Step-by-step instructions
Prepare the Cookies
Make the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until it becomes fluffy. Beat in the egg along with the almond and vanilla extracts. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until everything is well combined.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Shape and Bake: Roll the chilled dough out to a 1⁄4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter to create shapes. Place the cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Royal Icing
Prepare the Icing: In a large bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Beat the mixture until it holds stiff peaks.
Divide and Tint: Split the icing into three portions; tint one red for bows, another green for wreaths, and leave the third white for snow and additional details. Adjust the icing consistency by adding a little water for flooding.
Decorate the Cookies
Base Layer: Pipe green icing on the bottom half of each cookie to form the wreath base, then flood the top with white icing for a snowy effect. Let this dry for 1-2 hours.
Wreath Design: Use thick green icing to create holly leaves around the edge and add red dots with red icing for berries.
Bow: Form a delightful red bow using the thick red icing in the bottom center of the cookie.
Snowflakes and Pearls: Add delicate snowflake designs with white icing and sprinkle edible pearls for an extra touch of elegance. Finish by sprinkling white sanding sugar over the snowy section while the icing is still wet. Allow the cookies to dry completely for 4–6 hours before handling.
Best ways to enjoy it
These Holiday Wreath Cookies are perfect for countless occasions! Serve them at your holiday parties, or package them beautifully as gifts for friends and family. They can also be a sweet treat on a cozy winter afternoon with a warm cup of cocoa or tea. The possibilities are endless!
Storage and reheating tips
To maintain their freshness, store your Holiday Wreath Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will typically last for about a week. If you want to preserve them longer, you can freeze the undecorated cookies. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months—simply thaw and decorate when you’re ready to enjoy!
Helpful cooking tips
Here are some tricks to ensure your cookies turn out beautifully:
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! This makes the dough easier to work with and gives the cookies a nice shape when baking.
Consistency Matters: Pay attention to your icing consistency. For flooding, it should be smooth and flow easily.
Experiment with Colors: Feel free to get creative with food coloring. Using different shades of green or adding some sparkle can take your cookies to a whole new level!
Creative twists
Looking to spice things up? Here are a few variations you can try:
Flavor Swaps: Experiment with other extracts like peppermint or lemon for a unique flavor profile.
Add Nuts: Incorporating crushed nuts into the dough can add a delightful crunch to your holiday wreaths.
Season’s Greetings: Consider adding little gingerbread or spicy accents to the icing for a holiday twist.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to make Holiday Wreath Cookies?
Including chilling time, you’re looking at about 4-5 hours from start to finish, but most of that is passive time while things cool or dry.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container ahead of time. Just wait until closer to the occasion to decorate them!
What can I substitute for almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract or prefer not to use it, vanilla extract works perfectly fine and gives a lovely flavor as well.
Now you have everything you need to make these enchanting Holiday Wreath Cookies! Enjoy the festive process of baking and decorating, and may your kitchen be filled with the spirit of the season!
