This striking Sugar Cookie Christmas Tree Stack is easier to make than it looks. It makes a beautiful holiday centerpiece, a crowd-pleasing addition to a cookie exchange, and a fun, hands-on project to do with kids.
Sugar Cookie Christmas Tree Stack – A Pretty Holiday Treat
Cookies are a holiday tradition, and sugar cookie cutouts are a timeless favorite. While delicate, professional-looking frosting can be intimidating, this layered star tree is forgiving and accessible. With basic tools and simple icing, anyone can create an elegant, festive stack of cookies.
What You Need
- Nesting star cookie cutters – A set of nesting star cutters in multiple sizes makes this project simple. A six-size set works well; use two or three of each size if you want a larger centerpiece. For individual trees, one of each size is enough.
- Icing – Use an icing that can be flooded and will dry to a firm finish. Royal icing is ideal, but store-bought cookie icing pouches with tips work fine and save time. Two seven-ounce packets of ready-to-use icing were enough for an average tree.
- Decorations – Small sprinkles, mini candy pieces, or sugar pearls look great on the star points. Choose colors and styles to match your holiday theme.
- Sugar cookie cutout dough – Any reliable sugar cookie cutout dough will do. Use your favorite recipe or a store-bought dough suited for rolling and cutting.
How to Make the Sugar Cookie Christmas Tree Stack
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut stars in each size you plan to stack. For a centerpiece, cut two or three stars of each size; for individual trees, cut one of each size per tree. Cut an extra small star to use as the tree topper.
- Arrange the cutouts on the prepared sheet and bake 9–11 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn light golden. Let the cookies cool completely before icing.
- Flood each star with icing, keeping the icing within the edges. Add a decoration to each point while the icing is wet so it adheres as it sets.
- Allow the icing to dry and harden fully before attempting to assemble the tree. Trying to stack while the icing is wet can cause the cookies to slip and the tree to collapse.
- To assemble, place the largest star on a plate or serving base. Add the next-largest star on top, rotating it so its points fall between the points of the star beneath. Continue stacking from largest to smallest.
- Leave the very smallest star aside until the end. Put a small dab of icing on the top star and press the final tiny star upright into the icing to form the tree topper. Hold it in place briefly until the icing begins to set and the topper stands securely.
These stacked sugar cookie trees are customizable, simple to make, and visually impressive. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a festive centerpiece you can proudly display—and eat.