Toffee Crunch Tree Cookies

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

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Mix in egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
  5. Add green food coloring until the dough reaches the desired tree-like hue.
  6. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  7. Gently fold in the toffee bits and mini chocolate chips, if using.
  8. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use the tree-shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookies.
  9. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
  10. 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!


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Toffee Crunch Tree Cookies


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  • Author: Isabella
  • 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

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