Fall Tree Cookies

Directions

1. 1

   In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, icing sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and egg white, mixing until smooth. Gradually mix in the cake flour until a soft dough forms.

2. 2

   Divide the dough into two parts: ⅓ cup for the tree trunk, and the remaining for the tree leaves. For the tree trunk dough, mix in the cocoa powder.For the leaves, color portions of the dough with orange, red, yellow, and green gel food coloring. Lay the colored doughs side by side on plastic wrap, roll into a log, twist slightly for a marbled effect, and place in a piping bag.

3. 3

   Preheat the oven to 285°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a large Star Tip, pipe tree trunks with the cocoa dough. Using a smaller Star Tip, pipe fall-colored leaves, creating star-shaped clusters.

4. 4

   Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.