Rosemary Christmas Tree Cookies

Wait, hear me out on this one! I know what you’re thinking – rosemary in cookies? Well, let me tell you something that changed my whole holiday baking game.

So, I was making my usual sugar cookies last Christmas, you know? And I had this fresh rosemary sitting right there on my counter. I thought, why not try something different this year?

These cookies smell like pure magic when they bake. The rosemary makes them taste fancy but they’re still super easy to make. My kids actually love them more than regular cookies now!

Trust me, you’ve got to try these this holiday season. They look so pretty shaped like little Christmas trees. And honestly, they’re way easier than you think!

Why You’ll Love These Rosemary Christmas Tree Cookies

• Unique Flavor: The subtle, aromatic taste of rosemary combined with a classic sugar cookie base is a delightful twist on your typical Christmas cookie.
• Festive and Fun: Shaped like Christmas trees and decorated with vibrant green sanding sugar, these cookies look as amazing as they taste!
• Customizable: The cookie dough can be easily adapted to suit your preferences, and the decoration options are endless—perfect for family baking sessions or gifting.
• Perfect for the Holidays: Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just to have a festive treat at home, these cookies are sure to bring joy to any occasion.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get started, here’s a quick rundown of the essential tools and equipment you’ll need to create these Rosemary Christmas Tree Cookies:

1. Mixing Bowls: To combine your dry and wet ingredients.
2. Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer will help you cream the butter and sugar together smoothly.
3. Plastic Wrap: To cover and chill the dough.
4. Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough to the perfect thickness.
5. Christmas Tree-Shaped Cookie Cutter: The star of the show! You’ll need this to cut your cookies into tree shapes.
6. Baking Sheet: A flat baking surface for even cooking.
7. Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheets, ensuring the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these aromatic, delicious cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The base of the cookie dough, giving the cookies a rich and smooth texture.
• 1/2 cup sugar: For that perfect balance of sweetness in every bite.
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary: Adds that fresh, earthy flavor that makes these cookies stand out.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The main structure of the cookie dough.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For an extra touch of warmth and flavor.
• Green sanding sugar (for decoration): This is what gives your cookies a lovely festive sparkle and resembles the glittery look of a Christmas tree.
• Royal icing and decorative sprinkles (optional): For additional decoration, if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

To start off, use your electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential as it will give your cookies a nice, soft texture.

2. Add the Rosemary and Vanilla

Once the butter and sugar are nicely creamed, add the finely chopped fresh rosemary and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat again until everything is well combined. The rosemary will infuse the dough with its aromatic, herbal fragrance, making these cookies feel extra special and festive.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, so your cookies have a consistent texture. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is fully combined.

4. Form the Dough

Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a clean surface and form it into a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

5. Roll Out the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. When the dough is chilled, remove it from the fridge and roll it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thick, which is the perfect thickness for cookies that will hold their shape during baking.

6. Cut the Christmas Trees

Using your Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many shapes as possible from the rolled dough. You can gather and re-roll any leftover dough to cut out more trees. Place the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.

7. Decorate with Sanding Sugar

To give your cookies that festive sparkle, sprinkle the green sanding sugar generously over the top of each cookie. You can also add a pinch of decorative sprinkles on top if you like to get extra creative with your cookie decorations.

8. Bake the Cookies

Place your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn golden brown. The centers may still look soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

9. Cool the Cookies

Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Optional: Decorate with Royal Icing

Once the cookies are cool, you can take them a step further by decorating with royal icing. Use a piping bag to create intricate designs or simply add a little dot of icing on top for a more minimalistic look. Decorative sprinkles can also be added for extra flair.

Variations for Rosemary Christmas Tree Cookies

While these cookies are already pretty perfect, here are a few ways you can mix things up:

• Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus note that pairs wonderfully with rosemary.
• Herb Mix: For a different herbal flavor, experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or sage. Just make sure to chop them finely to avoid large chunks in your dough.
• Icing Alternatives: Instead of royal icing, you can opt for a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a bit of milk to drizzle over the cookies for a smoother finish.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a sweet and rich contrast to the rosemary flavor.

How to Serve Rosemary Christmas Tree Cookies

These cookies are perfect for serving at holiday parties, family gatherings, or as gifts. You can present them in several creative ways:

• On a Festive Platter: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter with other holiday treats like gingerbread men, snowflake cookies, and peppermint bark.
• Wrapped as Gifts: Package these cookies in a cute tin or a clear gift bag tied with a festive ribbon for an adorable holiday gift.
• As Part of a Cookie Decorating Station: If you’re hosting a holiday party or gathering, set up a decorating station with icing, sprinkles, and extra sanding sugar for guests to decorate their cookies.

Storing Rosemary Christmas Tree Cookies

To keep your Rosemary Christmas Tree Cookies fresh, follow these storage tips:

• At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure the container is completely sealed to prevent the cookies from becoming stale.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them, and then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
• Unbaked Dough: If you have leftover dough, you can freeze it as well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling it out and baking.

Nutrition Information

These Rosemary Christmas Tree Cookies are a delightful indulgence. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per cookie:

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie
Calories	120
Total Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	3.5g
Carbohydrates	17g
Sugar	9g
Protein	1g
Fiber	0.5g

Conclusion

These Rosemary Christmas Tree Cookies are a fun and festive twist on traditional holiday cookies. They’re easy to make, flavorful, and can be customized to fit your taste or decorating style. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party, as a sweet gift, or just to enjoy with family, these cookies are sure to bring the holiday spirit to any occasion.

So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the wonderful aroma of rosemary and sugar cookies wafting through your kitchen! I guarantee these little Christmas tree-shaped treats will become a new holiday favorite in your household.