Pretty Christmas Tree Treats
These festive treats are made from sugar cookie dough, brownies, or Rice Krispie treats, decorated with green buttercream frosting and an assortment of candies to resemble Christmas trees.
Equipment
- rolling pin
- triangle cookie cutter or knife
- baking pan
- wire rack
- electric mixer
- large bowl
- piping bag with star tip
Ingredients
For the "Trees":
- 1 (16.5 oz) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
- 1 box brownie mix prepared according to package directions
- pre-made Rice Krispie treats cut into triangles
For the Frosting & Decor:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- Assorted sprinkles, edible glitter, mini chocolate candies like M&M's Minis
- small silver dragees, or other festive candies for decoration
- Pretzel sticks or small cookie sticks for tree trunks, optional
- Small star-shaped candies or sprinkles for tree toppers
Instructions
Prepare the Base
- Roll out sugar cookie dough to 1/4-inch thick and cut into triangles, or bake brownie mix and cut into triangles after cooling; alternatively, cut or mold Rice Krispie treats into tree shapes.
- Bake cookies or brownies until lightly golden or set, then cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Make and Color the Frosting
- Beat softened butter until fluffy, then gradually add sifted powdered sugar, milk/cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy for the buttercream frosting.
- Mix in green gel food coloring until your desired festive green shade is achieved.
Decorate and Set
- Using a piping bag with a star tip, pipe green frosting onto each cooled cookie or brownie triangle from base to tip, then immediately decorate with sprinkles, candies, and star toppers, adding a pretzel stick for a trunk if desired.
- Place decorated treats on parchment paper and let the frosting set in a cool room or refrigerator for 15-30 minutes.
Notes
Ensure cookies or brownies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting. For best results, chill the decorated treats briefly to allow the frosting to set.