There’s something magical about holiday baking that brings everyone together—the scent of almond extract in the air, colorful sprinkles coating every surface, and that first bite of a warm, festive cookie fresh from the oven. My Christmas Tree Cookies on a Tray became an instant classic during our annual decorating party last year. We laughed, we snacked, and we created this stunning edible centerpiece that had everyone reaching for their phones to snap pictures before devouring them. These cheerful cookies topped with Christmas tree cake pieces aren’t just treats—they’re edible joy you can arrange into a showstopping centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Tree Cookies on a Tray
Oh my goodness, where do I even start with these adorable cookies? They’re the whole package—delicious, festive, and ridiculously fun to make. Here’s why they’ll become your new favorite holiday baking tradition:
- Showstopper presentation: Arranged as a Christmas tree on your serving tray, these cookies become instant edible décor that’ll have guests oohing and aahing before they even take a bite.
- Super simple: With just a box of cake mix and a few pantry staples, you’re minutes away from holiday magic—perfect for when you need last-minute Christmas treats.
- Party perfection: They’re the ideal centerpiece for cookie exchanges or holiday open houses. I love how the colorful M&M’s and sprinkles make them look like tiny wrapped presents!
- Family-friendly fun: Kids go crazy for rolling the dough balls in sprinkles (though fair warning—you might find sprinkles in unexpected places for days).
- Nostalgic twist: That little piece of Christmas tree cake on top? Pure genius! It adds a playful touch that reminds me of childhood holiday baking with my grandma.
Trust me, once you see how these Christmas Tree Cookies on a Tray transform your holiday spread, you’ll want to make them every year. They’re the kind of homemade Christmas treats that spark joy—and maybe a little friendly competition over who gets the last one!
Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cookies on a Tray
Gathering these simple ingredients is like opening a present—each one adds its own special touch to these festive cookies. Here’s what you’ll need to create your edible Christmas tree masterpiece:
- 1 box white cake mix – The shortcut that makes these cookies so easy (and consistently delicious!)
- 2 eggs – Room temperature works best for smooth mixing
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cookies wonderfully moist
- 1 tsp almond extract – That magical holiday scent we all love (see my notes below for subs)
- 1 cup red and green M&M’s – The festive pop of color that makes these so cheerful
- Sprinkles – Go wild with holiday colors! I use about 1/2 cup for rolling
- 3 Little Debbie Christmas tree cakes, cut into pieces – About 24 small triangles to crown each cookie
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Baking should be fun, not stressful—so here’s how to adapt based on what’s in your pantry:
The almond extract gives that classic holiday flavor, but if you’re not a fan or don’t have any, vanilla extract works beautifully too. I’ve even used a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a cool twist that pairs wonderfully with hot cocoa!
No Christmas tree cakes? No problem! Get creative with other festive toppings—peppermint candies crushed into pieces, star-shaped sprinkles, or even small pieces of green frosted cookies would be adorable. The key is keeping the toppings small enough to sit nicely on each cookie.
For the M&M’s, I’m partial to the traditional red and green for maximum holiday cheer, but any color combo works. During one particularly chaotic baking session, I used up a half-bag of leftover Halloween M&M’s—the cookies still disappeared just as fast!
Equipment Needed for Christmas Tree Cookies on a Tray
You probably already have most of these tools in your kitchen—that’s the beauty of this recipe! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these festive Christmas Tree Cookies on a Tray:
- Mixing bowl – Any decent-sized bowl will do, but I’m partial to my trusty glass one so I can see when everything’s perfectly combined
- Baking sheet – Standard half-sheet pan works great, though I sometimes use two if I’m making a double batch (which happens more often than you’d think!)
- Ice cream scooper – The MVP for creating uniform cookie balls. Mine’s about 1.5 tablespoons—perfect cookie size!
That’s seriously it! No fancy equipment needed, just these basic tools and a whole lot of holiday spirit. Now let’s get baking!
How to Make Christmas Tree Cookies on a Tray
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these adorable Christmas Tree Cookies on a Tray! I promise, it’s easier than wrapping presents (and way more delicious). Follow these steps, and you’ll have a tray full of holiday magic in no time.
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Get this going first—we want that oven nice and toasty when our cookie dough is ready to bake.
2. Mix your dough. In your trusty mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and almond extract. Stir until everything comes together in a smooth dough—no need for a mixer here, just some good old-fashioned arm power! Then gently fold in those festive M&M’s.
3. Scoop and roll. Now for the messy fun! Use your ice cream scoop to portion out the dough into balls (aim for about 1.5 tablespoons each). Pro tip: If your scoop sticks, give it a quick spritz with cooking spray. Roll each ball between your palms just enough to smooth it out—don’t overwork the dough.
4. Sprinkle time! Pour your sprinkles into a shallow dish. One by one, roll each dough ball in sprinkles until nicely coated. Don’t be shy—the more sprinkles, the merrier! Place them on your baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops still look soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool. Here’s my little secret: I like to bake mine for 8 minutes for extra soft cookies—but go the full 10 if you prefer them crispier.
6. Make the little nests. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, use the back of a spoon to gently press a small indentation in the center of each one. This is where our Christmas tree cake piece will nestle perfectly!
7. Top with Christmas magic. While the cookies are still warm, place a small piece of Christmas tree cake in each indentation. The warmth helps it stick beautifully. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet—trust me, they’re too fragile to move when hot.
Decorating Tips for Christmas Tree Cookies
Now for my favorite part—creating that showstopping Christmas tree presentation! Here’s how I make my trays look like they belong in a holiday magazine spread:
Start by selecting your prettiest serving tray or platter. Arrange the cookies in the shape of a Christmas tree—larger cookies at the bottom forming the base, then gradually smaller ones as you go up. I use about 15 cookies for a nice full tree.
Want it extra festive? Fill in the spaces between cookies with extra M&M’s or sprinkles. For the tree trunk, I sometimes use a candy cane or two laid horizontally at the base. And for the star? A single cookie with a star-shaped sprinkle right at the top!
Remember, these sprinkle-coated cookies are meant to be fun and festive—don’t stress about perfection. As my grandma always said, “The best Christmas cookies are the ones made with love (and maybe a few extra sprinkles).” For more holiday cookie inspiration, check out these classic Christmas cookie ideas.
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Tree Cookies on a Tray
Oh friends, presentation is everything with these Christmas Tree Cookies on a Tray! The magic isn’t just in baking them—it’s in how you serve them up for maximum holiday cheer. Here are my favorite ways to turn these cookies into a full holiday experience:
Pair them with a steaming mug of homemade hot cocoa—the kind with real melted chocolate and a generous swirl of whipped cream. When I serve them this way at our annual cookie exchange, the combo disappears faster than wrapping paper on Christmas morning!
For an extra festive touch, arrange the cookies on a wooden cutting board with mini bottles of milk (glass ones if you’re feeling fancy). It gives me serious Christmas morning nostalgia—like Santa himself might stop by for a snack.
During holiday parties, I love setting up a “cookie and cocoa bar” next to the tray. Include peppermint sticks for stirring, different types of sprinkles, and maybe some caramel sauce for drizzling. Pro tip: Let guests assemble their own plates—kids especially love creating their perfect cookie-cocoa combo!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Here’s my foolproof way to keep these Christmas Tree Cookies on a Tray tasting fresh-as-can-be—if they last long enough to store, that is! First, let them cool completely (trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way). Then stack them gently in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll stay deliciously soft at room temperature for up to 5 days—though mine never make it past day two!
Want to get ahead on holiday baking? These cookies freeze beautifully! Just pop them in a freezer bag (sans Christmas tree cake toppers) for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw overnight, then freshen them up with a quick 5-second zap in the microwave—just enough to make them taste freshly baked again. Pop those tree cake pieces on right before serving for maximum festive impact!
FAQ About Christmas Tree Cookies on a Tray
Got questions about these festive holiday treats? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me when I make these adorable Christmas Tree Cookies on a Tray.
Can I use something besides Christmas tree cakes for the toppers?
Absolutely! While those classic Little Debbie cakes add nostalgic charm, you can get creative. Try star-shaped cookies, green frosted sugar cookies cut into triangles, or even mini mint patties. The key is keeping the pieces small enough to sit pretty on top of each cookie.
How long do these Christmas cookies stay fresh?
In an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll stay delicious for about 5 days—but good luck keeping them around that long! If you want to prep ahead, the undecorated cookie dough balls freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
What if I can’t find holiday-colored M&M’s?
No worries! Use whatever festive candies you have—red hots, mini Reese’s pieces, or even chopped peppermint candies work great. For a pop of color when M&M’s aren’t available, I’ll sometimes toss in some festive sprinkles right into the dough.
Can I make these Christmas treats without a cake mix?
Sure can! Just use your favorite sugar cookie dough recipe as the base. The method stays the same—mix, scoop, roll in sprinkles, and bake. You might need to adjust baking time slightly depending on your recipe.
Any tips for preventing sprinkles from falling off?
The secret? Roll the dough balls in sprinkles right after scooping while the dough is still sticky. Then, give them a gentle press when placing them on the baking sheet. The sprinkle coating sets beautifully as the cookies bake—no messy fingers when eating!
Nutritional Information
Just between us, these Christmas Tree Cookies on a Tray are all about holiday joy—not counting calories! Since ingredients vary by brand, I don’t provide exact nutrition info. But let’s be honest—when they’re this festive and delicious, who’s keeping track?
Christmas Tree Cookies on a Tray
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- ice cream scooper
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup red and green M&M’s
- sprinkles
- 3 Little Debbie Christmas tree cakes cut into pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, almond extract and M&M’s, mixing until combined.
- Use an ice cream scooper to form into balls.
- Roll the cookie dough balls into a dish of sprinkles then place onto a baking sheet.
- Allow to bake for about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and use the back of a spoon to make little indentations into the cookie.
- Place a piece of the Christmas tree cake on top of each cookie.