Golden Wreath Christmas Tree Cookies

Golden Wreath Christmas Tree Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the spirit of Christmas with a classic cookie-making tradition. Shaped like festive wreaths and decorated to resemble mini Christmas trees, these cookies are a show-stopper on any dessert table. They are as enjoyable to look at as they are to eat, with a buttery base and sweet, colorful decorations. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, gifting homemade treats, or creating a fun baking activity with family, these cookies will bring joy and flavor to your festivities.

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Decorating:

• Green food coloring gel
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or cream (for icing)
• Gold sugar sprinkles or edible glitter
• Mini M&Ms, candy pearls, or other decorations (for ornaments)
• Small star-shaped candies (for tree toppers)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

1. Divide the dough into two portions and knead a small amount of green food coloring into one portion to create a vibrant green dough. Leave the other portion uncolored.
2. Roll out the green dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Use a circular cookie cutter (or the rim of a glass) to cut out circles. Then, use a smaller cutter to remove the centers, creating wreath shapes.
4. Roll the uncolored dough into small logs and shape them into tree-like cones.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
3. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
4. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Decorate the Cookies

1. Mix powdered sugar and milk/cream to create a smooth icing. Adjust consistency by adding more sugar or milk as needed.
2. Dip the wreath cookies in the icing or use a piping bag to add icing details. Sprinkle immediately with gold sugar sprinkles or edible glitter.
3. Pipe green icing onto the tree-shaped cookies and decorate them with mini M&Ms or candy pearls as ornaments. Add a star-shaped candy on top.

Step 5: Set and Serve

1. Allow the decorated cookies to sit for at least 1 hour to let the icing set completely.
2. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Variations

• Flavor Twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a festive minty touch
• Color Palette: Experiment with red or white icing for a different holiday theme.
• Texture Variation: Add crushed candy canes or sprinkles directly into the dough for added crunch.

Cooking Notes

• Always chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before rolling to prevent it from spreading too much during baking.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without altering the dough’s texture.
• If the dough is too sticky, lightly dust your hands or rolling pin with flour.

Serving Suggestions

• Arrange the cookies on a platter with sprigs of holly or pine for a festive presentation.
• Serve alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or eggnog for a cozy holiday treat.
• Package in clear cellophane bags with ribbons for thoughtful homemade gifts.

Tips:

• Ensure your butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right dough consistency.
• Use toothpicks for precise icing application on small decorations.
• Test a single cookie batch first to perfect baking time and avoid overbaking.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 1.5g
• Sodium: 45mg

FAQs:

1. What are Golden Wreath Christmas Tree Cookies?

Golden Wreath Christmas Tree Cookies are festive, buttery cookies shaped like wreaths or trees, decorated with icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter to capture the holiday spirit. They’re perfect for holiday parties, gifts, or cookie exchanges.

2. What ingredients are needed for these cookies?

The typical ingredients include:

• All-purpose flour
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Eggs
• Baking powder
• Green food coloring (for a vibrant wreath or tree color)
• Decorative toppings (e.g., sprinkles, icing, edible glitter, small candies)

3. How do you shape the cookies into wreaths and trees?

For wreaths, roll the dough into small ropes, form circles, and lightly press the ends together.
For trees, use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter. If you don’t have one, hand-shape triangles and score lines for branches.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

5. How long do the cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

6. What can I use if I don’t have food coloring?

You can leave the cookies their natural color or use natural alternatives, like spinach powder (for green) or beet powder (for red accents).

7. Are these cookies suitable for dietary restrictions?

You can adapt the recipe for some dietary needs:

• Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Vegan: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg), and plant-based food coloring.

8. What is the best way to decorate them?

Once baked and cooled, use a piping bag to add royal icing for detail. Sprinkle decorations like candy beads or edible glitter while the icing is still wet to ensure they stick.

9. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the shaped dough in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape.

10. Can kids help with this recipe?

Absolutely! Kids love rolling dough, cutting out shapes, and decorating cookies. Just supervise them around sharp tools or hot baking trays.

Conclusion:

Golden Wreath Christmas Tree Cookies are the perfect combination of creativity, flavor, and holiday spirit. From their vibrant colors to their festive designs, these cookies are sure to delight kids and adults alike. They’re fun to make, delicious to eat, and ideal for sharing the joy of the season. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and start baking a batch of holiday magic today