As I got out all my autumn cookie cutters and began to think about how to make something different this year, I notice how a plain leaf cutter could represent an autumn tree very well. 

Sadly, the cutter I used on these cookies doesn't appear to be available any longer. I've had it for many years....and even with an extensive search just now, I couldn't find it anywhere. But there are cutters available that are conducive to this design. Look for a leaf shape that has a pronounced bottom stem to serve as the "tree trunk".

Here's a set of cutters that could work well.

Refer to the video below to see the details on decorating these cookies.

Brush the surface of the cookie with some dry caramel dust to give it a nice background.

Using dark brown glaze, pipe a trunk and random branches all over the leaf shape.

Allow the glaze to dry for several hours.

Brush the entire cookie, except for the trunk portion with a thin layer of corn syrup.
Immediately sprinkle this sugar pearl fall mix by Sweets & Treats over the corn syrup and lightly push the pearls down into the sticky corn syrup.
 

A simple and lovely autumn tree in no time at all. :)