Christmas Star Cookie Tree

Get into the holiday spirit and impress your guests with a charming and delicious Christmas Star Cookie Tree. Not only is this treat a feast for the taste buds, but it also makes for a delightful centerpiece at your festive gatherings. With its buttery cookies and festive decorations, this recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite for years to come.

Ingredients:
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Assorted colorful sprinkles and edible glitter
– Icing sugar for dusting

Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
5. Divide the cookie dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Remove one portion of the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness.
8. Use star-shaped cookie cutters in various sizes to cut out star shapes from the rolled-out dough. Place the cutout shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart.
9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking process with the second portion of chilled dough.
12. Once all the cookies are baked and cooled, it’s time to assemble your Christmas Star Cookie Tree. Start by placing the largest star at the bottom as the base, and use icing to stack the rest of the stars in decreasing size on top of each other.
13. Decorate each star with colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, and a dusting of icing sugar for a festive finish.
14. Display your Christmas Star Cookie Tree on a cake stand or platter at your holiday gathering and watch as your guests marvel at your creation.
15. Enjoy the delicious buttery goodness of the cookies as you admire your edible masterpiece.

This Christmas Star Cookie Tree is not only a delight to make but also a joy to share with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a fun baking project to enjoy with your family, this recipe is sure to bring festive cheer to your home. Get creative with your decorations and make each star shine brightly on your cookie tree. Happy baking and happy holidays!