Whimsical Almond Christmas Tree Delights
These enchanting Almond Christmas Tree Cookies are a festive twist on a cherished family recipe from my mother, who introduced me to the magic of cookie pressing. With a light and airy texture that melts in your mouth, these cookies are lovingly crafted with almond extract, creating a delightful nutty flavor that's perfect for the holiday season. Color them with vibrant green food coloring and adorn with colorful decorative candies to transform your baking into a joyous woodland scene. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home.
72
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Margarine or Butter
1/2 cup (softened)
Shortening
1/2 cup (softened)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Sugar
3/4 cup (granulated)
Almond Extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (pure)
All-Purpose Flour
2 1/4 cups (sifted)
Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon (sifted)
Green Food Coloring
a few drops (to tint)
Decorative Candies or Colored Crystal Sugar
as needed (for decoration)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened margarine (or butter), shortening, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4
Beat in the beaten egg and almond extract until well combined.
5
Gradually blend in the sifted flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
6
Add a few drops of green food coloring to the dough and mix until evenly tinted.
7
Fill your cookie press with the prepared dough and attach the tree plate.
8
On ungreased cookie sheets, press out the dough to form Christmas tree shapes.
9
Decorate each cookie with colorful decorative candies or colored crystal sugar as desired.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11
Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them immediately to cooling racks to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Whimsical Almond Christmas Tree Delights?
They are enchanting almond-flavored cookies shaped like Christmas trees using a cookie press, featuring a light and airy texture.
What is the main flavor of these cookies?
The cookies have a delightful nutty flavor created by using pure almond extract.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 72 servings.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of softened margarine or softened butter.
Why is shortening used in this recipe?
Shortening is combined with butter or margarine to help achieve a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
Do I need to sift the ingredients?
Yes, you should sift together the all-purpose flour and the baking powder in a medium bowl.
How do I get the green color for the trees?
Add a few drops of green food coloring to the dough and mix until it is evenly tinted.
What tool is required to shape these cookies?
You will need a cookie press to form the tree shapes.
Which cookie press attachment should I use?
Attach the tree plate to your cookie press to create the Christmas tree shapes.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes.
Should I grease the cookie sheets?
No, the dough should be pressed out onto ungreased cookie sheets.
When should I decorate the cookies?
Decorate each cookie with candies or crystal sugar after pressing them out but before putting them in the oven.
How do I know when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden.
What should I do immediately after taking them out of the oven?
Transfer the cookies immediately to cooling racks so they can cool completely.
Can I use vanilla extract instead of almond extract?
While the recipe specifically calls for almond extract for a nutty flavor, vanilla could be substituted though it will change the profile.
How should the egg be prepared?
The recipe requires one egg that has been beaten before being added to the mixture.
What is the texture of these cookies?
These cookies have a light and airy texture that is designed to melt in your mouth.
Can I use colored crystal sugar for decoration?
Yes, you can use either colorful decorative candies or colored crystal sugar.
How do I start the mixing process?
Begin by creaming together the softened fats and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is described as a cherished family recipe passed down from the author's mother.
What are the dry ingredients in this recipe?
The dry ingredients are all-purpose flour and baking powder.
Can I omit the food coloring?
Yes, the food coloring is optional and only used to provide the festive green color.
How much almond extract is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure almond extract.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 1/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Is these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely, they are perfect for sharing with loved ones or giving as holiday gifts.
What should I do if the dough is too soft for the press?
Ensure your fats were softened but not melted, and mix until just combined to maintain the right consistency for pressing.
How much baking powder is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of sifted baking powder.
How much sugar is in the dough?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of granulated sugar.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Key tags include christmas cookies, almond cookies, holiday baking, and festive treats.