Disclosure: This post was sponsored by The Real Christmas Tree Promotion Board, but all thoughts and opinions remain —as always— my own.

Stokoe Farms’ Legendary Sugar Cookies: A Taste of Christmas Tradition & The Magic of Real Trees

There’s a certain magic that envelops the holiday season, a blend of cherished traditions, heartwarming flavors, and the comforting scent of pine. For many, this magic is incomplete without the warmth of freshly baked cookies and the vibrant presence of a real Christmas tree. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that embodies both: the pillowy soft, perfectly tender Stokoe Farms’ Legendary Sugar Cookies.

Unveiling a Treasured Family Recipe

During my visit to Stokoe Farms last October, amidst the crisp autumn air and the charm of a bustling family farm, I stumbled upon a legend — not of the mythical kind, but of the culinary variety. I heard whispers of how, until just a few years ago, Martha Stokoe herself would bake thousands of sugar cookies each December. These weren’t just any cookies; they were the star attraction, handed out with hot chocolate to the throngs of visitors who came year after year to find their perfect Christmas tree. The story goes that some people returned specifically for these cookies, a testament to their irresistible allure.

Naturally, my foodie radar went off. If cookies could inspire such devotion, I absolutely had to get my hands on the recipe for my Foodie with Family friends. I didn’t even have to ask twice. The Stokoes, with their characteristic generosity, were more than happy to share Martha’s grandmother’s recipe, “Grandma Dewart’s Sugar Cookies,” and granted me permission to share it with all of you. These aren’t merely cookies; they are an embodiment of comfort, a delicate bite of history, and truly legendary.

It’s easy to love people who cultivate beautiful Christmas trees and then gift you with such a phenomenal, legendary sugar cookie recipe. The kindness and dedication of the Stokoe family resonate deeply, reminding us of the simple joys that make the holidays so special.

The Unforgettable Experience of Choosing a Real Christmas Tree

Before we dive into the delightful details of baking, let’s talk about what truly kicks off the season for many: the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. As I’ve often shared, our family is firmly in the real Christmas tree camp. Nothing, in my opinion, can ever replace the full sensory experience that a real tree provides — the fresh, crisp scent, the soft rustle of needles, the vibrant green hue that brings life into your home. This year, we elevated our tradition by visiting Stokoe Farms again, transforming the tree hunt into a memorable adventure.

We embarked on a charming hay wagon ride, rumbling through vast fields of evergreen treasures. We passed rows of stately blue spruces and elegant Douglas firs, venturing deeper into the enchanting Fraser fir area. The air was filled with an intoxicating blend of pine, earthy notes, and the excitement of children. The weather was absolutely glorious, and we happily soaked in the serene beauty of hundreds of magnificent Christmas trees, each one seemingly vying for our attention.

Photo by Aidan Lindamood

Our quest lasted a good half-hour, not because finding a tree was difficult, but because the sheer abundance of perfect choices made selecting just one a joyful challenge. My family has a particular fondness for what we affectionately call “chubby babies” — trees that are full, dense, and fragrant from top to bottom. Stokoe Farms had these in glorious supply! After much deliberation and delighted discussion, we finally settled on one splendid specimen. Two of my boys took turns with the saw, their faces alight with accomplishment, while my husband and the others retrieved a sturdy cart to transport our verdant prize back to the waiting hay wagon.

Photos by Aidan Lindamood

Back at the gift shop, the Stokoe team provided exceptional service. Our tree was gently shaken to remove any loose needles or debris, then expertly baled for easy transport. The real game-changer, however, was the precision drilling at the bottom of the trunk. This clever service ensures the tree stands perfectly straight in the specialized Christmas tree stands they recommend and sell. These stands are not only tremendously economical but also wonderfully tip-proof, offering peace of mind throughout the holiday season. The drilled hole transformed what used to be a frustrating, lengthy setup process into a swift five-minute task when we arrived home. With our magnificent tree proudly in place, we immediately began decorating, fueled by the anticipation of the holidays and, of course, handfuls of our freshly baked Stokoe Farms’ Legendary Sugar Cookies.

Decking the Halls: Our Sentimental Ornament Tradition

When it comes to decorating our Christmas tree, I am wholeheartedly in the sentimental, homemade ornaments camp. In fact, I get a little teary-eyed, much like a Clark Griswold rummaging through the attic, with the whole process. Each ornament we carefully unwrap from its box tells a story, a miniature capsule of memories from years past. There’s the lopsided clay handprint from kindergarten, the glitter-dusted macaroni masterpiece, and the delicate bauble collected from a special family trip. Each one sparks a vivid recollection, a shared laugh, or a moment of quiet reflection, making the tree a living testament to our family’s journey. It’s a yearly ritual that never fails to fill my heart with profound gratitude and pure joy. I truly, deeply love Christmas.

Now, I’m curious about your holiday traditions. How do you deck your tree? Do you meticulously choose a theme, aiming for a show-stopping display of coordinated colors and elegant decorations? Or do you, like me, prefer the charm and personal touch of sentimental, homemade ornaments that evoke cherished memories? Perhaps you find a happy medium, blending thematic elements with a sprinkle of sentimental favorites. Share your decorating philosophy — I love hearing how different families bring their unique magic to the holiday season!

Cook’s Notes: Mastering Stokoe Farms’ Legendary Sugar Cookies

These classic sugar cookies are simple to make, but a few expert tips will ensure yours turn out perfectly pillowy and tender every time:

• Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Before you even think about creaming butter and sugar, whisk or sift the flour and salt together thoroughly. This step is crucial for ensuring even distribution and a light, airy texture in your final cookies.
• Creaming is Key: Do not rush the creaming of butter and sugar. This step is foundational for the cookies’ texture. You want the mixture to be light, fluffy, and fully incorporated before adding any other ingredients. This process aerates the dough, contributing to that desired pillowy softness.
• Adjust Flour as Needed: Keep extra all-purpose flour on hand. The ideal dough consistency is slightly firm but still a little sticky. Depending on the humidity levels in your home and the precise moisture content of your other ingredients, you may need to add more flour. For my batch of Stokoe Farms’ Legendary Sugar Cookies, I found an extra full cup of flour was necessary to achieve the perfect workability.
• Chill Out for Best Results: Chilling this dough is non-negotiable! Attempting to roll or scoop unchilled dough will lead to frustration and a sticky mess. I highly recommend refrigerating the dough overnight for the best handling and flavor development. A hard-learned lesson taught me that freezing and then attempting to slice the dough is not advisable; it becomes rock-hard and incredibly difficult to work with.
• To Scoop or Cut? Your Choice!: These versatile cookies work wonderfully whether you prefer them scooped or cut out. If you opt for scooping, use a disher or cookie scoop, then gently roll each ball directly into a bowl or pie plate of granulated sugar before placing them on your prepared baking sheet.
• Simplify Rolling with a Silicone Mat: For easy cleanup and smooth rolling, I love using a silicone mat on my counter when preparing my legendary sugar cookie dough. While not strictly necessary, it significantly helps in lifting cookie cutouts without distortion, especially if you’ve been conservative with flour.
• Flour Your Surface Generously: Speaking of flour, be generous when dusting your work surface! Under-flouring will lead to instant regret as you struggle to pry sticky cookie cutouts from the counter while trying to maintain their perfect shape. Trust me, it’s an impossible battle you don’t want to fight.
• Baking Sheet Prep: Martha Stokoe recommends simply greasing your cookie sheet. While effective, I prefer a little extra insurance in the form of parchment paper. It makes for easier release, promotes even baking, and allows for quicker cycling through multiple batches.
• Frosting or Au Naturel?: While I adore these cookies plain, if you’re a fan of frosted sugar cookies, this sugar cookie frosting is truly amazing and hardens beautifully.

Essential Prep Tips for Effortless Baking

Gathering the right tools beforehand will make baking these legendary sugar cookies even more enjoyable:

• Stand mixer: Indispensable for creaming butter and sugar evenly.
• Silicone spatula: Perfect for scraping down the bowl and ensuring all ingredients are incorporated.
• Rolling pin: For achieving that consistent 1/4-inch thickness.
• Silicone mat for rolling out dough: Keeps your counter clean and prevents sticking.
• Round cookie cutters or dishers/cookie scoops: Choose your preferred method for shaping.

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Real Christmas Trees: A Sustainable & Economic Choice

Beyond their undeniable beauty and fragrant charm, did you know that choosing a real Christmas tree offers significant environmental and economic advantages over artificial alternatives? Real trees are a renewable resource, grown on farms just like any other crop. For every tree harvested, several more are typically planted, ensuring a continuous cycle of growth. They act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen as they grow, contributing to cleaner air. Furthermore, real Christmas tree farms provide vital habitats for wildlife and stabilize soil, preventing erosion.

From an economic standpoint, purchasing a real tree supports local farmers and small businesses within your community. It contributes to rural economies, helping families and communities thrive. After the holidays, real trees are biodegradable and can often be recycled into mulch or used for other purposes, returning nutrients to the earth. In contrast, artificial trees are typically made from petroleum-based plastics and metals, often manufactured overseas, and are not biodegradable, eventually ending up in landfills for centuries. Embracing a real Christmas tree is not just a holiday tradition; it’s a conscious choice for a healthier planet and stronger local communities.

Expert Tips to Keep Your Real Christmas Tree Fresh & Green

The Stokoe family, true experts in Christmas tree care, shared invaluable advice to ensure your tree remains vibrant and retains its needles throughout the holiday season. Following these simple steps will significantly extend the life of your tree:

• Give it a Fresh Cut: Before placing your tree in its stand, make a fresh, straight cut about one inch from the bottom of the trunk. This re-opens the tree’s pores, allowing it to absorb water more efficiently. For an extra boost of hydration, consider drilling a couple of small holes near the bottom of the trunk, below where the water line will be. These small holes act like extra straws, significantly increasing the tree’s ability to “drink” the water you provide.
• Abundant, Fresh Water is Key: This is arguably the most critical step. Your tree is a living organism and requires a constant supply of water. You don’t need to add sugar, aspirin, or any other concoction — plain, fresh water is all it needs. Check the water level daily, especially during the first week when the tree is most thirsty, and never allow your stand to run dry. A thirsty tree will quickly dry out and drop its needles.
• Keep it Away from Heat Sources: To prevent your tree from drying out prematurely, position it away from direct heat sources. This includes fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters, heat vents, and even direct sunlight through a window. Excessive heat accelerates moisture loss, leading to needle drop and a shorter lifespan for your beautiful evergreen.

With these tips, your real Christmas tree will remain a magnificent centerpiece, filling your home with its natural beauty and invigorating scent throughout the festive season, perfectly complementing the delicious aroma of your freshly baked Stokoe Farms’ Legendary Sugar Cookies. Happy holidays and happy baking!