Recipes and Cooking Sugar Cookie Christmas Tree 3.0 (1) 1 Review Decorating cookies is a must during the Christmas season. This sugar cookie recipe is a classic that can be passed down through generations. By BHG Test Kitchen BHG Test Kitchen The Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen has been in continuous operation for nearly 100 years, developing and testing practical, reliable recipes that readers can enjoy at home. The Test Kitchen team includes culinary specialists, food stylists, registered and licensed nutritionists, and other experts with Bachelor of Science degrees in food science, food and nutrition, or culinary arts. Together, the team tests more than 2,500 recipes, produces more than 2,500 food images, and creates more than 1,000 food videos each year in the state-of-the-art test kitchen. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on September 13, 2021 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Blaine Moats Prep Time: 40 mins Chill Time: 1 hrs Bake Time: 7 mins Total Time: 40 mins Servings: 36 Yield: 36 to 48 2 1/2-inch cookies Ingredients ⅓ cup butter, softened ⅓ cup shortening ¾ cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 egg 1 tablespoon milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cup all-purpose flour Dash salt 1 recipe Royal icing (see recipe below) Decorative sprinkles Royal Icing 2 cup sifted powdered sugar 4 teaspoon meringue powder ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar ¼ cup warm water 1 tablespoon warm water Directions In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, and salt; beat until combined. Beat in egg, milk, and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour. Divide dough in half. Cover; chill dough about 1 hour or until easy to handle. Preheat oven to 375°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough at a time to 1/8- to 1/4-inch thickness. Using desired tree-shaped cookie cutters, cut out dough. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until the edges are firm and bottoms are very lightly browned. Transfer to a wire racks and let cool. Frost with Royal Icing and decorate with sprinkles. Royal Icing Stir together powdered sugar, meringue powder, and cream of tartar. Add the 1/4 cup warm water. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined. Beat on high speed for 7 to 10 minutes until very stiff. Add the 1 to 2 tablespoons additional water, 1 teaspoon at a time, to make desired consistency. Rate it Print