Description
These Christmas Tree Shortbread Sticks are delightful, festive treats perfect for the holiday season. Made with a simple shortbread dough that bakes to crisp, buttery perfection, they are decorated with rich melted chocolate or candy melts and adorned with colorful sprinkles to mimic Christmas tree branches. Ideal as a snack or a charming decoration for cakes and cupcakes, these cookies combine easy preparation with a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
Decoration
- 8oz (225g) Baker’s chocolate or candy melts*
- Sprinkles (optional – to decorate the tree branches)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the softened unsalted butter and mix until a smooth shortbread dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to an even thickness, then cut into stick shapes that will resemble Christmas trees once decorated. Arrange the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake the Shortbread: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake the shortbread sticks for about 20-25 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet before decorating.
- Melt the Chocolate: Gently melt the Baker’s chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring frequently, or use a double boiler method until smooth and glossy.
- Decorate the Cookies: Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled shortbread sticks in a pattern mimicking Christmas tree branches. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle colorful sprinkles over each cookie to resemble ornaments and lights.
- Set the Decoration: Allow the chocolate to set completely at room temperature or place the cookies in the refrigerator for faster setting before serving or storing them.
Notes
- These shortbread sticks are perfect as festive snacks or as decorative toppers for cakes and cupcakes.
- The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels.
- For best results, ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the ideal dough texture.
- You can customize decoration by using different types and colors of sprinkles or even white chocolate drizzle for variety.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
