I truthfully think my variety of xmas tree cookie cutters is getting a bit out of hand, yet there's just some thing so satisfying regarding pressing that iconic shape into the fresh sheet of dough. Every 12 months, as soon as the temperature drops and the festive music starts playing in every shop, the first thing I perform is search through our baking drawer in order to see which trees I'm working with this year. Whether you're a professional at regal icing or you're just trying in order to get through a batch with your kids with no kitchen ending up covered in flour, these types of little tools would be the backbone of holiday baking.
Picking the Best Materials for the Batch
When you're away shopping for xmas tree cookie cutters , you'll quickly realize they aren't all produced exactly the same. I utilized to think a cutter was the cutter, but right after a few many years of bent metal and stuck dough, I've developed several opinions.
Metal cutters—usually metal steel or copper—are the gold standard if you would like a sharp, clean edge. They slice through chilled bread like butter. The copper ones are usually beautiful and appear excellent hanging in the kitchen, but they can end up being a bit more expensive. Stainless steel is normally the way to go for most of us; it's durable and won't rust as easily if you unintentionally leave it within the sink for an hour.
Then a person possess the plastic types. They are great in the event that you have small kids helping away because there are usually no sharp sides to worry regarding. Some of the particular modern 3D-printed plastic material cutters even have got "stamps" built-in that press a garland or ornament pattern right into the dough. It's a huge time-saver if you don't feel like spending four hours meticulously piping ranges of icing. Just keep in mind that plastic can sometimes have heavier edges, which may not give you that crisp silhouette you're after.
The Secret to Cookies That Don't Lose Their Form
There is definitely nothing more frustrating than putting a tray of perfectly shaped trees into the oven plus pulling out the bunch of green blobs. We've all been there. To make sure your xmas tree cookie cutters actually do their particular job, the key is all within the temperature.
I've learned the hard way: always chill your dough . As soon as you've rolled it out and used your cutters, put the whole tray within the fridge for about 15 minutes before they will hit the oven. This firms up the butter therefore the cookies hold those sharp factors on the twigs instead of melting straight into a puddle.
Also, don't forget to flour your cutter. I actually keep a little bowl of flour upon the side and dip the cutter machine in it between every single press. It prevents the money from sticking in order to the "branches" associated with the tree, which is usually where items go wrong plus you end up getting the headless—or trunkless—evergreen.
Decorating Ideas That will Actually Look Great
Once your cookies are cooked and cooled, the real fun starts. You don't have to be a professional artist in order to make these look amazing. Sometimes, the easiest designs are the particular ones that actually stand out on a cookie platter.
One of our favorite tricks is definitely the "dipping" method. Instead of pipes royal icing, which can be an overall total nightmare if the particular consistency isn't perfect, just thin away some icing in a shallow dish. Take your tree cookie, dip front side of it in to the icing, and shake off the surplus. It gives a person a perfectly easy, flat surface. While it's still wet, you can fall on some silver sprinkles or "nonpareils" to look like decorations.
When you want to obtain a bit even more creative, try the "shaggy" look. Use a star suggestion on a transfering bag and just make little dabs of green buttercream all over the particular tree. It finishes up resembling actual pine needles and is incredibly forgiving if your hands are a bit shaky. You may also use the sifter to dust some powdered glucose over the best to look like a fresh dusting associated with snow. It's classic, easy, also it covers any little imperfections in the baking.
Thinking Outside of the Cookie Box
Don't let your own xmas tree cookie cutters sit down in the cabinet for 11 several weeks from the year. I've started using mine for those sorts of things that aren't actually cookies. In case you're hosting a holiday brunch, attempt cutting slices associated with bread into trees and shrubs for festive Finnish toast. Or, in case you're making the charcuterie board, use the smaller cutters to shape pieces of cheddar or gouda. It takes regarding two minutes yet the actual whole pass on seem like you invested hours on it.
I've also seen people make use of them regarding crafts. If you make salt dough (just flour, salt, plus water), you may use your cutters for making home made ornaments. Once they're baked and very hard, you can color them and hold them on your own actual tree. It's the best way to keep kids busy on a rainy December evening, and those decorations last for many years. I still have got a few wonky-looking salt dough trees my nieces made five years ago, and they're the favorite items to draw out of the decoration box.
Caring for Your Collection
If you want your xmas tree cookie cutters to last until next Christmas, you've got to treat them best. I know it's tempting to just toss all of them within the dishwasher, yet honestly, hand-washing is the strategy to use, especially for the metallic ones. Dishwashers can be really harsh and lead to corrosion spots in the particular tiny crevices exactly where the branches meet the trunk.
I wash mine within warm soapy drinking water and then—this is the important part—put them back in the warm (but turned off) oven for a few minutes. The heat evaporates any water concealing in the seams, which is the simplest way to avoid rust. Once they're bone dry, I store these questions large tin. Pro tip: if you have got lots of cutters, line them onto the large ribbon or a binder band. It keeps them from getting twisted and bent in the drawer, and it helps it be way easier to find the specific tree size you're looking for.
Why We Like the Tradition
At the end of the day, it's not really about having the perfect cookie. It's about the house smelling like ginger and cinnamon, and the flour that unavoidably ends up upon the floor. Using xmas tree cookie cutters is simply one of these traditions which makes the particular holidays feel "official. "
Whether you're making a huge batch to give away to neighbours or just the few for a comfortable movie night, there's something heart-warming regarding the process. It's a slow, tactile activity in a season that usually feels way too rushed. Therefore, grab your favourite recipe, find your cutters, and don't worry excessive in case the stars are a small crooked or in case you go overboard with the green glitter. That's just component of the holiday charm. Happy baking!