Snowy Evergreen Christmas Tree Shortbread Cookies

Madeline May
1 day ago
2 min read

These cookies are inspired by one of my most dearest places to travel; Evergreen Colorado!! I absolutely love traveling to Evergreen and looking at all the stunning snow covered trees! Note: I am still a bit new to piping and decorating cookies, so I will continue to share tips and tricks as I become better!! This cookie recipe is very beginner friendly.

For variety I left some cookies unpainted!

Ingredients

Shortbread Cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Extra flour for rolling

Pastel Green Flood Icing

2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon corn syrup
Green food coloring (a minimal amount to achieve a pastel shade)

Dark Green Detailing Icing

2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon corn syrup
Green food coloring (in a deeper concentration for detailing)

Finishing

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shortbread Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Blend in the vanilla extract.Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to firm for rolling.

2. Roll and Cut

On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Using a Christmas tree cookie cutter, cut out shapes and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Bake

Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating.

4. Prepare the Pastel Green Flood Icing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and corn syrup until smooth.Add a very small amount of green food coloring to achieve a pastel hue.Adjust the consistency as needed by adding additional powdered sugar (to thicken) or milk (to thin).

5. Flood the Cookies

Outline each cookie with the pastel icing, then flood the center. Use a scribe tool or toothpick to smooth the surface.Allow the icing to set for approximately 30 minutes before adding details.

6. Prepare the Dark Green Detailing Icing

Using the same icing base, tint a portion of it a deeper green for detailing.Ensure the consistency is slightly thicker than the flood icing to hold the shape of painted strokes.

7. Add Evergreen Detailing

Once the flood icing has set, pipe or brush fine dark green strokes onto the cookies to create the appearance of evergreen branches.Allow the detailing to set slightly before finishing.