Red Velvet Christmas Tree Linzer Cookies – A Festive Treat for the Holidays

Nothing says holiday cheer quite like Red Velvet Christmas Tree Linzer Cookies. These buttery, cocoa-rich red velvet cookies are layered with tangy cream cheese frosting and decorated to look like festive Christmas trees. Combining the indulgence of red velvet cake with the charm of classic Linzer cookies, they’re perfect for gifting, sharing, or brightening up your holiday dessert table.

Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Christmas Tree Linzer Cookies

These cookies are a holiday showstopper — not just beautiful but incredibly delicious. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth red velvet cookie contrasts perfectly with the creamy, sweet-tart cream cheese filling. The vibrant colors make them ideal for Christmas gatherings, and the recipe is easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for seasoned bakers. With a short chill and bake time, these cookies strike the right balance between convenience and elegance.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Linzer Cookies

These Red Velvet Christmas Tree Linzer Cookies feature a balance of classic red velvet flavor, creamy frosting, and festive decorations. Each ingredient contributes to their perfect texture, flavor, and holiday appeal.

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookie dough, giving it structure and ensuring the cookies hold their shape after baking.

Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder: Infuses the dough with a deep chocolate flavor and rich red velvet tone. It also adds a subtle bitterness that balances sweetness.

Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, creating a tender, light texture without becoming cakey.

Kosher Salt: A key flavor enhancer that balances the sugar and intensifies the cocoa’s richness.

Unsalted Butter: Provides moisture, tenderness, and buttery flavor. Its quality directly impacts the cookies’ smooth texture.

Confectioners’ Sugar: Used in both dough and frosting, it sweetens while keeping the crumb delicate and melt-in-your-mouth soft.

Egg: Acts as a binder, bringing all ingredients together and adding richness to the dough.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds a touch of creaminess and sweetness, ensuring a soft, flavorful interior.

Red Gel Food Coloring: Delivers the signature deep crimson hue that makes these cookies visually stunning and unmistakably festive.

Vanilla Extract: Used in both cookie dough and frosting to add warmth, depth, and a subtle aroma that ties all flavors together.

White Vinegar: The secret ingredient that activates the cocoa’s red tones and adds a mild tang — essential to authentic red velvet flavor.

Cream Cheese: Forms the base of the luscious frosting, giving it tangy creaminess that pairs perfectly with the sweet cookies.

Green Gel Food Coloring: Transforms the frosting into a bright, festive green, enhancing the Christmas tree design.

Edible Sugar Gold Stars: A decorative element that adds sparkle and makes the cookies look as magical as they taste.

Nonpareils (Red, Green, White): These small, colorful sprinkles bring extra cheer and texture to the finished cookies.

Ingredient Swaps & Alternatives

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese; replace the egg with a flaxseed egg.
• Natural Coloring: Opt for beetroot powder instead of red food coloring for a more natural red velvet hue.
• Dairy-Free Frosting: Coconut cream mixed with powdered sugar makes a great alternative for the filling.

How to Make Red Velvet Christmas Tree Linzer Cookies

1. Prepare the Dry Mix
   Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together into a bowl. This ensures even distribution and a smooth dough texture.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
   Beat butter with confectioners’ sugar until smooth — not fluffy. Overbeating can cause the cookies to spread and lose shape.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
   Mix in egg, condensed milk, red gel coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until the dough turns vibrant and smooth.
4. Combine and Chill
   Slowly add the dry ingredients until a cohesive dough forms. Divide in half, roll between parchment sheets to ¼ inch thick, and refrigerate until firm — about 30 minutes.
5. Cut the Cookie Shapes
   Use a large Christmas tree cutter for the base and a smaller one to create cut-outs for half of the cookies. This forms the signature Linzer “window.”
6. Bake to Perfection
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes until slightly puffed and matte. Let cool completely on a rack.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
   Beat cream cheese and remaining butter until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, salt, and green food coloring. Mix until evenly tinted.
8. Assemble the Linzer Cookies
   Spread frosting on each uncut cookie, then sandwich with a cut-out cookie. Top each with a dab of frosting and place a gold star. Sprinkle nonpareils into the center for festive flair.

Expert Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Linzer Cookies

• Chill Thoroughly: Cold dough ensures clean edges and helps maintain the Christmas tree shape.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to prevent tough cookies.
• Even Thickness: Rolling to an even ¼ inch ensures uniform baking.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for a soft, chewy texture.
• Make-Ahead: Dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance.

Variations and Serving Ideas

• Filled Linzers: Swap cream cheese frosting with peppermint or white chocolate ganache for a flavor twist.
• Flavor Boost: Add a hint of espresso powder for deeper chocolate notes.
• Decorative Flair: Use royal icing details or edible glitter for a professional finish.
• Festive Platter: Pair with sugar cookies, chocolate crinkles, or peppermint bark for a stunning dessert spread.
• Gifting Idea: Package these cookies in decorative tins or clear boxes for homemade Christmas gifts.

The Magic of Red Velvet During the Holidays

Red velvet’s rich hue and velvety cocoa flavor embody the essence of Christmas. The cream cheese filling not only balances sweetness but adds nostalgic comfort — reminiscent of red velvet cake traditions. Shaped like Christmas trees and sparkling with edible stars, these cookies bring edible joy to the season and look just as stunning as they taste.

For an unforgettable holiday baking experience, Red Velvet Christmas Tree Linzer Cookies are a must-try — festive, flavorful, and full of holiday spirit.

Bringing Holiday Joy with Every Bite

The beauty of Red Velvet Christmas Tree Linzer Cookies lies not only in their stunning presentation but in the heartwarming experience of making them. From the deep red hue to the creamy green frosting and sparkling star toppers, these cookies capture everything we love about the holidays — creativity, comfort, and celebration. Whether you bake them with family or gift them to friends, each cookie tells a story of festive joy and delicious craftsmanship.

These Red Velvet Christmas Tree Linzer Cookies are the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and nostalgia — a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to share. When the season calls for something truly special, these cookies bring sparkle to your dessert table and smiles to everyone who tastes them.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Red Velvet Christmas Tree Linzer Cookies ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance and refrigerate it tightly wrapped. Once baked, store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze unfilled cookies for longer shelf life. Assemble with frosting once thawed for the best texture.

2. How do I prevent my Linzer cookies from spreading during baking?

Make sure your dough is thoroughly chilled before cutting and baking. Avoid over-creaming the butter and sugar, as excess air can cause spreading. Using parchment-lined baking sheets also helps maintain the crisp edges of your Red Velvet Christmas Tree Linzer Cookies.

3. Can I use natural food coloring instead of gel?

Absolutely. Beetroot powder or natural red coloring can replace red gel for a chemical-free alternative. However, note that natural colors may produce a slightly muted red tone compared to the vivid holiday red achieved with gel coloring.

4. What’s the best way to decorate these cookies for gifting?

Arrange the finished cookies in festive tins or clear boxes with tissue paper or parchment between layers. Add a decorative ribbon and a holiday tag for a beautiful handmade gift. These Red Velvet Christmas Tree Linzer Cookies make elegant and edible holiday presents.

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• Eggnog Meltaway Cookies
• Penguin Slice-and-Bake Cookies 
• White Chocolate Peppermint Rugelach

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