Festive Wreath Cookies

When the holiday season arrives, it’s time to bring out the festive treats—and Festive Wreath Cookies are here to shine! These cookies are not only delicious, but they also capture the essence of Christmas with their vibrant green frosting and colorful decorations. With a buttery base and a sweet, minty flavor, these cookies are the perfect treat to make with family and friends, adding a touch of joy to any holiday gathering.

The best part about these cookies? They’re incredibly fun to make! Shaping them into little wreaths and decorating them with sprinkles, mini candy canes, and other festive toppings makes this a perfect activity for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re sharing them at a party, giving them as gifts, or simply indulging in a sweet moment, Festive Wreath Cookies will bring cheer to your holiday season.

Festive Wreath Cookies are buttery, sweet, and decorated to perfection. These holiday-themed cookies are shaped like little wreaths and covered with a vibrant green frosting that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Decorated with red and green sprinkles, mini candy canes, and a drizzle of icing, these cookies are the perfect addition to any Christmas cookie platter.

Their soft, chewy texture combined with the crunchy decorations makes for a fun and festive treat that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. These cookies are simple to make, and their cheerful appearance and flavor will bring smiles to your holiday table.

Exciting Story:

I first made Festive Wreath Cookies during the holiday season a few years ago when I was looking for a cookie that would bring some cheer to my holiday baking. I wanted something that would not only taste amazing but also look beautiful and festive. After experimenting with different shapes and frostings, I decided on these little wreaths—and they turned out to be a huge hit!

The vibrant green frosting and fun decorations made them a beautiful addition to my Christmas cookie tray. My kids loved getting involved in decorating each one, and they turned out to be the perfect treat for gifting and sharing. Now, every year, we make these cookies together as part of our holiday tradition. They’re always a favorite, and I know they’ll become a beloved part of your holiday celebrations too.

Why This Festive Wreath Cookies:

• Visually Stunning: The bright green frosting and colorful candy decorations make these cookies an eye-catching addition to any holiday dessert spread.
• Fun to Make: These cookies are perfect for decorating with kids or friends, making them a great holiday activity.
• Sweet and Buttery: The soft, buttery cookies provide the perfect base for the sweet, minty frosting.
• Customizable Decorations: You can get creative with the decorations, adding sprinkles, candy, or even edible glitter to match your festive spirit.
• Great for Gifting: Pack these cookies in festive tins or gift boxes, and they make the perfect homemade gift for family and friends.

What You Need For Festive Wreath Cookies:

For the cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1-2 drops green food coloring (or more for a vibrant color)
• 1/2 teaspoon mint extract (optional)

For decorating:

• Red and green sprinkles
• Mini candy canes (broken into small pieces)
• Edible glitter (optional)

How to Make Festive Wreath Cookies:

1. Prepare the cookie dough:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using), and beat until combined.
2. Mix the dry ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Shape the cookies:
   Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a small indentation in the center of each dough ball, shaping it into a wreath shape. You can flatten them slightly to help them bake evenly.
4. Bake the cookies:
   Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the frosting:
   While the cookies are cooling, make the frosting by beating the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk together until smooth and creamy. Add the green food coloring and mint extract (if using), and mix until the frosting reaches your desired color and flavor.
6. Decorate the cookies:
   Once the cookies have cooled completely, use a butter knife or piping bag to spread the green frosting over the center of each cookie, creating a wreath shape. Decorate with red and green sprinkles, mini candy canes, and edible glitter (if using).
7. Serve and enjoy:
   Let the frosting set before serving or storing the cookies. These cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying as a sweet holiday treat.

Tips for Festive Wreath Cookies:

• Chill the dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before shaping the cookies.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Roll and bake the cookies when ready.
• Adjust the color: Feel free to use more or less food coloring to create different shades of green for a fun, multicolored wreath effect.
• Store properly: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Use different extracts: Swap out the almond extract for lemon or orange extract to create a different flavor profile in the cookies.
• Add more spices: If you like, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced version of these cookies.
• Vegan version: Use a plant-based butter and egg replacement (like flax eggs) to make these cookies vegan.

Make a Healthier Version:

• Less sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar in both the cookies and the frosting, or use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit.
• Whole wheat flour: Replace half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier option with more fiber.
• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives to make these cookies completely dairy-free.

Closing for Festive Wreath Cookies:

And there you have it! Festive Wreath Cookies are the perfect blend of sweetness, fun, and holiday cheer. Their bright green color, buttery texture, and festive decorations make them a delightful treat for anyone during the Christmas season. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party, sharing them with family and friends, or gifting them to loved ones, these cookies will add a cheerful touch to your celebrations. Enjoy every delicious, festive bite!

Frequently Asked Questions For Festive Wreath Cookies:

1. Can I use store-bought frosting instead of homemade?
   Yes, you can use store-bought frosting for a quicker option, though homemade frosting gives a fresher taste.
2. How do I store leftover cookies?
   Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
4. Can I make these cookies vegan?
   Yes, use plant-based butter and an egg replacer like flaxseed or chia seeds to make them vegan-friendly.
5. Can I use other shapes for the cookies?
   Yes, you can shape the dough into different forms, like circles, stars, or hearts, for a fun twist.
6. How can I make these cookies more colorful?
   Use different colored sprinkles, candy, or food coloring to customize the wreaths.
7. Can I freeze the dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just roll it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
8. How can I make the frosting extra shiny?
   Add a small amount of corn syrup to the frosting for extra gloss and shine.
9. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
   Yes, you can mix in chocolate chips or mini M&Ms for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
10. What other decorations can I use?
    You can use mini marshmallows, dried cranberries, or even small candies like chocolate-covered nuts.
11. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
    Yes, you can bake and decorate the cookies up to 2 days ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container.
12. What other flavors can I add to the cookies?
    You can add a little almond extract or lemon zest to the dough for a different flavor profile.
13. How long do these cookies last?
    These cookies will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature and up to 3 months in the freezer.
14. Can I make these cookies in advance for gifting?
    Yes, these cookies make a beautiful and delicious gift. Pack them in festive tins or clear bags for gifting.
15. What other fillings can I use for these cookies?
    You can fill the center with jam or Nutella for a fun twist on these festive cookies.
16. Can I use any other type of frosting?
    Yes, you can use buttercream frosting or even royal icing for a firmer, more decorative finish.

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Festive Wreath Cookies are a delicious and creative way to bring holiday cheer to your kitchen. These cookies are perfect for any occasion during the Christmas season, whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a party, or enjoying them with loved ones.