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Pastel Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies (The “Pinkmas” Trend!)
Introduction:
The holiday season has always been synonymous with rich red, green, gold, and silver hues—but this year, we’re putting a pastel spin on things! Enter the Pinkmas trend: a whimsical take on Christmas, where soft pastel hues take center stage. These Pastel Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional holiday cookie, featuring delicate shades of bubblegum pink, minty blue, and shimmering accents. This recipe guides you through creating a festive, modern twist on a classic sugar cookie—making them perfect for your holiday platters, gift boxes, or just a sweet treat for yourself!
The cookies themselves are buttery, soft, and crisp-edged, made from a no-spread sugar cookie dough that ensures the tree shapes stay sharp and distinct. The piped garlands and glittering star toppers add both elegance and charm, turning every bite into a little holiday celebration.
History of the “Pinkmas” Trend:
While red, green, and gold have long been the standard holiday color palette, “Pinkmas” is a fresh, modern trend that has gained popularity in recent years. It celebrates a more pastel, feminine aesthetic, making the holiday season feel lighter, whimsical, and just as festive—if not more so—than the traditional colors.
This trend is part of a broader movement where minimalism and pastel tones have emerged as staples in design, from home decor to fashion. In the world of baking, this has translated to lighter and more pastel-colored treats for Christmas, including cookies, cakes, and other desserts. The soft, dreamy shades bring a sense of warmth and joy without the usual overload of traditional holiday colors. And what better way to share that joy than with a plate of pastel Christmas tree cookies?
Ingredients:
For the Sugar Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional for a subtle flavor)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, to help the dough come together if it’s too dry)
For the Royal Icing (for decorating):
- 3 egg whites (or 1 tablespoon meringue powder + 2 tablespoons water)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (mint blue, bubblegum pink, and any other color you desire)
- Sanding sugar (for star toppers)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sugar Cookies:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until combined. If the dough is too crumbly, add heavy cream a little at a time until it comes together into a soft dough.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (this will help the cookies hold their shape when baking).
2. Cut and Bake the Cookies:
- Roll Out the Dough: Once chilled, roll out one portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut the Tree Shapes: Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. If you don’t have a tree-shaped cutter, any triangle shape will work!
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake as you want them to stay soft and tender. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Make the Royal Icing:
- Prepare the Icing: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites (or meringue powder and water) until frothy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Divide and Color the Icing: Divide the royal icing into separate bowls, one for each color you plan to use. Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl, and mix until the desired color is reached. For Pinkmas, you’ll want soft pastel shades of mint blue and bubblegum pink.
4. Decorate the Cookies:
- Outline the Cookies: Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip (#2 or #3), outline the edges of each tree with royal icing.
- Fill in the Base Color: Fill in the tree shape with more royal icing, using a toothpick or small offset spatula to smooth the icing to the edges. Allow to dry for at least 30 minutes before moving on to the next step.
- Piped Garland Details: Once the base color is dry, use a piping bag with a fine tip to pipe small dots or swirls to create garlands across the tree. You can use different colors for this step for an extra pop of pastel fun.
- Add Star Toppers: Pipe a star shape at the top of each tree, and while the icing is still wet, sprinkle with sanding sugar for that sparkling finish.
- Let the Cookies Dry: Allow the decorated cookies to dry completely, which can take anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on the thickness of your icing.
Methods for Success:
- Use a No-Spread Cookie Recipe: This ensures your cookies keep their sharp edges, and the tree shapes remain intact during baking. The inclusion of heavy cream is optional but helps the dough hold together well.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before rolling it out prevents it from spreading too much when baking and helps maintain the cookie shapes.
- Royal Icing Consistency: Make sure your royal icing is the right consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped but not so stiff that it breaks. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar; if it’s too thick, add a few drops of water.
- Drying Time: Allow each layer of icing to dry before adding additional decorations to prevent smudging and ensure a smooth finish.
Conclusion:
These Pastel Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies are the perfect way to add a modern, pastel twist to your holiday baking. The Pinkmas trend is all about celebrating Christmas with soft, delicate colors and playful designs, making it perfect for both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re making these as a fun holiday activity or giving them as gifts, these cookies will definitely stand out on any platter. Plus, the combination of the buttery sugar cookie base and the sweet, crisp royal icing is sure to delight anyone with a sweet tooth.
For the Lovers of Pinkmas:
If you’re someone who loves everything pastel and whimsical, these cookies will quickly become your new holiday favorite! They’re a great treat for anyone who enjoys modern trends and is looking for a unique twist on traditional Christmas cookies. And if you find yourself hooked on the pastel vibe, don’t hesitate to try pastel versions of other holiday treats—think pastel gingerbread houses, soft pink peppermint bark, or even a mint-blue candy cane.
Now, enjoy baking your own Pinkmas masterpiece and spread some holiday cheer with these adorable, pastel-themed cookies! 🎄🍪✨