Christmas Tree Cookie Pots - Day 9

The festive season offers a splendid opportunity to engage in some delightful baking endeavours, and a Christmas tree cookie pot stands out as a particularly enchanting project. Combining the charm of a decorative centrepiece with the joy of delicious biscuits, this creation is sure to impress both visually and gastronomically. Imagine a buttercream piped tree, beautifully decorated with jewels, while standing in a cookie pot filled with smooth chocolate waiting to be enjoyed. It’s an excellent way to bring the family together, as everyone can join in to help to create and decorate their own trees, making it a collaborative activity full of festive spirit. This project requires a bit of patience and precision, but the result is well worth the effort. Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner, the step-by-step instructions provided in this guide will help you navigate through the process with ease. So, don your apron, preheat the oven, and prepare to create a festive masterpiece that will be the highlight of your Christmas celebrations.

Before starting, gather all the necessary ingredients for a seamless baking session:

Ingredients

• 250g unsalted butter, softened
• 200g caster sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 400g plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 200g chocolate chips

For the trees

• Chocolate biscuit sticks, Mikado
• 300g chocolate, melted
• 140g butter, softened
• 280g icing sugar
• Dash of vanilla extract
• Green food colouring
• Cake decorations and sprinkles

Choosing the best ingredients will significantly enhance the flavour and texture of your Christmas pots. Opt for high-quality butter to add a rich, creamy taste, and ensure your egg is fresh to help the dough bind properly. Sifting the flour and baking powder together beforehand will remove any lumps, resulting in a smoother dough that's easier to work with. Having all these ingredients prepped and measured will save time and make the baking process more enjoyable.

To create the perfect dough, follow these instructions for a seamless experience:

Method

1. Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, blending until a dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky.

Ensure the butter is soft but not melted, and avoid over-mixing once the flour is added to prevent the dough from becoming tough.

5. Once combined, take a piece the size of a golf ball and pop into a cupcake tray (12 holes).
6. Taking the back of a spoon press into the centre of each dough ball to create a dip in the centre. Ensure the dough comes up over the tops of each hole.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on the biscuits until the edges are lightly golden. For even baking, it’s advisable to rotate the trays halfway through the baking time. Keep a close watch towards the end to avoid over-browning.
8. Once baked, leave to cool in the tray completely before transferring the pots to a wire rack. This cooling step is essential as it ensures the biscuits firm up properly and are ready for the next step.

9. In a microwavable bowl, break up the milk chocolate and heat until melted in 30 second stints. Remember to stir after each 30 seconds to ensure it doesn't burn.
10. Once melted, carefully spoon the chocolate into the wells of the cookie pots and leave to set. Just before fully set place a chocolate biscuit stick into the centre of the pots. This will help with the Christmas tree creation in the next steps.
11. Place your butter into a mix along with the icing sugar and mix until light and fluffy. Add a few drops of vanilla extract and green food colouring and continue to mix until the buttercream is all combined and green in colour.
12. Using a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle, pipe the buttercream onto the set chocolate pots starting with a large star and piping small until the chocolate stick has been covered and it resembles a tree.

13. Now it's time to decorate. For a bit of sparkle, sprinkle edible glitter or coloured sugar over the icing. This will give your tree a festive shimmer that's sure to catch the eye.
14. Incorporate small sugar pearls, edible stars, or other decorative sprinkles to add some elegance and variety. These little touches can elevate the overall appearance of your tree.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to decorate your tree. The key is to have fun and let your imagination guide you.

The beauty of these creations are that they can be made a few days ahead of your festive event. This allows you to focus on other preparations without worrying about last-minute baking. The cookie pots themselves will maintain their texture and taste well, and the decorations will stay vibrant.

For the best experience, pair your cookie pots with warm beverages like tea, coffee, or even mulled wine. The comforting drinks will complement the sweetness of the biscuits, creating a harmonious treat for your taste buds. You might also consider serving it alongside other holiday treats, such as mince pies or a Yule log, to create a varied and indulgent dessert spread.

Lastly, any leftover pots can be stored in the fridge, ensuring they remain fresh, the buttercream firm and ready to be enjoyed over the following days. Enjoy your festive creation, and may it add a special touch to your holiday celebrations.

If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*