This festive Oreo tree idea has been part of my holiday baking since the year my niece wanted to help decorate but couldn't yet roll cookie dough. It started as a quick after-school project and quickly became a holiday staple. The combination of crunchy cookie edge, creamy filling and glossy chocolate decoration makes each bite both familiar and special. I discovered the decorating method by experimenting with melting wafers and a plastic bag as an improvised piping tool; the first batch looked wobbly but tasted wonderful, and the next batches improved dramatically with practice.

What makes these cookies particularly satisfying is how accessible the ingredients are and how little hands-on time is required. You can enlist children or friends to help pipe the trees and place the stars, turning decorating into part of the celebration. The contrast between the snow-white chocolate base and the bright green tree creates that unmistakable holiday look, while the chocolate jimmies as trunks add a playful texture. Over the years I’ve learned simple techniques to keep the coating shiny, prevent bloom, and speed up setting without sacrificing appearance — all of which I’ll share below.

Ingredients

• Oreos: 15 standard sandwich cookies. Look for regular or double-stuffed depending on how much filling you want to show through the chocolate. Store-brand sandwich cookies work fine if you prefer a cost-effective option.
• White melting chips: 6 ounces. I use wafers or chips labeled for melting (such as candy melts or white almond bark) because they melt smoothly; avoid plain baking chocolate which can seize more easily.
• Green melting wafers: 3 ounces. Choose a bright green that contrasts with the white base; green candy melts from popular brands provide consistent color and texture.
• Candy stars: 15 small star toppers. These add the festive finishing touch; edible metallic stars or sugar stars both work well.
• Chocolate jimmies: 1/4 cup optional. Use for the tree trunk beneath the green piped area; choose thin jimmies for the most tree-like look.

Instructions

Prepare the pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. This prevents sticking during decorating and ensures cookies peel away cleanly. Use a rigid rimmed sheet to avoid bending when transferring to the refrigerator. Melt the white chocolate: Place 6 ounces of white melting chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds, stir thoroughly, and repeat in 15- to 20-second bursts until smooth. Keep the mixture warm but not hot; over-melting can cause graininess. If you prefer, melt using a double boiler over gently simmering water, stirring until glossy. Dip the cookies: Hold each Oreo by the edge and dip roughly halfway into the melted white chocolate. Allow excess to drip off for a second, then place the dipped side down on the parchment. Work quickly but intentionally; if the chocolate begins to set while you dip, warm it briefly in the microwave at 10-second intervals. Melt the green chocolate: In a clean microwave-safe bowl, melt 3 ounces of green melting wafers the same way — 30 seconds at 50% power and short bursts with stirring. Transfer the melted green chocolate to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag and snip a tiny corner to control flow for precise decorating. Decorate the trees: Using a steady back-and-forth motion, pipe a triangular tree shape on the white portion of each cookie. Start with a small base and build upward with shorter passes to create three layers. Keep the pressure consistent; practice one or two strokes on parchment first to get the rhythm. Top and trunk: Place a candy star at the tip of each tree, gently pressing so it adheres. Sprinkle or press chocolate jimmies below the tree to form a trunk. If jimmies don’t stick immediately, brush a tiny dot of melted white chocolate where the trunk will go to act as glue. Allow cookies to set at room temperature or speed cooling in the refrigerator for 8–10 minutes.

Storage Tips

Store the decorated cookies in a single layer inside an airtight container to protect the piped details. If stacking is necessary, place wax or parchment between layers to prevent smudging. At room temperature they keep well for about three days; refrigeration extends life to around a week but may cause slight condensation when brought back to room temperature, so return them to room temp before serving. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Thaw at room temperature for 15–30 minutes to avoid soggy surfaces.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different base, sandwich cookies such as Oreos are ideal, but chocolate chip cookies or shortbread can work if sturdy enough. Swap white melting chips with white chocolate bark for similar results, or use colored candy melts if white is hard to find. For a vegan version, choose dairy-free sandwich cookies and vegan melting wafers. If you don’t have jimmies, tiny pieces of pretzel or a small rectangle of chocolate can act as trunks — adjust placement while the chocolate is still tacky so they adhere.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange cookies upright on a platter lined with fresh evergreen sprigs for a centerpiece effect, or place in small clear gift bags tied with ribbon for party favors. Serve alongside hot cocoa or spiced cider; the sweet white chocolate pairs nicely with bright citrus or warm spices. For a holiday dessert board, combine with gingerbread bites, peppermint bark, and nuts to provide contrasting textures and flavors. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar around the platter to mimic snow for a charming presentation.

Cultural Background

Decorated cookies have long played a role in Christmas traditions across many cultures, with small shaped confections used for gifting and celebrations. The idea of transforming a store-bought cookie into a festive treat is a modern, accessible twist on classic cookie decorating that invites creativity. Using stars and evergreen motifs ties to traditional holiday symbols of light and renewal; this playful adaptation shows how simple ingredients can be reimagined into meaningful seasonal gestures.

Seasonal Adaptations

For winter parties, use metallic edible stars and silver dragées for a frosted look. At a children’s event, swap green for red to create candy-cane stripes or use pastel colors for a winter birthday. For New Year’s Eve, pipe trees in gold and white and add edible glitter. In warmer climates, store in cool areas and prefer small batches to avoid melted decorations. Tailor colors and toppers to match any holiday palette or event theme.

Meal Prep Tips

Make the dipped cookies a day in advance and pipe the trees the next day to speed assembly if you’re preparing many trays. Keep melts in sealed bags with a small opening for piping and reheat briefly if they thicken. Measure stars and jimmies into small ramekins for quick decorating stations. When transporting, lay cookies in a single layer inside shallow boxes and pack snugly to prevent shifting; for gifting, include a note recommending they be stored in a cool, dry place.

These little decorated treats are more than a recipe — they are a quick way to bring people together through a shared, festive activity. Whether you’re teaching children to pipe their first tree or assembling dozens for a party, the process is simple and the result always brings smiles. Try this method once and you’ll find small variations that make it your own.