Christmas Tree Cookie Cake

The holiday season is all about bringing joy to the table, and nothing does that quite like a Christmas Tree Cookie Cake. This festive dessert combines the comforting chewiness of a giant chocolate chip cookie with the whimsical design of a holiday evergreen. It is a showstopper that takes very little effort to assemble but leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

Whether you are hosting a festive party or looking for a fun activity to do with the kids, this cookie cake is the perfect choice. It is soft, buttery, and decorated with bright green frosting and colorful sprinkles to mimic a beautifully lit tree. Let’s get baking and spread some holiday cheer!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 310
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 180mg

Why Make This Christmas Tree Cookie Cake

This Christmas Tree Cookie Cake is a fantastic alternative to traditional holiday pies or batches of small cookies. It is much faster to bake one large cake than dozens of individual treats, yet it offers that same nostalgic flavor everyone loves. Plus, the large surface area gives you plenty of space to get creative with decorations.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the base, the frosting, and the “ornaments” to suit your family’s preferences. It’s a sturdy dessert that travels well, making it ideal for potlucks or office parties during the busy December weeks.

How to Make Christmas Tree Cookie Cake

Creating this festive masterpiece is easier than you might think. We will start by baking a delicious, oversized cookie and then use frosting to transform it into a vibrant Christmas tree.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1.5 cups vanilla frosting (tinted green)
• Assorted sprinkles and a star-shaped candy topper

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. If you have a Christmas tree-shaped cake pan, you can grease it well, but a flat sheet works perfectly for hand-shaping.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer at medium speed.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat well until everything is fully incorporated and the texture is smooth.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chips by hand using a spatula.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Press the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a large triangle to resemble a tree, making sure it is about 1/2 inch thick. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookie cake cool completely before decorating.

Step 6: Decorate the Tree

Once cooled, pipe the green frosting onto the cookie in a zig-zag pattern or small dollops to look like branches. Add sprinkles as “ornaments” and place a star candy or a large yellow sprinkle at the very top.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Cookie Cake

For the best presentation, place the entire tree on a festive platter or a wooden cutting board. You can slice the cake into triangles or squares depending on how many guests you are serving. It pairs perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of cocoa. If you want to go the extra mile, serve each slice with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

How to Store Christmas Tree Cookie Cake

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warm climate, it is better to keep the cake in the refrigerator to prevent the frosting from melting. If you need to stack the pieces, place a layer of wax paper between them so the decorations stay intact.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Tree Cookie Cake

To get a perfectly soft and chewy texture, do not overbake the cookie. It should still look slightly soft in the center when you pull it out of the oven. Also, make sure the cookie is 100% cool before you start frosting. If the base is even slightly warm, your green “branches” will melt and slide right off the cake.

Delicious Variations

If you aren’t a fan of chocolate chips, try using M&Ms for a “built-in” ornament look. You can also swap the chocolate chip base for a classic sugar cookie or a gingerbread-flavored dough. For a richer flavor, use a chocolate ganache instead of vanilla frosting for the branches, or add a drizzle of white chocolate to look like snow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, you can use refrigerated cookie dough. Just follow the shaping and baking instructions, keeping an eye on the time as it may vary from the homemade version.

Q: How do I make the green frosting?

Start with plain white vanilla frosting and add green gel food coloring one drop at a time until you reach your desired shade of evergreen.

Q: Can I freeze the cookie cake?

Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookie (unfrosted) for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before adding the frosting and decorations.

Q: What if I don’t have a tree-shaped pan?

No problem! Simply press the dough into a large rectangle and use a knife to cut out a large triangle after it bakes (while still warm), or shape the dough into a triangle by hand before baking.

Q: Is the cornstarch necessary?

The cornstarch helps give the cookie cake a soft, “melt-in-your-mouth” texture and keeps it from becoming too crisp. It is highly recommended for the best results!

Conclusion

This Christmas Tree Cookie Cake is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. It is easy to prepare, fun to decorate, and even better to eat. By following these simple steps, you will have a festive treat that looks like it came from a professional bakery. Happy holidays and happy baking!

Print