Imagine the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen, reminiscent of those childhood holiday memories. That's exactly what these Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies bring to life-a joyful blend of nostalgia and festive spirit. When I first attempted to recreate the iconic treats of my youth, I was simply searching for a sweet pick-me-up, but little did I know I was destined to discover a cookie that would bring smiles and joy to everyone around.

These cookies are not only soft and chewy with a decadent vanilla buttercream filling, but they're also adorned with charming red stripes and vibrant green sprinkles, making them a showstopper on any holiday cookie tray. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed with a warm cup of cocoa, these whimsical treats are easy to make and sure to impress. Ready to fill your home with warmth and sweetness this season? Let's dive into this delightful recipe together!

Why Are Little Debbie Cake Cookies So Special?

Nostalgic Inspiration: These cookies are inspired by the beloved Little Debbie favorites, bringing a wave of childhood memories with every bite.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Customization Galore: Feel free to play with flavors and decorations, creating your unique twist on this holiday classic.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Their festive look and delicious taste make them a hit at any gathering or cookie exchange.
Perfect for Sharing: Pack them up for friends and family, or serve them at holiday parties to spread the joy!
Invite the warmth of the holidays into your kitchen with these delights, and don't forget to check out more festive ideas for your treat table!

Little Debbie Cake Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

All-Purpose Flour - The foundation of the cookie; for a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour.
Salt - Enhances the flavors harmoniously; omit if you're using salted butter.
Baking Powder - A vital leavening agent that ensures fluffiness; always check it's fresh for optimal results.
Unsalted Butter - Adds richness and moisture; ensure it's at room temperature for easier blending, or swap for margarine if needed.
Granulated Sugar - Provides sweetness to your cookies; consider coconut sugar for a lower glycemic alternative.
Egg - Acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together; use a flax egg for a vegan option.
Vanilla Extract - Elevates the flavor profile significantly; imitation vanilla also works well if that's what you have on hand.

For the Buttercream Filling

Confectioner's Sugar - Infuses sweetness and texture into the buttercream; substitute with erythritol for a low-calorie choice.
Heavy Whipping Cream - Contributes a creamy texture for your buttercream; opt for milk if you prefer a lighter frosting consistency.

For Decoration

Red Food Gel - Perfect for that festive touch; optional but can be substituted with berry juice for a natural color.
Green Sugar Sprinkles - Adds a fun and festive flair to your cookies; feel free to use any sprinkles you have on hand.

These Little Debbie Cake Cookies are not just a treat; they're a nostalgic journey that brings holiday cheer right into your home!

How to Make Little Debbie Cake Cookies

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined. In a separate bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully integrated. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough for 2 hours or overnight for best results.
Cut and Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare Buttercream: In a mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and confectioner's sugar until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Gradually mix in the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract until smooth. If desired, tint a portion of the buttercream with red food gel for the festive stripes.
Assemble Cookies: Spread a generous layer of white buttercream on the base of half of the cookies. Pipe red stripes on top and press another cookie with a tree cutout on each to form a sandwich. Finally, decorate with green sugar sprinkles to make them extra festive!

Optional: Serve with a cup of hot cocoa for a delightful treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies?

Imagine an enchanting holiday gathering where the air is filled with laughter and the sweet scent of baked delights.

Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of cocoa pairs perfectly with these nostalgic cookies, adding extra comfort and warmth to your festive moments.
Eggnog: The creamy richness of eggnog complements the sweetness of the cookies, making it an ideal drink to serve during seasonal celebrations.
Festive Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brings a vibrant freshness that balances the cookies' sweetness, adding a colorful touch to your dessert table.
Ice Cream: Scoop some vanilla or peppermint ice cream on the side for a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors that everyone will adore.
Cheese Platter: Select cheeses such as brie or sharp cheddar for a savory element; their tanginess brilliantly offsets the sweet cookie flavors.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These deliciously sweet berries make a charming accompaniment, enhancing the holiday theme and serving as a delightful palate cleanser.
Sugar Cookies: For a double dose of sweetness, serve your Little Debbie cookies alongside traditional sugar cookies, making your dessert spread even more festive.
Spiced Almonds: Roasted spiced almonds bring a satisfying crunch and savory note that pairs beautifully with the soft cookies.
Coffee or Tea: A cup of rich coffee or soothing herbal tea is the perfect finish, providing a warm and comforting complement to the festive treat.

These delightful pairings will elevate your cookie experience, transforming your gathering into an unforgettable celebration!

Expert Tips for Little Debbie Cake Cookies

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth and well-blended dough.
Chill the Dough: Don't skip chilling your dough. It firms up the fat, resulting in better-shaped cookies that are less likely to spread during baking.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven is at 350°F. Overbaking can dry out the cookies, while underbaking can make them too soft.
Frosting Consistency: If your buttercream is too stiff, gradually add more heavy cream until it reaches a spreadable consistency without being runny.
Piping Tips: Decorate as soon as you assemble the cookies. This helps sprinkles stick better to the freshly piped designs, avoiding any mess later.

These expert insights will help you create perfect Little Debbie Cake Cookies that are sure to impress family and friends!

Make Ahead Options

These Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, which helps enhance the flavors. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. For even more convenience, you can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The buttercream can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 5 days; just give it a quick whip before using to restore its fluffy texture. When ready to serve, assemble the cookies with the buttercream and sprinkles, and you'll have delightful treats that taste just as delicious as when made fresh!

Little Debbie Cake Cookies Variations

Delight in the endless possibilities to personalize your cookies!

Dairy-Free: Swap unsalted butter for coconut oil and heavy whipping cream for almond milk for a creamy alternative.
Nutty Flavor: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for an extra crunch and a delightful nutty taste.
Cocoa Splash: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolatey spin that pairs beautifully with vanilla buttercream.
Fruit Infusion: Mix in dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity burst, adding both flavor and festive color to your treats.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough, bringing warmth and spice reminiscent of holiday gatherings.
Zesty Addition: A splash of orange or lemon zest in the buttercream provides a refreshing citrus note that brightens each bite.
Alternative Sprinkles: Use themed sprinkles for different holidays, like red, white, and blue for Fourth of July celebrations or pastel colors for Easter fun.
Mini Treats: Create bite-sized versions of the cookies by using smaller cutters, perfect for party platters or sweet gifts!

With these variations, your Little Debbie Cake Cookies will be a canvas for creativity that indulges not just the taste buds, but the heart too!

How to Store and Freeze Little Debbie Cake Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture.

Fridge: For longer freshness, store cookies in the fridge within an airtight container for up to 5 days, but they may lose some softness.

Freezer: Freeze cookies for up to 2 months, wrapping each cookie individually or layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen cookies in the fridge overnight and let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm slightly in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of flour works best for Little Debbie Cake Cookies?
For optimal results, I recommend using all-purpose flour. If you're looking for a gluten-free version, feel free to swap it out with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture.

How should I store Little Debbie Cake Cookies to maintain freshness?
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If storing in the refrigerator, they can last up to 5 days, but they may lose some of their delightful softness. For long-term storage, freeze them for up to 2 months; just be sure to wrap each cookie individually or layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Can I freeze the decorated Little Debbie Cake Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the decorated cookies for up to 2 months. I suggest placing parchment paper between layers of cookies in an airtight container to avoid any damage to the decorations. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight, then let them come to room temperature before serving.

What can I do if my buttercream is too stiff?
If your buttercream is too stiff to spread, don't worry! Simply add a little more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, mixing in until you achieve the desired consistency. Remember, you want it to be smooth and spreadable, but not runny!

Are there any dietary considerations for Little Debbie Cake Cookies?
Yes! If you have specific dietary needs, there are plenty of adjustments you can make. For a vegan option, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Also, you can use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index. For individuals with gluten sensitivities, using a gluten-free flour as mentioned earlier is a great alternative!

How can I customize the flavor of my Little Debbie Cake Cookies?
The flavor possibilities are endless! I love to add different extracts like mint, almond, or even lemon to the buttercream for a unique twist. You can also play with different sprinkles or colored icing designs to create a variety of festive looks for your cookies!