Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.  Then set aside.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, beat together the butter with the sugar until creamy and light and fluffy.  Add in the eggs one at a time until combined.  Then add in the vanilla extract.  Continue mixing.

Step 4

Slowly add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.  Be careful not to over mix.

Step 5

Divide the cookie dough into 2-3 balls.

Step 6

Roll out each of the dough balls onto a lightly floured surface until the dough is approximately 1/4 inch thick.  Then use a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.  Continue this process until all the dough is formed into the cookies.

Step 7

Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a metal spatula move the cut cookies to the parchment lined cookie sheet.

Step 8

Bake for 7-8 minutes until the cookies are lightly browned around the edges (just a slight change of color).

Step 9

Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes and then carefully move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. (About 10 minutes).

Step 10

In a large mixing bowl beat together the cream cheese and butter until the mixture is well combined and smooth.  Then add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.  Mix on low speed until all the ingredients are combined.

Step 11

Then increase the speed and beat until the frosting is smoothed.  Add in the green gel food coloring and mix until the frosting is the color of green that you prefer.

Step 12

Place the frosting in a piping bag fitted with either a star tip, ribbon tip or leaf/petal tip.

Step 13

Decorate each of the tree cookies with the green frosting and top with the sprinkles to resemble ornaments on the trees.

Step 14

Then the cookies are ready to serve and enjoy!