Christmas Tree Swirlies Recipe

Step 1

Set oven to 400°F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, baking powder and salt.

Step 3

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together softened butter and sugar on medium speed until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, beating until incorporated. Scrape down sides of mixing bowl to ensure all of the ingredients are combined.

Step 4

Reduce mixing speed to low, and add dry ingredients very slowly until just incorporated.

Step 5

Divide dough in half and wrap each half in wax paper. Flatten each into 6-inch rounds and refrigerate at least one hour or overnight.

Step 6

Remove dough from refrigerator and place on lightly floured counter. Using a rolling pin, roll out to 1/4-inch thick.

Step 7

Using a Christmas tree cookie cutter cut out cookie shapes. Place on baking sheet spacing each one inch apart.

Step 8

Bake for 6-8 minutes or until light golden brown. Allow to cool completely.

Step 9

Repeat with remaining cookie dough.

Step 1

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine Meringue powder and powdered sugar.

Step 2

Add water and whip with whisk attachment on medium speed until stiff peaks form or by hand with a whisk.

Step 3

Once peaks form, add more water with mixer running until you reach easily pourable icing consistency.

Step 4

Remove half of the icing and divide into two smaller bowls; half of the icing should remain in the mixing bowl. Color each small bowl a different shade of green (1-3 drops light green and 4-6 drops for dark green).

Step 5

Place remaining white icing into smaller bowl.

Step 6

Place green icings into piping bags or sandwich bags with holes cut in the corner. Drizzle the green frostings over the bowl of white icing.

Step 7

Dunk cookies, top down, into the icing being sure to cover the entire cookie. Remove cookie and let drip face down over bowl.

Step 8

Flip cookie face up and transfer to a cooling rack. Allow 30 minutes for icing to harden.