Name: Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp baking powder; 1/2 cup butter; 1 cup sugar; 1 egg, room temperature; 2 tsp vanilla extract; Red food gel; Green sugar sprinkles; 3/4 cups unsalted butter, room temperature; 3 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3-5 tbsp heavy whipping cream; 1-2 drops red food gel

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I can’t wait to share this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies Recipe with you—it’s one of those festive treats that just lights up the holiday season in the best way. If you love the classic flavors of those iconic Christmas tree cakes but want to transform them into adorable, bite-sized cookies, this recipe will become your new go-to. I’ve made these for family gatherings and honestly, they get devoured faster than any other cookie on the table!

The magic here is in combining a tender cookie base with a creamy vanilla buttercream that has just the right hint of festive color. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a classroom treat, or just because you want to spoon some Christmas spirit into your kitchen, this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies Recipe is a fun, rewarding project. Plus, it’s easier than you’d expect—I’ll walk you through every step so you nail it, even if you’re not a seasoned baker.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a buttery, tender cookie paired perfectly with a fluffy, smooth vanilla filling. When you shop, try to get fresh butter and real vanilla extract—it really makes a difference in flavor every time.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies for that perfect soft, yet sturdy texture.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors so they pop just right.
Baking powder: Adds a little lift so your cookies aren’t dense.
Butter: Using unsalted butter keeps control over the salt and contributes richness.
Sugar: Sweetens without overpowering. Granulated sugar works best here.
Egg: Helps bind everything together and adds moisture—room temperature is key!
Vanilla extract: Adds that warm, cozy note we all love in holiday treats.
Red food gel: For those cute little red accents—try to get gel for vibrant color without altering dough consistency.
Green sugar sprinkles: The festive touch that turns these cookies into Christmas trees.
Unsalted butter (for buttercream): Softened so it whips up fluffy and smooth.
Confectioner’s sugar: Powdered sugar creates that silky buttercream texture.
Salt (for buttercream): Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
Vanilla extract (for buttercream): Brings flavor depth in the filling.
Heavy whipping cream: Adds creaminess and helps achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.

Variations

One of the things I love most about the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often play around with add-ins or adjust the frosting flavors depending on the mood or occasion—don’t hesitate to make these cookies truly yours!

Variation: I’ve added tiny crushed peppermint candies into the buttercream for an extra festive crunch and it’s a hit every time.
Chocolate Twist: Swapping out some flour for cocoa powder creates a rich chocolate cookie base that’s lovely paired with vanilla buttercream.
Dietary Swap: Use a dairy-free butter and plant-based cream in the buttercream to make these cookies vegan-friendly without losing texture or taste.
No-Bake Version: For days when you’re short on time, using pre-made cookie dough shaped like trees with the homemade buttercream still works beautifully.

How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Soft Cookie Dough

Start by creaming your butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy—that usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a stand mixer or hand mixer. This little step is key because it incorporates air that makes your cookies tender. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Slowly mix in your dry ingredients—flour, salt, and baking powder—just until everything comes together into a smooth dough. Be careful not to overmix or your cookies might turn tough.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick, then cut into little Christmas tree shapes. I love using a cookie cutter for this part—it’s fun and helps keep everything uniform. Place your trees on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Watch closely so they don’t overbake; you want just a hint of golden edges. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before filling.

Step 3: Make the Vanilla Buttercream Filling

While your cookies cool, whip up the buttercream. Beat the softened butter until smooth, then gradually add confectioner’s sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Start with 3 tablespoons of heavy cream and add more if needed to get that perfect spreadable consistency—it should be fluffy but not runny. Stir in a drop or two of red food gel for that festive rosy color that screams holiday cheer!

Step 4: Assemble Your Cookies

Pair up your similarly sized cookie trees, then pipe or spread a generous dollop of the red-tinted buttercream onto one tree cookie. Sandwich it with the matching cookie on top, gently pressing together so the filling peeks out nicely. Finally, sprinkle green sugar sprinkles over the edges of the buttercream to mimic the look of Christmas tree needles—all those little details make a big visual impact!

How to Serve Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies Recipe

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with some green sugar sprinkles on the “trees,” but for special occasions, I sometimes add tiny edible pearls or silver dragees for that extra sparkle. If you want a rustic look, a light dusting of powdered sugar works beautifully to mimic snow on your cookies.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or a tall glass of milk—classic picks that balance the sweetness. For holiday brunches, I’ve served them alongside fresh fruit platters and they added just the right festive touch.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite presentations is placing these cookies in a festive tin lined with parchment paper decorated with holly prints. You can also stick them onto skewers and arrange the “trees” upright in a Styrofoam base wrapped in foil for a fun edible centerpiece that guests love to snack on during holiday parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my cookie sandwiches in an airtight container layered with parchment paper between them to keep the frosting intact. They stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature, which is usually more than enough time because, trust me, they disappear fast!

Freezing

If I want to prep these ahead of time, I freeze the assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once solid. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temp without losing any of their texture or flavor.

Reheating

These cookies don’t really need reheating, but if you like your buttercream a little softer, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the buttercream to melt unevenly and make the cookies soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a little on your own to help with structure. The cookies might be a bit more delicate but just as tasty!
What’s the best way to get bright red coloring in the buttercream?

I recommend using gel food colorings rather than liquid—they’re more concentrated and won’t affect the consistency of your buttercream. Add the color a drop at a time, mixing thoroughly until you reach your desired shade.
Can these cookies be frozen without assembling?

Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies separately before adding the buttercream. Just wrap them tightly once cooled. When ready to enjoy, thaw and assemble with your vanilla buttercream for fresh-tasting sandwiches.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure your dough is well chilled before cutting and baking, and avoid adding too much butter or sugar. Also, bake on parchment or a silicone mat to keep the shape defined without sticking.
Can I use different shapes instead of Christmas trees?

Definitely! While Christmas trees are classic for this festive recipe, any holiday themed cookie cutter works great. Stars, bells, or even simple circles make fun variations, especially if you want to adapt it for different occasions.

Final Thoughts

This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my holiday baking lineup because it blends nostalgia with homemade charm so beautifully. I love sharing these with friends and family—it’s like giving a little edible holiday hug! If you try them, I bet you’ll love the way the flavors and festive look come together to brighten any gathering. So grab your baking tools and get started; I promise you won’t regret making these sweet, tree-shaped memories.