Christmas Wreath Cookies

Is there anything more festive than cookies shaped like Christmas wreaths? These Christmas Wreath Cookies are the perfect combination of fun and holiday spirit, guaranteed to bring smiles and make your home smell like the season! With a soft sugar cookie base and luscious green frosting, these cookies are a holiday treat that both kids and adults will adore. They make a beautiful addition to holiday cookie trays and are even perfect as homemade gifts for friends and family!

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Wreath Cookies

• Simple but impressive: With a few basic ingredients, you can create a show-stopping cookie that looks intricate but is actually easy to assemble!
• Holiday flavors: Classic sugar cookies enhanced with a hint of almond extract bring out the flavors of the season.
• Fun to make and decorate: These cookies are an ideal activity for a holiday baking day, especially with kids who love to add candy decorations.
• Perfect for gifting: Pack them up in a festive tin, and you have a thoughtful, delicious gift that everyone will appreciate.

What Do They Taste Like?

These cookies have a sweet, buttery flavor with a delightful hint of vanilla and almond. The cookie is soft but slightly crisp on the edges, while the creamy green frosting adds a smooth, rich finish. Topped with candies, each bite gives a little crunch and extra sweetness. These cookies taste just as delightful as they look!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

The Green Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green food coloring (gel or liquid)

For Decoration:

• Assorted candies (M&Ms, mini candy canes, and edible pearls)
• Red and white striped peppermint candies
• Edible glitter (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Round cookie cutters (one larger, one smaller)
• Piping bag with a star tip
• Wire rack

How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a large round cookie cutter to cut out the cookie base, and then a smaller round cutter to create the center hole, forming a wreath shape.

Step 7: Bake

Place your cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Green Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until well combined. Mix in the milk and vanilla extract, then add green food coloring until you reach your desired shade.

Step 9: Decorate the Cookies

Once the cookies are fully cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe the green frosting around the outer edge of each cookie in a wreath pattern. Top with M&Ms, edible pearls, mini candy canes, or peppermint candies for a colorful, festive look. Add a sprinkle of edible glitter for a magical holiday touch!

Decoration Tips

this Recipe

• Candy Arrangement: Arrange M&Ms or edible pearls in even spacing around the frosting. Alternating red and white candies can also create a traditional Christmas look.
• Colorful Accents: Get creative! Use a variety of candy colors to add a playful twist.
• Add Edible Glitter: For a touch of sparkle, sprinkle on some edible glitter. It’s optional but adds a lovely shimmer that looks great on holiday tables.

Storage Instructions

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Just thaw them, add the frosting and decorations, and they’ll be ready for your festivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the cookie dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.

What can I use as a substitute for almond extract?

If you prefer to skip the almond extract or don’t have it on hand, simply double the amount of vanilla extract for a pure vanilla flavor.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, store-bought frosting works in a pinch! Just be sure to add a few drops of green food coloring, and you’re good to go.

Conclusion

These Christmas Wreath Cookies are an absolute delight, bringing holiday cheer in every bite! With their beautiful design and irresistible flavor, they’re sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings. Plus, they’re a blast to make and decorate, especially with kids, making them a wonderful holiday activity. So grab your cookie cutters, crank up the Christmas tunes, and get baking—holiday memories await!

If you enjoyed these cookies, check out some of my other delicious recipes perfect for any time of the year:

• Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers
• Shrimp and Smoked Sausage Grits
• Creamy Salmon Piccata

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