Best 2 Gingerbread Tree Recipes

Indulge in the festive spirit with our delectable Gingerbread Tree, a centerpiece that combines the charm of a classic gingerbread house with the elegance of a Christmas tree. This architectural marvel is not only a visual masterpiece but also a symphony of flavors, featuring an array of sweet and savory treats.

With carefully crafted gingerbread cookies, candy canes, and intricate sugar decorations, this edible sculpture is a true work of art. But the magic doesn't stop there - discover a collection of mouthwatering recipes that take your taste buds on a journey through a winter wonderland. From classic Gingerbread Cookies and Royal Icing to Peppermint Buttercream Frosting and Chocolate-Dipped Candy Canes, each recipe adds a unique layer of flavor and texture to this edible masterpiece.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you and your loved ones mesmerized. Let the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread fill your kitchen as you create a stunning Gingerbread Tree that will be the centerpiece of your holiday celebrations.

Recipes included:

- Gingerbread Cookies: The foundation of our edible masterpiece, these cookies are perfectly spiced and have a delightful crunch.
- Royal Icing: Transform your gingerbread cookies into a canvas of creativity with this versatile and easy-to-use icing.
- Peppermint Buttercream Frosting: Experience the perfect balance of sweet and minty flavors in this luscious frosting.
- Chocolate-Dipped Candy Canes: Add a touch of elegance and a burst of chocolatey goodness with these festive treats.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

GINGERBREAD TREE RECIPE

Gingerbread Tree Recipe image

One good idea often leads to another. That's certainly the case with this tasty craft that began with a favorite cookie at Pat's house. Pat's delightful gingerbread recipe came across our Test Kitchen's desk not long ago. We knew it was a "winner"-but what caught our eye was her note about the piles of cookies she and her family traditionally cut out each Christmas. That got all of us thinking in a crafty direction. We soon started piling up our own cookies in the shape of this Christmas tree! Before you know it, we had another "Crafting with Taste" project to pass along. Not only does this centerpiece make an attractive table topper, you don't need to worry about dessert when you craft it. Just pass the plate around your dinner table and let guests dig in!

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Desserts

Time 1h40m

Yield 33 cookies.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 cups butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups light molasses
1/4 cup white vinegar
10 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons ground ginger
1 tablespoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 container (3 ounces) cinnamon Red Hot candies (about 1/3 cup)
Confectioners' sugar, optional
Clear Contact paper (optional)
10-inch flat serving plate
Patterns

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, molasses and vinegar; mix well. Combine flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon and cloves; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and chill overnight., To prepare star pattern: Trace each star size onto waxed paper and cut out. If you would like to preserve the patterns, copy them, cover both sides with Contact paper and cut out. On a lightly floured surface, roll a portion of dough to 1/4-in. thickness; keep rest refrigerated., To cut out stars: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut around star patterns. You will need a total of 33 cookies--two treetop stars; three each of stars 1-4 and 9; and four each of stars 5-8. Place 12 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Press a red-hot candy into the center of each treetop star; press red hot candies into points of the rest of the stars. In one number 9 star, make two indentations as shown on the pattern (to hold the treetop stars in place)., To bake: Place all cookies in a 350° oven and bake until lightly browned on the edges; 5 minutes for treetop stars; 8-10 minutes for numbers 6-9; 11-12 minutes for numbers 1-5. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes; remove to wire racks and cool completely., To assemble: Starting with star number 1, stack stars on the serving plate, staggering star points. For a natural-looking tree as shown in the photo at left, the sizes are alternated in the following order: 1-1-2-1-2-3-2-3-4-5-4-5-5-6-5-6-6-7-6-7-7-8-7-8-8-9-8-9-9 ( with indentations). Place the two tree top stars in the indentations, leaning back to back. Dust tree with confectioners' sugar if desired. To serve, pass the entire tree.

Nutrition Facts :

SUPER SIMPLE GINGERBREAD TREE COOKIES

Super Simple Gingerbread Tree Cookies image

Perfectly spiced and utterly buttery gingerbread cookies cut into super-simple tree shapes, then dressed up with a zingy lemon icing + sparkly sugar.

Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty

Time 1h35m

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature*
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses (not blackstrap)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Coarse sugar for sanding (I like Demerara)

Steps:

In a stand mixer or a large bowl (with a hand mixer), beat together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about three minutes.
Add the egg and molasses and beat until blended, scraping down sides as necessary.
To a separate medium bowl, add the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Mix together.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat just until combined.
Press the dough together and form into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for an hour, or up to three days.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove disc from fridge and cut into fourths.
Roll each piece about 1/4 inch thick. You may need to let the dough warm up just a bit, and, depending on your surface, you may need some additional flour to prevent sticking.
With a knife or cookie cutter, cut the dough into simple triangle tree shapes (see pic above for reference).
Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes, until they're firm and just starting to get golden at edges. Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the glaze: mix together the powdered sugar and lemon juice. It will seem very thick at first but should thin out into a thick drizzle-able consistency. If it does not thin enough, add a bit more lemon juice until the right consistency.
Drizzle the glaze over the cookies. I place the icing in a Ziploc bag, cut the corner off, and drizzle lines of icing over the cookies that way. Easy peasy.
Immediately sprinkle on a little sugar before the icing hardens.
Let sit until icing hardens before storing or assembling on cookie plates. Cookies keep up to one week in an airtight container.

Tips:

For the best results, use fresh gingerbread cookies. If you don't have time to make your own, you can buy pre-made cookies from the store.
When decorating the tree, be creative and have fun! You can use a variety of candies, sprinkles, and other decorations to create a unique and festive tree.
If you're having trouble getting the frosting to stick to the cookies, you can try using a toothpick to apply it. You can also use a piping bag to create more intricate designs.
If you're making the tree ahead of time, be sure to store it in a cool, dry place. The tree can be stored for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

Gingerbread trees are a delicious and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. They're also a great way to get creative and have fun with your family and friends. So gather your supplies and get started on your own gingerbread tree today!