Christmas Trees

Christmas Trees - a simple and delicious recipe to bring the magic of the holidays into every corner of your home. These little delights not only look wonderful, but also bring a special vanilla aroma, making them perfect to enjoy with loved ones. Additionally, they are ideal for gifting, beautifully wrapped in decorative boxes.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total: 42-45 minutes
Number of servings: about 20 trees

Ingredients:
- 125 g butter (at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 100 g powdered sugar (for a fine texture)
- 2 egg yolks (fresh, preferably from free-range hens)
- 1 vanilla essence (or extract, for a more intense flavor)
- Green food coloring (of good quality for a vibrant hue)
- 2 tablespoons of milk (can also use plant-based milk for a vegan option)
- 250 g flour (type 000 or 550 for an ideal texture)

Preparation method:

1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Make sure the butter is at room temperature, so it is easy to cream. In a large bowl, add the butter and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy spatula to cream the mixture until it becomes creamy and airy.

2. Add the egg yolks, vanilla essence, and green food coloring. If you want a more intense green shade, feel free to add a little more coloring. Continue mixing until all the ingredients are perfectly incorporated.

3. Begin to gradually add the flour. It is recommended to use a spatula or a mixer on low speed to avoid splattering. Mix gently until you obtain a homogeneous dough. It is important not to overmix to avoid developing gluten, which would lead to a less desirable texture.

4. Once the dough is ready, place it on a plastic wrap and form a ball. Wrap it well and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This step will help the trees maintain their shape while baking.

5. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium temperature). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 5 mm thickness. Use a tree-shaped cutter to cut out the cookies. You can vary the shapes; you can also use star or heart shapes to create a variety of cookies.

6. Place the cut cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges become slightly golden. Be careful, as the time may vary depending on the oven.

7. After baking, let them cool on a rack. You can decorate them with sugar glaze or melted chocolate if desired. A fun idea is to use colorful sprinkles to create ornaments on your trees.

Serving: These Christmas trees are perfect to enjoy with a cup of tea or milk. You can beautifully wrap them and gift them to friends or loved ones, thus bringing a touch of magic into their lives.

Variation suggestion: Replace part of the flour with cocoa to get chocolate trees, or add a little ground ginger for a spicier flavor. These variations will add a personal touch and will surely surprise everyone who tastes them!

Therefore, these Christmas trees are not only a simple recipe but also a great opportunity to spend quality time in the kitchen with loved ones. Happy cooking and happy holidays!