How to Make Festive Wreath Cookies for Any Holiday Celebration
Creating festive wreath cookies can be a delightful way to celebrate any holiday season. When gathering together with family and friends, these cookies bring warmth and an edible charm to your kitchen table. As you embark on this baking adventure, you’ll find that your kitchen is filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods – a perfect way to ring in the joy of the season.
As a child, making these cookies with my grandmother was a beloved holiday tradition. She taught me how to twist the dough into perfect circles and decorate them with colorful icing and tiny candies. Those moments spent in her cozy kitchen, with flour dust floating through the air, made for fond memories we cherished each year. Her secret ingredient was always a sprinkle of love, making these wreath cookies an extra special treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These festive wreath cookies are not just a treat for the eyes but also tantalize your taste buds. You’ll love how versatile they are, allowing for creativity with decor and flavors. They’re the perfect activity for family and friends, making every bite more memorable. Easy to prepare and engaging, this recipe is a wonderful blend of simplicity and festive appeal, turning ordinary cookies into extraordinary holiday wreaths.
Ingredients Notes
To make these cookies, you’ll need simple pantry staples such as flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. Adding a touch of almond or vanilla extract enhances their flavor profile. Choose high-quality butter for a rich taste, and don’t hesitate to substitute gluten-free flour for those with dietary restrictions. Colorful icing and sprinkles bring the festive factor, so let your imagination guide your selections.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an easy cleanup.
Step 2
Mix the Dough: Cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Add in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla or almond extract. Gradually incorporate the flour until the dough comes together.
Step 3
Shape the Wreaths: Roll the dough into small balls, then flatten and shape into wreaths by poking a hole in the center. Each cookie should be about 3 inches wide.
Step 4
Bake the Cookies: Place the cookie wreaths on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them adequately. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
Step 5
Decorate and Cool: Allow cookies to cool before decorating. Use colorful icing and sprinkles to transform each cookie into a festive wreath.
Storage Options
After your cookies are cool and decorated, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Layer parchment paper between stacked cookies to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
Experiment with swapping vanilla extract for peppermint for a minty twist, or add a dash of cinnamon for warmth. For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter instead of almond extract. Vegan substitutes like coconut oil and flaxseed eggs also work well if you wish to make the recipe plant-based.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to become pliable before shaping.
What if I don’t have cookie cutters? No worries! You can use a glass or any round object with a sharp edge to cut shapes from the dough. Use a smaller tool like a bottle cap for the inner circle.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading? Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain their shape. Additionally, ensure your baking sheets are cool before placing the cookies on them to avoid spreading.
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How to Make Festive Wreath Cookies for Any Holiday Celebration
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar for decoration
- 2 tbsp milk for icing
- 1 tbsp green food coloring for icing
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually stir into the creamed mixture.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Press your thumb into the center of each ball to make a deep indentation.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cookies cool on wire racks.
- For the icing, mix confectioners' sugar with milk and food coloring until smooth.
- Fill each cookie indentation with icing to form a wreath.
- Let the icing set before serving.
Notes
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