When I was growing up, our kitchen always smelled like vanilla, butter, and coconut during Christmas. My mom had this way of making simple no-bake treats feel magical. I remember standing on a stool beside her, my little fingers dusted in powdered sugar as we shaped tiny trees that sparkled under the kitchen lights. There was no oven humming, just the soft clatter of spoons, the warmth of the stovetop, and laughter that filled the room. These No-Bake Christmas Tree Cookies take me right back to those evenings, when the sweetest part of the holidays wasn’t the cookies themselves, but the joy of making them together. Trust me on this, you’re about to taste pure Christmas nostalgia.
Why These Cookies Work So Well
Here’s a little trick my mom taught me: when you mix butter, milk, and powdered sugar just right, you get a dough that’s soft enough to mold but firm enough to hold its shape once cooled. The shredded coconut keeps them chewy, while a dip in smooth white chocolate gives them that snow-dusted holiday glow. Best of all, they set in the fridge in just half an hour—leaving you more time to decorate and celebrate. Between you and me, these are as fun to make as they are to eat.
No-Bake Christmas Tree Cookies
Equipment
- Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring tools
- Parchment Paper
- baking sheet
- Cookie Scoop
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 3 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or mint extract
- Green food coloring a few drops
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips or vanilla melting wafers
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon butter
- Mini M&Ms or sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in milk and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add coconut, extract, and green food coloring. Mix until a thick, moldable dough forms.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and shape into small cones or trees using your fingers.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the freezer for 30–45 minutes until firm.
- In a clean saucepan, melt white chocolate, cream, and butter over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the tops of the chilled cookies in the melted white chocolate to create a “snow” effect.
- Add mini M&Ms or sprinkles while still wet, then refrigerate until set.
Notes
Freezing: Freeze in layers separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months.
Humidity Tip: If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough a few extra minutes before shaping to prevent stickiness.
Troubleshooting: If cookies crumble while shaping, add 1 teaspoon of milk at a time until the dough holds.
Nutrition
Conclusion
Every Christmas, I find myself coming back to this simple stovetop ritual—melting, mixing, shaping, and decorating with my family gathered around. These Christmas Tree No-Bake Cookies remind me so much of my mom’s coconut creations, especially the ones that inspired my Coconut No-Bake Cookies. If you’re in the mood for something just as festive, you’ll love the colorful charm of No-Bake Cornflake Wreaths or the cozy sparkle of Holiday No-Bake Cookies. Between you and me, every one of them tastes like pure holiday nostalgia.