Pat Egan's Christmas Tree Cookies

Pat Egan's Christmas Tree Cookies Recipe - Delicious and Festive Cookies

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Pat Egan's Christmas Tree Cookies are a festive and delicious treat that are perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are not only fun to make, but they also make a beautiful addition to any Christmas cookie platter.

History

This recipe for Christmas Tree Cookies has been a favorite in Pat Egan's family for generations. It is a traditional holiday recipe that has been passed down from mother to daughter, and now to you. These cookies are a labor of love, and each bite is filled with memories of Christmases past.

Ingredients

2.5 cups of flour
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of softened butter or margarine
1.5 tsp of baking powder
0.25 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of almond extract
1 egg
0.25 cup of green sugar crystals
about 0.25 cup of confetti or nonpareil candy decorations, optional

How to prepare

Place all ingredients, except decorative sugar/nonpareils, into the large bowl of an electric mixer.
Mix together using low speed. The dough will be crumbly.
Knead the dough with your hands until it holds together.
Remove 0.33 cup of the dough and wrap it. Refrigerate it for later use.
Divide the remaining dough into thirds and roll each portion into a 6-inch log. Note: The logs can be divided and shaped into 3 sizes to form a 3-tiered tree.
Place sugar crystals on a sheet of wax paper.
Roll each log in the sugar crystals to coat them well. Use the wax paper as a guide to press the crystals into the dough.
Shape each log into a triangle, gently pressing on the wax paper to create three sharp corners.
Ensure that two sides of the triangle are longer than the third side.
Wrap each log tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the dough is firm enough to slice.
At this point, the cookies can be made up to a week in advance.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
To bake, slice the logs crosswise into 0.25-inch slices.
Place the slices about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
For each cookie, shape about 0.5 tsp of the reserved 0.33 cup dough into a tree trunk.
Attach the tree trunk to the bottom underside of each tree.
If desired, sprinkle each cookie lightly with candy decorations.
Bake until lightly browned, approximately 10 minutes.
Carefully transfer the cookies to wire racks.
Allow them to cool completely.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and spicy flavor.
Use different colored sugar crystals or nonpareil decorations to customize the look of the cookies.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the dough before slicing and baking to ensure that the cookies hold their shape.

- Use wax paper to help shape the dough into triangles for the tree cookies.

- Press the sugar crystals into the dough to ensure they stick well and add a sweet crunch to the cookies.

- Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving to ensure they are crisp and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pat Egan's Christmas Tree Cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk for a festive and delicious treat.

Cooking Techniques

Use a stand mixer to easily mix the dough ingredients together.

- Refrigerate the dough before slicing and baking to ensure the cookies hold their shape.

- Use wax paper to help shape the dough into triangles for the tree cookies.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Vanilla extract can be used in place of almond extract if desired.

- Decorate the cookies with sprinkles or colored sugar if you don't have sugar crystals or nonpareils.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for Pat Egan's Christmas Tree Cookies can be made up to a week in advance and refrigerated until ready to slice and bake.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a festive platter in the shape of a Christmas tree for a fun and eye-catching display.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Pat Egan's Christmas Tree Cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and delicious treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Reheat in a 350°F oven for a few minutes to crisp them up before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pat Egan's Christmas Tree Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pat Egan's Christmas Tree Cookies contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Pat Egan's Christmas Tree Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Pat Egan's Christmas Tree Cookies contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pat Egan's Christmas Tree Cookies do not contain significant amounts of vitamins or minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat, eggs, and dairy. It may also contain nuts if using almond extract or decorations.

Summary

Pat Egan's Christmas Tree Cookies are a sweet and indulgent treat that should be enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content.

Summary

Pat Egan's Christmas Tree Cookies are a delightful and festive treat that are perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are easy to make and fun to decorate, making them a great project for the whole family. Enjoy these sweet and crunchy cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk for a delicious holiday treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Pat Egan's Christmas Tree Cookies. It was a cold winter day, just a few weeks before Christmas, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins. Mrs. Jenkins and I have been friends for as long as I can remember, and she is truly a talented baker. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the warm and inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies.

I watched in awe as Mrs. Jenkins carefully rolled out the dough and cut out perfect Christmas tree shapes with a cookie cutter. Her hands moved with such grace and precision, and I was mesmerized by the way she effortlessly decorated each cookie with green icing and colorful sprinkles. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make these delightful treats myself.

Mrs. Jenkins noticed my fascination and smiled warmly at me. "Would you like to help me decorate these cookies, dear?" she asked. I eagerly nodded and she handed me a piping bag filled with icing. I clumsily tried to copy her intricate designs, but she gently guided me and soon enough, I was decorating cookies like a pro.

As we finished decorating the last batch of cookies, Mrs. Jenkins turned to me with a twinkle in her eye. "I have a special recipe for these Christmas tree cookies that I think you'll love," she said. She rummaged through her recipe box and pulled out a tattered piece of paper with the words "Pat Egan's Christmas Tree Cookies" written at the top.

"This recipe has been passed down in my family for generations," Mrs. Jenkins explained. "Pat Egan was my great-grandmother's best friend, and she was known for her delicious Christmas treats. These cookies are a tribute to her legacy."

I listened intently as Mrs. Jenkins walked me through the recipe, explaining each step in detail. The dough was a simple combination of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs, but it was the addition of almond extract that gave the cookies their unique flavor. The icing was made with powdered sugar, milk, and a hint of vanilla, and the decorations were entirely up to the baker's imagination.

I couldn't wait to try making these cookies on my own, so Mrs. Jenkins kindly gave me a copy of the recipe to take home. I spent the next few days gathering all the ingredients and setting aside a quiet afternoon to bake. As I rolled out the dough and cut out the Christmas tree shapes, I couldn't help but think of Mrs. Jenkins and her expert guidance.

The cookies baked to a perfect golden brown, and as I decorated them with green icing and colorful sprinkles, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. These cookies were not just a delicious treat, but a symbol of friendship and tradition passed down through the generations.

Every year since that day, I have made Pat Egan's Christmas Tree Cookies for my family and friends. They have become a beloved holiday tradition, and I always think of Mrs. Jenkins and her warm kitchen whenever I bake them. The recipe may have originated from Pat Egan, but it is Mrs. Jenkins who truly brought it to life for me.

As I sit here now, surrounded by the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies, I am filled with gratitude for the friendship and memories that these cookies represent. Pat Egan's Christmas Tree Cookies will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and love that baking can bring.