Christmas Wreath Cookies: 7 Joyful Twists for the Holidays

christmas wreath cookies

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *Christmas wreath cookies*! They’re such a delightful treat that instantly brings the holiday spirit into your kitchen. Imagine cookies that look like little festive wreaths, adorned with bright red and green candies! I love making these each year, not just for their adorable presentation but also for that delicious buttery flavor that just melts in your mouth. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends or leaving out for Santa (who wouldn’t love a cookie like this?). Every bite is a reminder of the joy and warmth of the season, and trust me, you’ll want these on your holiday cookie platter!

Ingredients for Christmas Wreath Cookies

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup crushed green candies (like Jolly Ranchers or Life Savers)
  • 1/2 cup red candy pieces (such as M&M’s or red sprinkles)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)

How to Prepare Christmas Wreath Cookies

Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these adorable Christmas wreath cookies! I promise, once you get started, the smell of buttery goodness will fill your kitchen, and you won’t be able to resist sneaking a taste of the dough! Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have a batch of festive cookies ready to impress.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. First things first, preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and toasty for those cookies.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer.
  3. Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix it all together until well combined; it should look smooth and creamy.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This is crucial for getting the right texture, so don’t skip this step!
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing until just combined. You don’t want to overmix—just enough to bring it all together.
  6. Now for the fun part! Fold in the crushed green candies gently using a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed. It’s like adding little bits of holiday cheer!
  7. Next, drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. They’ll spread a little, so give them some space to breathe.
  8. Pop those trays into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them because every oven is a little different!
  9. Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. While they’re cooling, mix the powdered sugar with the milk to create a simple icing. You want it to be thick but spreadable.
  11. Finally, once your cookies are cool, decorate them with the icing and sprinkle those red candy pieces on top. It’s the cherry on top of your festive creation!

Tips for Success with Christmas Wreath Cookies

Ah, the secret to perfect Christmas wreath cookies! I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that I can’t wait to share with you. Trust me, these tips will help ensure your cookies turn out festive and delicious every time!

  • Keep an eye on the baking time: Ovens can be sneaky! I recommend checking your cookies at the 10-minute mark. You want them golden on the edges but still soft in the center; they’ll firm up as they cool.
  • Chill the dough: If you find your dough is too soft and sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
  • Experiment with candies: Don’t feel limited to just green and red! Try using different colors of crushed candies or even chocolate chips for a unique twist. It’s all about making them your own!
  • Perfecting the icing: If your icing is too thick, just add a touch more milk until you reach your desired consistency. You want it to drizzle beautifully over the cookies. Oops, and don’t forget to let it set before stacking them!
  • Make them festive: Consider adding edible glitter or sprinkles on top of the icing for an extra festive touch. Kids (and adults!) will love the sparkle!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a batch of cookies that will be the star of your holiday gatherings. Happy baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Absolutely adorable festive presentation that’s sure to impress your guests!
  • Easy to make, even for beginner bakers—just follow the steps and you’re golden!
  • Delicious buttery flavor with a sweet crunch from the colorful candies.
  • Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to fill your home with holiday cheer.
  • Customizable with different candy colors and flavors to suit your taste or those of your loved ones.
  • Great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen—decorating the cookies is always a blast!
  • A delightful addition to your holiday cookie platter that everyone will want to try.

Nutritional Information for Christmas Wreath Cookies

Alright, let’s chat about the nutritional info for these delightful Christmas wreath cookies! Remember, this is just an estimate based on typical values, so keep that in mind as you indulge in these festive treats!

  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Protein: 1g

So, as you’re enjoying these cookies, just remember they’re a sweet treat meant for celebrating the season! Enjoy every delicious bite, and don’t worry too much about the numbers—it’s Christmas, after all!

FAQ about Christmas Wreath Cookies

Got questions about making these festive Christmas wreath cookies? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with my personal tips and tricks to ensure your baking adventure is a success.

Can I use different types of candy for decoration?
Absolutely! While I love the classic red and green look, feel free to mix it up with whatever candies you have on hand. Chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, or even colorful sprinkles can add a fun twist to your wreaths!

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, just pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to scoop and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can! These cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to decorate them later, just hold off on the icing until you’re ready to serve. They’ll still taste delicious!

Why are my cookies flat instead of fluffy?
Oh no! Flat cookies can happen if your butter is too warm or you’ve overmixed the dough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and mix just until combined. Trust me, this will help keep them nice and fluffy!

Can I freeze Christmas wreath cookies?
Definitely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just make sure they’re completely cool, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature and then decorate as desired.

With these answers, I hope you feel more confident tackling your Christmas wreath cookies. Happy baking, and enjoy the festive spirit!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made a batch of these delightful Christmas wreath cookies, and now you’re wondering how to keep them fresh for all that holiday cheer? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Storing them properly will ensure they stay delicious for days to come.

First off, once your cookies have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. I like to layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week—if they last that long!

If you want to keep them for even longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re fully cooled down, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge again, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours. You can even add the icing and decorations after they’ve thawed, so they look as festive as the day you made them!

As for reheating, I recommend giving them a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you prefer them warm. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll end up with a cookie that’s too tough. Warm cookies with a soft center? Yes, please!

With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Christmas wreath cookies for days, spreading joy and sweetness long after the baking is done. Happy munching!

Variations of Christmas Wreath Cookies

Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to making your Christmas wreath cookies uniquely yours! I love experimenting with different ingredients and colors to keep things exciting each holiday season. Here are some fun variations to try out that will make your cookies stand out even more!

  • Colorful Candy Medley: Instead of just green and red candies, go wild with a mix of colors! Use blue, yellow, or even pastel candies for an unconventional but cheerful twist.
  • Chocolate Lovers: Swap out some of the butter for cocoa powder to create a chocolate cookie base. Then, fold in chocolate chips along with your crushed candies for an extra rich treat!
  • Minty Fresh: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to your dough for a refreshing mint flavor. Top with crushed peppermint candies for that classic holiday taste.
  • Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough for added texture and flavor. They complement the sweetness of the candies beautifully!
  • Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger to the dough for a warm, spicy note that pairs perfectly with the festive vibes of Christmas.
  • Fruit-Filled Delight: Instead of candies, try using dried cranberries or cherries mixed into the dough for a chewy, fruity surprise in each bite.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, and make sure your candy choices are also gluten-free. Everyone can enjoy these festive treats!

With these variations, you can create a new holiday tradition every year! Feel free to mix and match based on what you love or what you have on hand. Enjoy the process and, most importantly, have fun baking these delightful cookies!

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christmas wreath cookies

Christmas Wreath Cookies: 7 Joyful Twists for the Holidays


  • Autor: Julia marin
  • Gesamtzeit: 42 minutes
  • Ertrag: 24 cookies 1x
  • Ernährung: Vegetarisch

Beschreibung

Delicious and festive Christmas wreath cookies.


Zutaten

Skala
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup crushed green candies
  • 1/2 cup red candy pieces
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)

Anweisungen

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
  4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
  6. Fold in crushed green candies.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
  9. Cool cookies on a wire rack.
  10. Mix powdered sugar and milk to make icing.
  11. Decorate cooled cookies with icing and red candy pieces.

Notes

  • Store cookies in an airtight container.
  • Use different colors of candy for variety.
  • Adjust baking time based on your oven.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Kochen Zeit: 12 minutes
  • Kategorie: Dessert
  • Methode: Baking
  • Küche: American

Ernährung

  • Portionsgröße: 1 cookie
  • Kalorien: 150
  • Zucker: 10g
  • Natrium: 80mg
  • Fett: 7g
  • Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
  • Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Kohlenhydrate: 20g
  • Faser: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterin: 30mg

Keywords: christmas wreath cookies

Über mich

Hallo, ich bin Julia, das Herz hinter Vihaad Rezepte und eine leidenschaftliche Feinschmeckerin. Meine Liebe zum Kochen begann in meiner Kindheit, inspiriert von den herzhaften Mahlzeiten meiner Großmutter. Heute teile ich schmackhafte Rezepte, die Menschen durch gutes Essen zusammenbringen.

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