Sugar Cookie Tree Stacks with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Name: Sugar Cookie Tree Stacks with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 3/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; Sanding or sparkling sugar, as needed for finishing; 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature; Sprinkles and/or more sanding sugar, as needed for decorating; 5 drops of green food coloring, or more as needed (optional)

Cook Time: 10 minutes

This is a fun baking project that is as sweet as can be and easy to make! A classic, soft and chewy sugar cookie dough is scooped into three different sizes to form the graduating layers of this tree . Rolling them in sugar before baking also gives them a beautiful, glistening effect. The cookies are sandwiched together with tangy cream cheese frosting, and look like beautiful, snowy trees. Dress them up even more with sprinkles, if you like these cookies are wonderful to give as gifts, and make a fun addition to holiday cookie boxes.

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. Original recipe (1X) yields 22 servings.

Sugar Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Sanding or sparkling sugar, as needed for finishing

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature
Sprinkles and/or more sanding sugar, as needed for decorating
5 drops green food coloring, or more as needed (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Line 4 baking sheets with parchment paper.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cream until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until well incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until fully combined.
Scrape the bowl and mix again on low speed until a smooth dough forms.
Pour sanding or sparkling sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll each portion of dough into a ball, then roll the dough balls through the sugar to coat evenly.
Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 1 inch apart.
To create the tree , portion out 22 scoops of dough into three sizes: 1 teaspoon, 2 teaspoons, and 1 tablespoon. Keep same-sized dough portions together on the same baking sheet. Divide the tablespoon-sized portions between 2 baking sheets.
Bake the cookies in batches. For the smallest cookies, bake for 5-7 minutes, for medium-sized cookies bake for 6-8 minutes, and for the largest cookies, bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Transfer the cookies to wire racks and let them cool completely.
For the cream cheese frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter in the stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well and scraping the bowl after each addition. Add vanilla, salt, and sour cream, then mix on medium speed until fully combined.
Add the green food coloring, mixing until evenly colored. Add more food coloring for a deeper green shade, if desired.
Fit a pastry bag with a medium star tip or medium round tip. Transfer some frosting into the pastry bag, filling it no more than halfway.
To assemble, start by placing the largest cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pipe frosting onto the surface of each cookie, leaving about 1/2 inch around the outer edge.
Place a medium-sized cookie on top of each frosted large cookie, pressing down slightly to spread the frosting just to the outer edge. Repeat this process with all the largest cookies.
Frost the medium-sized cookies in the same way, leaving 1/2 inch of the outer edge uncovered. Place a small cookie on top of each medium cookie, pressing lightly to spread the frosting.
Pipe a tall swirl of frosting on top of each stack, mimicking the shape of a tree top.
Decorate the exposed frosting with sprinkles and/or additional sanding sugar for extra sparkle.
Store the assembled cookies in an airtight . These cookies taste best within 5 days of assembly.

Cooks Note

If you dont have 4 baking sheets, you can bake the cookies in batches.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 342
Total Fat: 17g (22% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 10g (51% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 54mg (18% Daily Value)
Sodium: 196mg (9% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 45g (16% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 0g (2% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 31g
Protein: 3g (6% Daily Value)
Calcium: 33mg (3% Daily Value)
Iron: 1mg (5% Daily Value)
Potassium: 49mg (1% Daily Value)

History and Origin

The origin of sugar cookies dates back to the 1700s, with German immigrants bringing their recipes to America. Over time, sugar cookies became popular across the United States, especially during the holiday season. The concept of sugar cookies being shaped into festive formssuch as trees, stars, and snowflakesbecame popular during the mid-20th century. The "Sugar Cookie Tree Stacks with Cream Cheese Frosting" is a modern twist on this classic cookie, designed to resemble a stacked Christmas tree, making it a perfect holiday treat.

Regional Variations

While sugar cookies are universally popular across America, the festive tree shape with frosting is particularly common in the Midwest and northern states, where winter holidays are celebrated with an abundance of baked goods. These areas are known for their intricate Christmas cookies, which often use a variety of decorative techniques, from royal icing to cream cheese frosting, as seen in this recipe. In some regions, cookies like these are baked in large quantities and given as holiday gifts or shared in cookie exchanges.

What Makes It Different

Unlike traditional sugar cookies that are typically flat and decorated with icing or sprinkles, these "tree stacks" are layered cookies that create a 3D effect resembling a Christmas tree. The cookies are also generously filled with a tangy, creamy cream cheese frosting that enhances the sweetness of the sugar cookies. The use of multiple sizes of cookies (small, medium, and large) to form the tree shape is unique and provides a delightful visual presentation compared to a regular flat sugar cookie. The use of sanding or sparkling sugar adds a festive, snow-like effect, making these cookies perfect for holiday celebrations.

Where to Serve

Sugar Cookie Tree Stacks with Cream Cheese Frosting are a popular treat for holiday gatherings and are often served at Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, and family dinners. They make an excellent addition to holiday cookie boxes, especially as a gift for friends and neighbors. Because of their impressive look, these cookies are also commonly seen on dessert tables at holiday events. Their light, sweet flavor pairs perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or festive punch, making them a great choice for seasonal get-togethers.

Fun Facts

1. The "tree stack" concept is inspired by Christmas trees, but instead of traditional tree decorations, this recipe uses frosting and sprinkles to simulate snow-covered branches.

2. These cookies are not only delicious but also highly customizable. You can adjust the colors of the frosting or the types of sprinkles used to match your holiday theme, whether it's a winter wonderland, a traditional red and green Christmas, or even a more whimsical pastel theme for Easter.

3. While this recipe calls for cream cheese frosting, some bakers like to experiment with buttercream or even whipped cream frosting for a lighter texture, though the cream cheese version provides a tangy contrast that balances the sweetness of the cookies.

4. The use of sanding sugar, which sparkles when baked, gives the cookies a magical appearance, as though dusted with snow. This small touch elevates them from simple cookies to a dazzling centerpiece for any holiday table.

Whether for gifting or sharing with loved ones, these tree-shaped cookie stacks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser during the holiday season!

FAQ about Sugar Cookie Tree Stacks with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Store the sugar cookie tree stacks in an airtight container at room temperature. They will taste best within 5 days of assembling.

Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time. Wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.

Yes, you can freeze the assembled cookie stacks. Wrap each stack in plastic wrap and then store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. For best results, consume within 1-2 months.

If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar tangy effect in the frosting.

If you don’t want to use food coloring, you can skip it for a neutral frosting or use other natural colorants like spinach powder for a green shade.

Yes, you can make the cookies without sanding or sparkling sugar if you prefer a less sweet or textured look. The sugar adds a decorative, crunchy finish, but it’s optional.

If you don’t have a pastry bag, you can use a ziplock bag with the tip of one corner cut off. Alternatively, you can use a spoon or knife to spread the frosting if you prefer a less precise look.

The cookies are done when they are lightly golden brown at the very edge. For the smallest cookies, bake for 5 to 7 minutes, the medium ones for 6 to 8 minutes, and the largest for 7 to 9 minutes.

Yes, you can use cookie cutters to make different shapes if you don’t want to create the tree stack. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly based on the size of the cookies.

You can decorate the cookie stacks with sprinkles, extra sanding sugar, or small candy decorations for a festive touch. Get creative with edible glitter or mini candy canes for a holiday theme!