Introduction

Celebrate the holidays with these charming Christmas Tree Cookies. Delicate buttery shortbread shapes are filled with sweet berry jam and dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch. Perfect for sharing or gifting, these cookies bring a joyful spirit to any holiday gathering.

Three Christmas tree shaped cookies sit on a white plate with scalloped edges. Each cookie has two layers: the bottom layer is a light golden-brown biscuit, and the top layer is a white powdered sugar dusted biscuit with three round cut-out holes showing bright red jam in the middle. The cookies' edges are slightly crisp and textured. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a soft blue background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (225 g), at room temperature
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (325 g)
1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam (or as needed)
Additional confectioners sugar for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, cream the butter, confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, and salt with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Step 2: Gradually add the flour and mix on low to medium speed until the dough starts to clump together. Remove the beaters and knead the dough gently into a smooth disc.
Step 3: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each half between two sheets of parchment paper to a thickness between 1/8 and 1/4 inch. Refrigerate the dough with parchment paper for at least 4 hours or up to 2 days to firm up.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 5: Using a medium-sized Christmas tree cookie cutter, cut out tree shapes and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Reroll any scraps to cut more trees.
Step 6: Use a small round cutter (like a piping tip) to punch a hole in the center of half of the cookies. These will be the tops of your Linzer-style cookies. Be careful not to make the holes too large or close to the edges to avoid breakage.
Step 7: Chill the cut cookies on the baking sheets in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before baking.
Step 8: Bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes until golden. Rotate pans halfway through baking for even color. Some cut-out cookies may brown slightly more; this is normal and will be covered with powdered sugar later.
Step 9: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. You may freeze them at this stage for up to 2 months until ready to decorate.
Step 10: To decorate, lightly dust only the cookies with holes with confectioners sugar for a festive look.
Step 11: Spread a thin layer of jam on the whole cookies, then carefully place the powdered sugar-topped cookies on top, handling by the edges to avoid smudging the sugar. Optionally, add a dab of jam inside the cut-out holes for extra fullness.

Tips & Variations

For a different flavor, try apricot or blackberry jam instead of raspberry or strawberry.
Use a fine mesh sieve to dust the powdered sugar evenly without clumps.
If you want crisp cookies, assemble them on the day you plan to serve to avoid softening from the jam filling.
To add sparkle, sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter on the top cookies instead of plain powdered sugar.

Storage

Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, though they may soften slightly. For longer storage, keep unassembled baked cookies frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently or assemble fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.

How to Serve

Three Christmas tree-shaped cookies are stacked slightly on a white plate, each cookie having two layers of golden-brown dough with a red jam filling visible in three circular cutouts on the top layer. The top cookie layer is dusted with a thick covering of white powdered sugar, giving a snowy effect. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a soft blue background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different shape cutter instead of a Christmas tree?

Yes, any cookie cutter shape will work with this dough and filling. Just adjust the size for even baking.

Why do the cookies soften after a day?

The jam filling releases moisture, which softens the cookies over time. To keep them crisp, assemble just before serving.