Cacao tree-shaped cookies

Cacao tree-shaped cookies are cute and delicious treats, perfect for the holidays, like Christmas, or for a nice afternoon snack. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients

• 250 grams of 00 flour
• 50 grams of cocoa powder
• 125 grams of sugar
• 125 grams of soft butter
• 1 egg
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• Powdered sugar (for decoration)
• Colored candied fruits or sugar beads (for decoration)

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl, cream the soft butter with the sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light.
3. Add the egg and continue mixing until it is fully incorporated.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until a homogeneous dough is formed and it pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
5. Form a ball with the dough and wrap it in cling film. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 5mm.
8. Using tree-shaped cutters (or other Christmas shapes if you prefer), cut out the cookies and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake in the oven for approximately 8-10 minutes or until the edges begin to darken slightly.
10. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
11. Once cooled, decorate the tree-shaped cookies with powdered sugar and colored candied fruits or sugar beads to simulate Christmas tree decorations.

Trivia

These cookies are ideal for involving the little ones in the preparation process, as decorating the trees can become a festive and creative moment for the whole family. Moreover, they are perfect for gifting during the holiday season in cute decorated packages.