Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever enjoyed those charming Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, then you’re in for a treat! This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies Recipe lets you recreate the festive magic in cookie form. Crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and sandwiched with creamy vanilla buttercream filling—these cookies bring all the nostalgic holiday vibes to your kitchen.

What I love most is how perfect these cookies are for holiday parties or cozy family gatherings. They’re festive, fun to make, and the red and green accents really bring that Christmas spirit to the table. Plus, making them yourself means you can adjust sweetness and even add your personal flair, which I’m excited to share with you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe combines simple pantry staples with a few festive toppings to make the magic happen. Choosing good-quality butter and fresh vanilla extract really makes a difference in flavor, so don’t skip those details!

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the cookies a perfect structure without being too dense.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those sweet flavors.
• Baking powder: Helps give the cookies a slight lift for a tender crumb.
• Butter: I recommend unsalted and softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and the creamiest texture.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar adds that classic sweetness and a slight crunch once baked.
• Egg: Room temperature eggs work best to keep the dough uniform and well blended.
• Vanilla extract: This makes a big difference in flavor—use pure vanilla extract for that rich aroma.
• Red food gel: For that iconic festive tint in the filling that screams Christmas!
• Green sugar sprinkles: Adds a fun and colorful crunch on the edges, mimicking those classic Little Debbie Christmas trees.

Variations

One of the best parts about recipes like this is how easy it is to make them your own. I often play around with a few tweaks to match different occasions or dietary needs—you should too!

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped the flour for a gluten-free blend once, and the cookies held up beautifully without losing any of that delightful texture.
• Chocolate Buttercream Filling: Adding cocoa powder to the buttercream makes for a delightful twist if you’re a chocolate lover like me.
• Sprinkle Colors: Not just for Christmas—you can switch to pastel sprinkles for Easter or orange and black for Halloween to make this recipe year-round fun!
• Egg Substitute: For an egg-free option, I’ve had success with flaxseed meal mixed with water; it’s a neat trick that keeps the dough from getting crumbly.

How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl. This step might seem simple, but it’s important to make sure those leavening agents are evenly distributed, so you get a consistent rise in every cookie.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar until you get a fluffy, light texture—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. The fluffiness here is the secret to tender cookies that melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, mix in the egg followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure your egg is at room temperature to avoid lumps, and mix just until combined. This helps keep the dough silky smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed. Don’t overmix at this point; you want to combine them until just smooth to keep the cookies tender instead of tough.

Step 5: Shape and Decorate

Roll out the dough gently and use a cookie cutter or a knife to shape little triangles that look like Christmas trees. Dip the edges in green sugar sprinkles for that festive touch. I find chilling the dough for 15 minutes before cutting helps keep the shapes crisp and easier to handle.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—overbaking dries them out, and you want that soft center that’s so satisfying.

Step 7: Make the Vanilla Buttercream Filling

While the cookies cool, whip up the buttercream by beating the unsalted softened butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioner’s sugar, salt, and vanilla extract, then slowly add heavy cream until you reach a smooth spreading consistency. Add a drop or two of red food gel to get that festive color—it’s not only pretty but adds charm to the cookie sandwiches.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of the vanilla buttercream on one cookie and sandwich it with another. Press lightly to spread the filling evenly. These little sandwiches are delicate, so be gentle when stacking!

How to Serve Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish these cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra snowy effect. Sometimes, I add tiny edible silver balls or star-shaped sprinkles to add more sparkle during holiday parties—it definitely catches everyone’s eye!

Side Dishes

These little tree cookie sandwiches pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa or your favorite holiday tea. For gatherings, I serve them alongside a cheese platter and fresh fruit to balance the sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the cookies standing up in a circular pattern to mimic a Christmas tree centerpiece. You can tie little ribbons around each cookie bag if gifting, or layer them on a tiered dessert tray with fairy lights for an enchanting display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them softer, you can place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies absorb moisture and stay tender.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing both the cookie dough and the fully assembled cookies. For dough, wrap it tightly in plastic and freeze for up to a month. Assemble after baking and cooling. Assembled cookies freeze well too—just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

To refresh leftover cookies, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften the buttercream slightly. Avoid longer microwaving or reheating in an oven as the buttercream can melt or the cookies can become too hard.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart every holiday season. It’s such a joy to make and share with loved ones, and the combination of buttery cookies and creamy filling is downright irresistible. I hope you give this recipe a try and create your own festive memories—just like I did right here in my kitchen, laughing and decorating alongside family and friends!

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