“Swirly Christmas Trees”
It’s day 7 of our 12 Days of Christmas Cookies and I hope you have not run out of containers for all your cookies just yet because these trees are sure to please everyone! Swirly trees have recently become a favorite of mine to make with the grandchildren. There is no wrong way for them to make these cookies, just have fun while making them.
I love using the Pillsbury cookie mixes both packet and refrigerated whenever I need to shorten the preparation time. Pillsbury’s refrigerated sugar cookie dough is great for making these Christmas trees. No harm in taking a little help now and then, especially when making so many different Christmas cookies. I love tinting the dough for this recipe. This year we are using pink, purple, and orange for our trees along with a few standard green ones, of course. Three words to describe this recipe are, quick, fun, and delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 roll (16.5 oz.) of Pillsbury refrigerated sugar cookies
- ¼ cup of All-purpose flour
- Mini M&M candies
- Decorator Sugar Crystals, assorted colors
- Food coloring, assorted colors
Directions:
Pre-Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Step 1:
In a large bowl, break up the cookie dough. Stir and/or knead in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, until well blended. Divide dough in half; wrap each half in plastic wrap. Place in your freezer for 10 minutes. This will make it easier to roll your dough.
Step 2:
Shape half of the dough into 1-inch balls. With your fingers, roll each ball into a long 10-inch rope, approximately 1/4 inch wide. Break off a small piece from each rope for tree trunk. (I like to use a knife and cut mine into a square). Carefully place ropes on ungreased cookie sheet.
Step 3:
Starting at top with each rope, twist your rope back and forth to make a tree shape, gradually making it larger at the bottom. Leave no gaps and make sure your rows of dough touch each other. Place the small piece you broke or cut off at bottom of each tree to make its trunk. Repeat these steps with your remaining half of dough.
Step 4:
Decorate your trees with M&Ms so they look like ornaments or lights. Place a yellow M&M at top of each tree for the star; sprinkle with sugar and bake 9-13 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown. Cool and remove from cookie sheet to a cooling rack.
This recipe makes 2 dozen Swirly Tree Cookies.
Helpful Hint:
You know slow cookers aren’t just for food. Bring out your slow cooker at your next party and make a warm drink for friends and family to enjoy. Leave the beverage on low setting during the gathering and your guests can ladle their own drink whenever they want, freeing up your time to mingle.
Enjoy from: “In the Kitchen with Sheryl”
