Espresso Cream Holiday Tree Cookies
Introduction
The holiday season is a time for festive treats and indulging in delicious desserts. If you’re looking for a unique and impressive cookie recipe to impress your guests, look no further than these Espresso Cream Holiday Tree Cookies. These cookies combine the rich flavors of espresso and cream, creating a delightful and visually stunning treat that will be the star of any holiday gathering. So, let’s get started and create these irresistible cookies!
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the espresso cream filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons espresso powder
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
For the decoration:
- Green food coloring
- Sprinkles, edible pearls, or sanding sugar
Steps
Step 1: Making the cookie dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and espresso powder, and mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, and wrap each disc in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Baking the cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies, and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Preparing the espresso cream filling
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in the espresso powder and powdered sugar until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the cream is chilled and has thickened.
Step 4: Assembling the cookies
Once the cookies and espresso cream are completely cooled, it’s time to assemble the cookies. Take one cookie and spread a generous amount of espresso cream filling on the flat side. Place another cookie on top, flat side down, to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies.
Step 5: Decorating the cookies
Add a few drops of green food coloring to a small portion of the remaining espresso cream filling and mix until you achieve a desired shade of green. Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip with the green cream and pipe a decorative border around the edges of each cookie.
Sprinkle the cookies with festive sprinkles, edible pearls, or sanding sugar to add a touch of holiday sparkle and charm.
Variations
If you want to experiment with different flavors and decorations, here are a few variations you can try:
Peppermint Mocha:
Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cookie dough for a refreshing twist. For the filling, replace the espresso powder with 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Decorate the cookies with crushed candy canes.
Salted Caramel Latte:
Add 1/2 cup of caramel bits to the cookie dough for a sweet and salty combination. For the filling, dissolve 1 teaspoon of instant coffee in 1 tablespoon of hot water, then mix it with 1/2 cup of caramel sauce. Decorate the cookies with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Tips
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect cookie texture.
- Refrigerating the dough is essential for easier rolling and cutting of the cookies.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the amount of espresso powder in the dough or filling.
- Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes to fit any occasion.
- Feel free to get creative with the decorations by using colored icing or edible glitter.
Conclusion
These Espresso Cream Holiday Tree Cookies are a delightful and impressive addition to your holiday dessert table. The combination of espresso and cream creates a rich and indulgent flavor that will satisfy any sweet tooth. With their festive decorations, these cookies are sure to bring joy and cheer to your holiday celebrations. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake your way into the hearts of your loved ones this holiday season!
FAQs
1. Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?
Yes, you can use instant coffee as a substitute for espresso powder. However, keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.
2. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, these cookies can stay fresh for up to one week.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
4. Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making the cream filling?
While store-bought frosting can be used as a shortcut, the homemade espresso cream filling adds a unique and delicious flavor to these cookies.
5. Can I make these cookies without the filling?
Yes, you can enjoy these cookies without the filling. They will still be delicious and can be decorated with icing or sprinkles.
Now that you have all the information and steps needed to create these Espresso Cream Holiday Tree Cookies, it’s time to put on your apron and start baking. Enjoy the process and savor the delightful flavors of these festive treats!
