Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies: A Festive Twist on a Holiday Favorite
There’s just something magical about the holiday season that brings warmth, joy, and nostalgia. As we gather with friends and family, it’s the perfect time to indulge in delightful treats that evoke cherished memories. Today, I’m excited to share a whimsical recipe that transforms a beloved holiday snack cake into scrumptious cookies: Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies! This recipe blends the nostalgic sweetness of those iconic cakes with the comforting allure of freshly baked cookies, making it a perfect addition to your festive celebrations. Get ready to spread some holiday cheer—invite your loved ones to join you in this delicious baking adventure!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies are not only incredibly easy to make, but they also pack a festive punch of flavor that will have everyone smiling with delight! Imagining biting into a buttery, soft cookie speckled with creamy white chocolate chips and colorful holiday sprinkles is enough to get anyone in the festive mood. Plus, with just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these cheerful cookies that are perfect for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or simply enjoying by the fireplace. Trust me, your loved ones will be asking for the recipe in no time!
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Ingredients
– 1 box Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes
– 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup festive holiday sprinkles
– Optional: additional sprinkles for decorating
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Necessary Tools
– Mixing bowls
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Mixer (stand or hand)
– Parchment paper
– Baking sheets
– Cookie scoop or tablespoon
– Wire rack for cooling
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Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Want to make these cookies your own? You can swap out the white chocolate chips for dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips or even add a handful of crushed peppermint candies for a minty twist! If you’re not a fan of sprinkles, you can use chopped nuts for a festive crunch instead. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—feel free to experiment!
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, making cleanup a breeze.
2. Cream the Buttery Goodness: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that soft cookie texture!
3. Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra delicious aroma.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents throughout the dough.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want to keep those cookies tender!
6. Fold in the Fun: Chop the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into small pieces and fold them into the dough along with the white chocolate chips and holiday sprinkles. This is where the fun really happens!
7. Scoop and Bake: Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough and place it on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie for room to spread.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The wonderful aroma wafting through your kitchen is just the beginning!
9. Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you’d like, sprinkle some additional holiday sprinkles over the cookies while they cool for an extra festive touch.
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Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own, but they shine even brighter when served alongside a warm glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa. Consider creating a festive cookie platter with other treats like gingerbread men or peppermint bark to truly impress your holiday guests!
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Pro Tips for Success
– Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming.
– Don’t skip the chilling step if you prefer thicker cookies! Chill the dough for 30 minutes in the fridge before baking.
– Watch the cookies closely towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-baking.
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Storing and Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To enjoy them warm again, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
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FAQ Section
1. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. For best results, place them in a single layer in an airtight container.
2. Can I use other flavors of Little Debbie cakes?
Absolutely! Get creative with your favorite snack cakes for a unique twist.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to two days before baking.
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Conclusion
Baking Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies is not only a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season but also a heartwarming experience to share with family and friends. The combination of nostalgic flavors and festive decorations makes these cookies an instant hit! I invite you to try this easy recipe, and please share your thoughts and photos—tag them on Pinterest or Instagram! Here’s to creating sweet memories this holiday season!
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Nutritional Information (per cookie)
– Calories: 140
– Total Fat: 6g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Cholesterol: 25mg
– Sodium: 80mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 20g
– Dietary Fiber: 0g
– Sugars: 8g
– Protein: 1g
Enjoy your baking, and may your holidays be sweet and bright!
