In a large bowl, combine all the shortbread cookie ingredients. Mix and mash together until it starts to ball together and you have a soft, streak free dough. You may need to knead it lightly with your hands to bring it together.

Lay down a piece of parchment paper and lightly dust with flour. Drop the cookie dough onto it and lightly flour the top.

Roll the dough out until it's a little over ¼ inch thick, adding flour as needed to keep it from sticking.

Lift the parchment paper and the dough onto a large baking sheet and then place into the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the dough has firmed up.

Take the chilled dough out of the freezer. Cut the dough into sticks that are about 3 inches long and ¼ to ½ inch wide. You can make them larger or smaller if you prefer, but I wouldn't recommend making them too big or they may be more prone to breaking.

Arrange the little cookie sticks on your parchment lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. The cookies will not spread out much, but this just helps with air circulation!

Place the cut cookies back into the freezer for another 10 minutes to chill while you preheat the oven.

Bake the cookies in the center of your preheated oven for 8 to 11 minutes or until lightly browned along the edges. Cool completely on the baking sheet before decorating.

Arrange the cooled cookie sticks on a large parchment lined baking sheet leaving about 4 inches of distance between each one. You can use the same baking sheet and parchment paper that they were baked on if you have enough room. Set aside.

Add chocolate or candy melts to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for about 30 seconds then take it out and stir. Keep microwaving in 10 second bursts, pausing after each burst to stir, until melted and smooth.

Set the melted candy aside for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened and no longer super hot (it's fine if it's a little warm!) Pour the candy into a piping bag and snip a little bit off the tip.

Starting from around the middle of a cookie stick, pipe tree branches using the melted candy. If the branches are melting into a big blob, let the candy cool for a few more minutes then try again.

While the branches are still wet, top the tree with sprinkles (or leave plain). Repeat with the remaining cookie sticks then freeze for about 5 to 10 minutes or until the candy branches have firmed up and set. Enjoy as is or use to decorate festive cakes / cupcakes!