Oh wow, let me tell you about these *Christmas wreath cookies*! They’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of holiday cheer that can instantly lift your spirits. Picture this: vibrant green sugar sparkling on top, colorful candies adding a festive pop, and the rich aroma of cocoa filling your kitchen. These cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season, whether you’re leaving them out for Santa or bringing them to a holiday gathering. Trust me, once you bake these adorable treats, you’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!
Ingredients for Christmas Wreath Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup green colored sugar
- 1/2 cup red and green candies
How to Prepare Christmas Wreath Cookies
Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a hot oven means your cookies will bake evenly and be oh-so-delicious! While that’s happening, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and helps the cookies not stick. Trust me, your future self will thank you!
Mix Dry Ingredients
Now, grab a mixing bowl and start by whisking together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This combo is going to give your cookies that rich chocolate flavor and the perfect texture. Make sure everything is well combined; it’s the foundation of your wreaths!
Cream Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, let’s cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. Use a mixer if you have one—it makes this step super easy! Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This is where the magic starts, and your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Mix it all together until everything is smooth and well incorporated. This step adds a lovely richness to your cookies and that classic vanilla aroma we all love!
Form the Cookie Dough
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Don’t overmix—just until you can’t see any more flour. Once it’s all mixed, the fun part begins! Shape the dough into little wreaths right on your prepared baking sheet. I like to make them about 2-3 inches wide, so they’re easy to decorate!
Decorate and Bake
Now, sprinkle 1 cup of green colored sugar on top of each wreath for that festive flair. Don’t forget to add your red and green candies for decoration; these little pops of color make all the difference! Pop those beautiful wreaths in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be set but still soft in the middle. Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. And that’s it—your Christmas wreath cookies are ready to shine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Absolutely festive appearance that brings holiday cheer to any table!
- Easy to make, even for beginner bakers—trust me, you can totally do this!
- Perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even coworkers during the holiday season.
- Great for holiday gatherings, making them a delightful addition to any cookie platter.
- Customizable decorations—get creative with different candies and colors!
- They smell amazing while baking, filling your home with that classic holiday aroma.
- Kids love helping to decorate, making it a fun family activity!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Christmas wreath cookies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my tried-and-true tips that I swear by:
- Use room temperature butter: This is key for that fluffy texture. Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugars, so let it sit out for about 30 minutes before you start.
- Don’t overmix: When you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want them to be soft and chewy!
- Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on those cookies as they bake! You want them to be set but still soft in the middle. If they look too dry, they’re probably overbaked. Aim for that perfect balance!
- Let them cool properly: After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up a bit and makes them easier to handle.
- Get creative with decorations: Feel free to switch up the candies or even use different colored sugars! It’s a fun way to personalize your wreaths and make them even more festive.
- Store them right: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. They’ll last a good few days, but I doubt they’ll stick around that long!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delightful Christmas wreath cookies ever. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the numbers behind these delightful Christmas wreath cookies! Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients and can vary a bit depending on exact measurements and brands used. Here’s what you can expect per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a sweet indulgence, perfect for the holiday season! Just remember to enjoy them in moderation, because who can resist the charm of a festive cookie? Happy munching!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delightful *Christmas wreath cookies*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my answers to help you out.
How should I store my Christmas wreath cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay tasty for about 3-5 days, though I doubt they’ll last that long with how good they are!
Can I use different sugars for the wreaths?
Absolutely! While green colored sugar adds a festive touch, you can swap it out for frosting or even different colored sprinkles if you want to get creative. Just make sure whatever you use can stick to the dough!
What if I don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder?
If you’re out of cocoa powder, you can substitute it with carob powder, but keep in mind the flavor will be a bit different. Alternatively, you can make these cookies without cocoa, but they’ll lose that rich chocolatey goodness. Such a bummer!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before shaping and baking. This way, you won’t feel rushed during the holiday festivities!
What kind of candies work best for decorating?
Get creative with your candy choices! I love using red and green M&Ms, holiday sprinkles, or even mini marshmallows. Just be sure they’re colorful and fun—they should match that festive spirit we’re going for!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can! Just let the cookies cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll last in the freezer for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature. Easy peasy!
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
If you want to make these cookies gluten-free, just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with the texture. Your gluten-free friends will thank you!
With these FAQs in your pocket, you’re all set to bake up a storm and enjoy making your Christmas wreath cookies! Happy baking and happy holidays!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep those delightful *Christmas wreath cookies* fresh and tasty! After they’ve cooled completely, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help them stay soft and chewy for about 3-5 days. I recommend layering them with parchment paper if you have a lot, just to keep them from sticking together.
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you can also freeze these cookies. Just make sure they’re completely cool, then pop them in an airtight freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take out what you need and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No need to reheat unless you want that fresh-baked taste! Just a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds can do the trick if you prefer them warm.
So, whether you’re storing them for later or enjoying them fresh, these tips will keep your Christmas wreath cookies as delightful as the day you made them. Happy cookie munching!
Print
Christmas Wreath Cookies: 7 Festive Treats to Share
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cookies shaped like Christmas wreaths.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup green colored sugar
- 1/2 cup red and green candies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add egg and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Shape the dough into wreaths on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle green sugar on top of each wreath.
- Add candies for decoration.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Can substitute colored sugar with frosting.
- Use different candies for decoration.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: christmas wreath cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies
