Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies

These Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat. With their festive colors and delicious vanilla buttercream filling, they are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy night in by the fire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

1. These cookies are bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of vanilla and buttercream.
2. They are quick and easy to make, perfect for when you need a last-minute dessert.
3. These cookies are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season.

Ingredient Notes:

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors in the recipe.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them brown.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with a delicious vanilla flavor.
• Red food gel: Adds a pop of color to the cookies.
• Green sugar sprinkles: Decorates the cookies and adds a festive touch.
• Vanilla Buttercream Filling:
• Unsalted butter: Creates a rich and creamy filling.
• Confectioner’s sugar: Sweetens the filling and gives it a smooth texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness of the filling.
• Vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the buttercream.
• Heavy whipping cream: Thins out the filling to a spreadable consistency.
• Drops of red food gel: Adds a hint of color to the buttercream.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough in half and tint one half with red food gel and the other half with green sugar sprinkles.
6. Roll out each dough portion and cut out tree shapes using a cookie cutter.
7. Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
8. While the cookies cool, prepare the vanilla buttercream filling by creaming together butter, confectioner’s sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream.
9. Add a few drops of red food gel to half of the buttercream for color.
10. Once the cookies are cool, spread the buttercream on the bottom of one cookie and sandwich with another cookie.

Helpful Tips:

• Chill the dough for easier rolling and cutting.
• Use a piping bag to pipe the buttercream for a neater finish.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Substitute the red food gel with green for more variety.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

1. Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
2. Allow the butter to come to room temperature before creaming for a smoother texture.
3. Add a pinch of salt to the buttercream to enhance the flavors.
4. For a more intense color, add more red food gel to the buttercream.

Serving Suggestions:

These cookies are perfect on their own as a sweet treat, but they also pair well with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk. Serve them alongside other holiday desserts for a festive spread.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cookies in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to warm them up and soften the buttercream.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze the cookies before filling them with buttercream. Thaw them at room temperature before filling and serving.
2. Can I make the buttercream in advance? Yes, you can make the buttercream up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before using.
3. Can I use different colors for the cookies? Feel free to get creative with the colors and decorations to suit your theme or occasion.

Conclusion:

These Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holidays. With their delicious vanilla buttercream filling and colorful decorations, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Give this recipe a try and spread some holiday cheer with your friends and family!

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