The Ultimate Almond Ginger Christmas Tree Cookies (Decorated Holiday Cookies!)
Imagine a Christmas cookie that breaks from the traditional mold, a sophisticated treat that marries the buttery tenderness of a sugar cookie with the warm, zesty spice of fresh ginger and the nutty crunch of toasted almonds. Now, imagine that perfect cookie slathered in a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. That, my friends, is the…
Imagine a Christmas cookie that breaks from the traditional mold, a sophisticated treat that marries the buttery tenderness of a sugar cookie with the warm, zesty spice of fresh ginger and the nutty crunch of toasted almonds. Now, imagine that perfect cookie slathered in a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. That, my friends, is the elevated, unforgettable magic of these Almond Ginger Christmas Tree Cookies. This is, without a doubt, the most uniquely delicious decorated cookie you will bake this season.
I promise you, there is no greater holiday baking delight than the aroma of these cookies baking. The tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting is the perfect counterpoint to the cookie’s warm spice. While they look like a project, the steps are straightforward, leading to a truly impressive, bakery-worthy result that is perfect for a festive cookie exchange or as a standout edible gift.
Get ready to create a new holiday classic, a decorated Christmas cookie that is as much a joy for the palate as it is for the eyes.
Why These Will Be Your New Favorite Christmas Cookies
You are going to be completely smitten with the unique flavor and perfect texture of these cookies. They are a true holiday show-stopper. Here’s why:
- A Unique, Sophisticated Flavor Profile: The combination of warm ginger, nutty toasted almonds, and a hint of vanilla creates a wonderfully complex and delicious cookie that stands out from the crowd.
- Perfect No-Spread Cut-Out Dough: This dough is expertly formulated to chill and hold its shape, giving you perfectly defined Christmas trees with crisp edges every time.
- Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting: Forget overly sweet icing! The tangy, rich cream cheese frosting perfectly balances the spiced cookie for a truly gourmet flavor experience.
- A Stunning Addition to Any Cookie Platter: Beautifully decorated, these Christmas tree cookies add a touch of elegance and unique flavor to any holiday dessert spread or gift box.
- A Rewarding and Fun Baking Project: From toasting the almonds to decorating the finished trees, this is a wonderfully satisfying recipe that yields truly professional-looking results.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 45 minutes |
| Chill Time | 2 hours |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Decorating Time | ~1 hour 30 minutes |
| Total Time | ~4 hours 25 minutes |
| Servings | 36 cookies |
| Calories | 252 kcal per cookie |
| Course | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty/Method | Intermediate / Baking |
Your Shopping List for These Festive Cookies
This recipe uses fresh, fragrant ingredients to create its signature, sophisticated flavor.
→ For the Almond Ginger Cookies
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour → Spooned and leveled.
- ¾ tsp salt & 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger & 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger → A double dose for the best warm, spicy flavor!
- 1 cup unsalted butter → Softened to room temperature.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 3 Tbsp sour cream → The secret to a tender, moist cookie.
- ⅔ cup sliced almonds → Toasted, for a deep, nutty flavor and crunch.
→ For the Ginger Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese → Softened to room temperature.
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter → Softened to room temperature.
- 1 ½ tsp grated fresh ginger → Adds a zesty kick to the tangy frosting.
- 5 cups confectioners’ sugar
- Gel paste food coloring, sprinkles, and sanding sugars → For decorating!
Let’s Get Baking! Your Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to create the most elegant cookies of the season? Let’s break it down.
Part 1: The Fragrant Almond-Ginger Dough
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, ground ginger, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Cream the Base: In the bowl of an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the grated fresh ginger and mix for another 30 seconds to release its fragrance.
- Make the Dough: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and sour cream. On low speed, gradually add the flour mixture until just combined. Finally, mix in the toasted sliced almonds.
- Wrap and Chill: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight. This step is crucial!
Part 2: Cut and Bake the Cookies
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about ⅜-inch thickness. Using 3-to-4-inch cookie cutters (like a Christmas tree shape), cut out your cookies. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cookies are set and the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let them cool on the pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Part 3: The Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting & Decoration
- Make the Frosting: In an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until completely smooth. Add the grated fresh ginger and a pinch of salt and mix until just combined.
- Finish the Frosting: On low speed, gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Once incorporated, increase the speed and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Decorate!: Divide the frosting into bowls and tint with gel food coloring to your desired colors. Transfer the frostings to pastry bags fitted with your favorite tips. Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them as desired. Finish with a flourish of festive sprinkles and sanding sugars!
Almond Ginger Christmas Tree Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together the flour, salt, ground ginger and baking powder; set aside.
- In an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add in grated ginger and mix for 30 seconds. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Slowly add the flour mixture, followed by toasted almonds, scraping the sides of the bowl until dough is formed. Wrap dough in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Heat oven to 400ºF and line baking sheets with parchment. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to ⅜ of an inch thickness. Use 3-to-4-inch cookie cutters to cut shapes.
- Transfer to baking sheets and bake until cookies are just done, 8 to 10 min. Cool on pans completely. Repeat with remaining dough.
- While cookies are cooling, make the frosting. In an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add grated ginger and a pinch of salt. Slowly add confectioners’ sugar, scraping the sides of the bowl, and mix until fluffy.
- Divide frosting and tint with gel food coloring as desired. Fill pastry bags and decorate cooled cookies, using sprinkles and sugars to finish.
Notes
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Cookie Success
These professional secrets will help you achieve perfect results every time.
- Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough. This is the most important step for a cut-out cookie! Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading in the oven and ensures your Christmas trees hold their shape.
- Toast Your Almonds! Toasting the almonds in a dry skillet or in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to the dough makes a world of difference. It deepens their flavor and makes them much crunchier.
- Fresh Ginger is a Must. Using both ground and freshly grated ginger gives these cookies a vibrant, multi-dimensional spice flavor that is truly special.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key. For both the cookie dough (butter, eggs) and the frosting (cream cheese, butter), using properly softened, room temperature ingredients is essential for a smooth, creamy, and well-combined final product.
- Cool Cookies Completely Before Frosting. Never, ever frost a warm cookie, especially with cream cheese frosting! The heat will melt the frosting into a soupy mess. Patience is the secret to beautiful decorating.
Keep Them Fresh! Storing Your Decorated Cookies
Because of the cream cheese frosting, these cookies need to be stored with care.
- Refrigerator: Once the frosting has set slightly, store the decorated cookies in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you must stack them, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Serving: For the best flavor and texture, let the cookies sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving.
FAQs: Your Almond Ginger Cookie Questions, Answered!
Why did my cookies spread and lose their shape?
The most common reason for spreading is that the dough was not chilled for long enough. It needs at least 2 hours to become very firm. Another reason could be that the butter was too soft (almost melted) when you started the dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! This dough is perfect for making ahead. You can store the wrapped dough disk in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before rolling and baking.
Do I have to use cream cheese frosting?
While the tangy cream cheese frosting is a perfect match for the spiced cookie, you could certainly use a classic royal icing or a simple buttercream if you prefer. Just be aware that the flavor profile will be much sweeter.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes. It’s best to freeze the undecorated, baked cookies. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw completely before decorating. You can also freeze the decorated cookies, but the frosting texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Final Thoughts: Your Most Elegant Christmas Cookie
There is nothing more satisfying than creating a Christmas cookie that is both beautiful to look at and uniquely delicious to eat. These Almond Ginger Christmas Tree Cookies are a true celebration of sophisticated holiday flavors. They are a wonderful project that results in a truly special treat, perfect for impressing guests or giving as a cherished homemade gift. I hope they bring a little extra sparkle and spice to your holiday season. Happy Baking!
