Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple, pantry-staple ingredients.
- Festive and fun, perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.
- Packed with toffee crunch and optional chocolate for an irresistible flavor combination.
- Customizable with decorations like chocolate drizzle or extra toffee bits.
- A great activity for baking with kids, thanks to the fun tree-shaped cutters.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Brown sugar, packed
- Granulated sugar
- Large egg
- Vanilla extract
- Green food coloring
- Toffee bits
- Mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutters
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- Add green food coloring until the dough reaches the desired tree-like hue.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the toffee bits and mini chocolate chips, if using.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use the tree-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool the cookies on a wire rack.
Optional: Decorate with a drizzle of melted chocolate or sprinkle additional toffee bits on top.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Lovers: Increase the mini chocolate chips to 1 cup for a more chocolate-forward flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Colorful Cookies: Use red or blue food coloring for a festive twist on the classic green trees.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour to make the cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature. Warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.
2. What can I use instead of toffee bits?
Chopped caramel candies or butterscotch chips can be used as a substitute for toffee bits.
3. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling isn’t necessary for this recipe, but if your dough feels too soft, chilling for 15-20 minutes can help.
4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but margarine can work as a substitute.
5. How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your butter isn’t overly soft, and avoid overmixing the dough to prevent spreading.
6. Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
Yes, but the mini chips distribute more evenly in the cookies.
7. How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
8. Do I need to use food coloring?
Food coloring is optional but adds to the festive appeal of the cookies.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles well. Just ensure you have enough baking sheets and cookie cutters.
10. Can I make these cookies without cookie cutters?
You can shape the dough into balls and flatten them slightly for a simple, round cookie.
Conclusion
Toffee Crunch Tree Cookies are a festive, flavorful addition to any holiday celebration. Whether you’re baking with kids, sharing with friends, or enjoying them alongside a cup of cocoa, these cookies capture the essence of the holiday season. Try them today and make your holidays even sweeter!
Toffee Crunch Tree Cookies
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the holidays with Toffee Crunch Tree Cookies! These festive tree-shaped treats combine buttery toffee bits, a hint of chocolate, and a cheerful green hue. Perfect for holiday baking with loved ones or gifting, these cookies bring flavor and fun to your celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Green food coloring
- 1 cup toffee bits
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and green food coloring, mixing well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Fold in toffee bits and mini chocolate chips (if using).
- Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut out cookies with tree-shaped cutters.
- Place cookies on prepared sheets, 2 inches apart.
- Bake 8-10 minutes, until edges are golden. Cool on a wire rack.
- Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with extra toffee bits.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and let them cool on the sheet.
- Customize with different colors or additional mix-ins like nuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
