Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Fun: These cookies are a holiday showstopper with their intricate wreath designs.
• Delicious Texture: Soft and buttery with a perfect balance of sweetness.
• Customizable: Decorate to your heart’s content with endless variations of colors and designs.
• Great for Gifting: Package them up as delightful holiday gifts for friends and family.

Ingredients

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

For the Sugar Cookies:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Royal Icing:

• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tbsp meringue powder
• 4-5 tbsp water (adjust for consistency)
• Gel food coloring: red and green

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Chill and Roll

1. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
2. Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Cut out round cookies with a cookie cutter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
3. Cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Step 4: Make the Royal Icing

1. Beat powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until the icing is smooth and glossy.
2. Divide the icing into bowls and color with gel food coloring.
3. Adjust consistency: use stiff icing for outlining and thin icing for flooding.

Step 5: Decorate

1. Outline the cookies with white icing and flood the centers. Allow to dry completely.
2. Pipe green icing in a wreath shape, adding leaves and branches.
3. Add red icing for berries and a bow. Finish with small white dots for a snowy effect.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 12-15 cookies

Variations

• Flavors: Add almond or peppermint extract for a festive twist.
• Shapes: Experiment with star or tree-shaped cookie cutters.
• Colors: Use additional food coloring to create unique designs like blue and silver for a winter wonderland theme.
• Edible Glitter: Add sparkle with edible glitter for an extra festive touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and decorate as desired.
• Reheating: No reheating needed; serve as is.

FAQs

1. 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.

2. How do I prevent cookies from spreading during baking?

Chill the dough thoroughly and avoid over-mixing the ingredients.

3. What’s the best way to thin royal icing?

Add a few drops of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

4. Can I use a different type of icing?

Yes, buttercream frosting can be used, but it won’t harden like royal icing.

5. How long should the icing dry before adding details?

Allow at least 4-6 hours or overnight for the base layer to dry completely.

6. Can I use natural food coloring?

Yes, natural food coloring works but may produce more muted colors.

7. What tools do I need for decorating?

A piping bag with small tips, a toothpick, and a squeeze bottle are helpful for intricate designs.

8. How can I fix lumpy icing?

Sift the powdered sugar thoroughly and mix until smooth.

9. What’s the best way to package these cookies for gifts?

Arrange in clear cellophane bags or decorative tins with festive ribbons.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure your mixer can handle the increased volume.

Conclusion

These Christmas Wreath Sugar Cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re crafting them as gifts or serving them at your holiday party, their stunning appearance and rich flavor will spread holiday cheer to everyone who sees them.

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