serving platter with other treats, and watch everyone go for seconds! They’ll be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

4. Cozy Night In

These cookies are perfect for a cozy night in with a hot cup of cocoa, coffee, or a glass of milk. Whether you’re curled up by the fire or watching holiday movies, these soft and chewy cookies will add to the warmth and comfort of your evening.

Storing Christmas Tree Cake Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips.

At Room Temperature:

  • Storage Time: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent them from becoming stale.
  • Tip: If you’ve drizzled white chocolate on top, allow the chocolate to set fully before storing, so it doesn’t get smudged or smeared on the other cookies.

Freezing:

  • Freezing the Dough: You can freeze the dough before baking! Simply scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake at the same temperature, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
  • Freezing Baked Cookies: You can also freeze the cookies after baking. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Christmas Tree Cake Cookie Delight Variations

If you want to experiment with different flavors or add a twist to this holiday treat, here are a few fun variations to try:

1. Add Peppermint Flavor

For a minty twist on these cookies, add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough. This will give your cookies that signature holiday flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the white chocolate.

2. Swap the White Chocolate for Milk or Dark Chocolate

If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, you can easily swap it out for milk or dark chocolate chips. The richness of dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cookies and the little cake pieces.

3. Incorporate Festive Flavored Chips

You could also try using other holiday-themed chips, like red and green M&M’s or even cinnamon chips, for added flavor and color. These add another layer of fun to the cookies while still keeping them festive.

4. Use Different Holiday Cakes

Not a fan of Christmas Tree Cakes? Try using other holiday-themed cakes like Little Debbie’s Pumpkin Spice or the classic Swiss Roll cakes to create different flavors in your cookies. You can still enjoy the soft, cake-like texture while playing around with other seasonal treats.

5. Make Them Gluten-Free

If you need a gluten-free version of this cookie, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure to check the other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These festive Christmas Tree Cake Cookies are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of holiday beverages and snacks. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience:

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1. Pair with Hot Chocolate

A classic pairing, especially during the holidays, is a rich cup of hot chocolate. Whether you like it plain or topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder, these cookies complement the creamy, chocolaty goodness of hot cocoa perfectly.

2. Enjoy with a Cup of Coffee or Tea

If you’re hosting an afternoon tea or coffee gathering, these cookies are a fantastic choice. The sweetness of the cookies balances well with a cup of strong black coffee, espresso, or even a sweetened latte. A light herbal tea, such as peppermint or chamomile, also pairs nicely with the soft texture and festive flavors of the cookies.

3. Serve with a Holiday Punch

For holiday parties, pair these cookies with a festive holiday punch. A cranberry or pomegranate punch would be a great option, as the tartness of the fruit would offset the sweetness of the cookies and create a refreshing combination.

4. On a Dessert Buffet or Cookie Tray

When preparing a spread for a holiday gathering, add these cookies to your dessert table alongside other treats like pies, brownies, and assorted cookies. The bright colors and fun, cake-inspired texture will catch everyone’s eye, making them the star of the dessert table.

Christmas Tree Cake Cookie Delight: A Perfect Holiday Gift

If you’re looking for an edible gift that’s both thoughtful and delicious, Christmas Tree Cake Cookie Delight makes the perfect treat. These cookies are not only fun to make but they are also incredibly easy to package and give away as gifts. Here are a few creative ways to gift these cookies:

1. Gift in a Decorative Tin

Pack the cookies into a decorative holiday tin. You can find festive tins in many shapes and sizes, from classic round ones to tins shaped like Christmas trees or snowflakes. Fill the tin with a layer of parchment paper or tissue paper and stack the cookies neatly inside. You can also tie a ribbon around the tin to complete the look.

2. Create a Cookie Gift Box

For a more personalized touch, create a cookie gift box. Arrange your cookies neatly in a small box and add festive paper to line the bottom. You can also include a handwritten note or a small holiday card for an extra personal touch. This makes for a great gift for friends, neighbors, teachers, or coworkers.

3. Add a Custom Label

Make your gift of cookies extra special by adding a custom label or tag. You can write something simple like “Handmade Holiday Treats” or a sweet holiday message. This is an easy way to make the gift feel even more personal and meaningful.

4. Cookie Gift Jars

Another fun way to gift these cookies is by creating a “cookie jar” gift. Layer the ingredients for the cookies in a mason jar, and include a tag with the baking instructions. It’s a great DIY gift that lets the recipient make their own batch of delicious Christmas Tree Cake Cookies at home!

Nutrition Information for Christmas Tree Cake Cookie Delight

If you’re curious about the nutritional content of these festive cookies, here’s an approximate breakdown based on standard ingredients. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on factors like the specific brand of ingredients used or the size of the cookies.

NutrientPer Cookie (1)
Calories~180
Total Fat9g
Saturated Fat5g
Cholesterol25mg
Sodium50mg
Total Carbohydrates26g
Dietary Fiber0g
Sugars17g
Protein1g

Note: This is an estimate and can change depending on the ingredients and exact portion size of the cookies.

Christmas Tree Cake Cookie Delight

Recipe by Nancy SmithCourse: Uncategorized
Servings

24

cookies
Prep time

15

minutes
Bake Time

10

minutes
Calories

~180

kcal

Ingredients

  • Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes: 4 cakes, torn into small pieces

  • Unsalted Butter (softened): 1/2 cup

  • Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup

  • Packed Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup

  • Large Eggs: 2

  • Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp

  • All-Purpose Flour (unsifted): 2 cups

  • Baking Soda: 1/2 tsp

  • Salt: 1/4 tsp

  • White Chocolate Chips: 1 cup

  • Festive Holiday Sprinkles: 2 tbsp (for decoration)

  • Optional: Extra sprinkles for decorating

Directions

  • Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
  • Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  • Add Cake Pieces and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the torn Christmas Tree Cakes and white chocolate chips.
  • Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat and Scoop: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough into 1.5-2 tablespoon portions and place on the baking sheets.
  • Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are set.
  • Cool and Decorate: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Decorate with sprinkles and a drizzle of white chocolate if desired.
  • Serve or Store: Enjoy fresh, or store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days

Conclusion

Christmas Tree Cake Cookie Delight is the perfect dessert to add a bit of holiday cheer to your celebrations. These cookies are not only delicious but also fun to make and decorate with your family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting homemade treats, or enjoying a cozy evening with your loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a festive favorite for years to come.

The combination of Little Debbie’s Christmas Tree Cakes, white chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of festive holiday cheer makes these cookies a standout treat. The soft, chewy texture and vibrant colors will make them a hit with kids and adults alike. With a simple, straightforward recipe, you can bake a batch of these delightful cookies in no time!

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